Finance Society Panel Sparks Purpose-Driven Conversation on Careers, AI, and Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate

The Finance Society at the East Texas A&M University College of Business recently hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion at the Dallas location, bringing together an accomplished group of women leaders from Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) to share career insights, discuss emerging trends and offer practical advice to students pursuing careers in finance, accounting and real estate.

The event welcomed 25 engaged students eager to learn from the professional journeys of four esteemed panelists: Lydia Traylor, Vice President of Business Development at Root Engineering Services P.C.; Cathy Janke, Senior Vice President at Fifth Third Bank; Rachel Schnitzius, Principal and Director of Interiors at HOK; and Najdi Rafaty, Principal and Founder at Linc Commercial Realty.

Each panelist spoke openly about their paths into commercial real estate, offering students real-world perspectives on what it takes to thrive in the industry. Topics included the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI), the importance of sustainable development, and how organizations are evolving to attract and retain emerging talent.

“The panel discussion offered students a unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in commercial real estate, who shared their career journeys and insights on emerging industry trends,” said Dr. Pratima, Assistant Professor of Finance and Faculty Advisor to the Finance Society. “Thoughtful discussions on the role of AI emphasized its use as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human talent, with a strong reminder that the quality of output depends on the input—‘Garbage in, garbage out.'”

The conversation also addressed institutional investor expectations regarding green building certifications and environmental responsibility, providing students with a timely lens into the intersection of finance, development, and sustainability.

“It is always an honor to be part of an event—especially when CREW is involved,” said Kaci Goggans, President of the Finance Society. “This group of women always inspire and encourage me to seek out opportunities, whether that's within a career or just simply advice on life post-college. I always leave a CREW event with more knowledge than I ever expected to gain.”

The Finance Society continues to serve as a cornerstone of student engagement, career exploration, and professional development within the College of Business, living out East Texas A&M University's mission to transform lives through educational excellence, innovation, and connection.