Hughes Marino has a long history of celebrating women in its workplaces in San Diego and inside its offices from coast to coast. In 2020, the tenant representation firm was recognized by Business Wire at the 3rd Annual Great Places to Work For All Leadership Awards, which honored president, COO, and owner Shay Hughes as one of the “best of the best.
Shay Hughes - Hughes Marino
In the program, Business Wire — a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary — stated, “Because of Shay, Hughes Marino company culture allows individuals to be happy, fulfilled, and ultimately successful in both their personal and professional lives.”
Shay Hughes is frequently in the spotlight, not only for her contributions to Hughes Marino but also as a leader within the tenant representation industry.
The business’s marketing director, Briana Iverson, says Hughes’ nurturing business approach combined with her devotion and work ethic have helped set the corporate real estate advisory company apart from competitors. “Shay completely transformed the company,” Iverson says. “Shay has [also] consistently played a critical role in helping our team be successful.”
Hughes was featured on L.A. Business First’s Women of Influence list and in 2018 was named a finalist for Owner of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal. She says she’s proud to be a mentor to the many women on the firm’s team. The company has consistently been growing women's careers since its inception in 2011, expanding to a staff of more than 50% women, according to the firm.
“Shay continues to be an incredible leader to every member of our team, to our clients, and to our community,” Iverson says. “She leads by example.”
Senior vice president and director Star Hughes-Gorup has also spoken about women in the workplace during a “San Diego People” segment on KUSI News in honor of International Women’s Day.
“Women’s equality in the workplace is only getting better,” Hughes-Gorup said. “The amazing progress we’ve had in the last 80 years is just incredible but there are plenty of challenges still.”
Hughes Marino: Shattering Glass Ceilings
Working in a male-dominated industry, Hughes-Gorup says more obstacles must be overcome but proving oneself leads to better equality down the road, and women supporting women is beneficial. She adds she often receives questions about gaining respect and managing a field mostly driven by men. “Even though I am not a lawyer, I joined a group called Lawyers Club, which is a good networking organization,” she advises.
Speaking of lawyers, the firm also hired a female attorney as its general counsel in 2018. Kathryn Richman, Esq., who works in San Diego, handles legal affairs for the brand and plays a crucial role in representing clients with tenant rights and risk management.
Hughes-Gorup is dedicated to helping other women succeed in male-centric industries. With offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Denver, and Seattle, the firm offers many opportunities for female employees to shine, according to the team.
“Don’t be afraid to be yourself and embrace your femininity in the office,” Hughes-Gorup also said in the segment. “The reality is, as long as you know your stuff and are prepared, you’re just as competent as anyone else in the room. Oftentimes, it’s limits you impose on yourself in thinking you’re not equal. It’s feeling proud of who you are and not making yourself feel any different because you are a woman.”
The executive recalls how she graduated college at 19 to pursue an MBA by 20 instead of getting married and starting a family, which is something she envisioned for herself when she was 12. By age 22, she says she traveled to more than 40 countries and learned that personal fulfillment can take a variety of paths throughout one’s lifetime.
Inspiring Women To Lead
When it comes to finding one’s life passion, Hughes-Gorup feels blessed to have found her direction at such a young age.
“For those of us lucky enough to find exactly what we want to do early on in life, this is the time for it,” she explains. “We are used to thinking outside the box, striving for excellence, and pulling all-nighters to meet deadlines.”
Regardless of what age or stage women are in their lives, the young executive says the possibilities are endless.
“Feel empowered, whoever you are and whatever point in life you're at, that you have the ability to do whatever you want,” she says.