
Anne Cummins
COO, Gattuso Development Partners
The ULI Philadelphia Young Leaders Group is pleased to present the 8th annual ULI Philadelphia Shark Tank event. Join emerging Philadelphia real estate developers as they pitch their projects to some of the largest local real estate icons and industry leaders. This year’s Shark Tank will feature a special focus on women in development in Philadelphia, with an all-woman panel of Sharks and a previous Fish as moderator. Read below to learn more about how our Sharks will approach this year’s projects.
Don’t miss out! Register at this link.
COO, Gattuso Development Partners
Urban Planner
Founding Principal, FIFTEEN Architecture + Design
Principal, Tierview Property Management
Winner, Shark Tank 2023
What are you looking forward to about this year’s Shark Tank event?
Eleanor Sharpe: Everything. It’s my first time attending and I have always heard such positive feedback about the event, I’m excited to be a part of it.
Ximena Valle: In light of challenges with funding and capital, I am excited to see innovative approaches to partnerships and joint ventures that amplify one another to deliver a better product. I am eager to learn about creative ideas that leverage those partnerships to prioritize development that serves as a vehicle and catalyst for uplifting our communities, foster economic growth, and promote wellbeing.
Jenn Patrino: As this year’s moderator, I’m thrilled to facilitate engaging and thought-provoking discussions between our panelists and participants. Last year, as a fish, I saw firsthand how valuable the feedback and insights can be. I’m especially excited to see the innovative projects being presented and the creative solutions the fish bring to the table. It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship and collaboration in real estate development.
Is there a particular project in Philadelphia right now you’re uniquely excited about?
Sharpe: I’m excited seeing the Calder Museum come to fruition on the Parkway and along those lines hopeful that the African American Museum will eventually have her debut along the Parkway.
Valle: I-95 CAP (Central Access Philadelphia) Penn’s Landing park over I-95
Patrino: I’m excited for all the projects getting off the ground right now, especially after the challenges of the last two years and the general market reset we’ve been navigating. Each new development is a testament to resilience and innovation, and I think projects that incorporate mixed uses, prioritize sustainability, or bring much-needed housing options to the city will have a significant positive impact.
What type of real estate projects do you think Philadelphia could benefit from having more of?
Sharpe: Ones that simultaneously meet the needs of the community and the bottom lines of the developers.
Valle: More public spaces and hubs that foster connection. Philadelphia would greatly benefit from an intentional focus on revitalizing underutilized spaces into vibrant parks and green spaces – transforming neglected areas into community assets – uplifting entire communities.
Patrino: Philadelphia could benefit from more projects that balance affordability with high-quality design. There’s a real need for middle-market housing options that cater to working professionals and families who may not qualify for subsidies but also can’t afford luxury developments. Additionally, mixed-use projects that activate neighborhoods by integrating retail, community spaces, and green initiatives could have a transformative impact on the city’s growth and livability.
From your perspective, what are the main considerations when evaluating a project or investment?
Sharpe: Does it contribute to the fabric of society? Is there a value driven purpose beyond turning a profit.
Valle: Is the investment or project giving back more than it takes? Real estate projects are major expenditures of time and resources – we need to demand that the outcome results in a ‘net positive’ for the communities they impact and citizens they serve. In order to fully achieve that, was the process of programming, design, and creation inclusive? Did the development team do their due diligence to understand the community they are operating within and search for opportunities to use the project to fill gaps and meet needs?
Patrino: The fundamentals always come first—location, market demand, and financial feasibility. Beyond that, I consider the broader impact: Does the project fill a gap in the community? Does it honor the character of the neighborhood? How sustainable is it, both environmentally and financially? A successful investment is one that creates value not only for stakeholders but also for the surrounding community.
Do you have any words of wisdom for this year’s fish, or for women in development in Philadelphia?
Sharpe: Try on everything as this industry is a broad and expansive field with various areas of focus. In the early stages of one’s career, say yes to all experiences. Seek out opportunities that expose you to various sectors to discover as much as you can. What resonates with you, what brings you joy. Then dive deep. Seek out those who have gone before, informational interviews, internships, jobs etc. Own your trajectory and be proactive about gaining the experience you seek.
Patrino: Remember that being a woman in development is a strength. Women bring qualities like empathy, creative problem-solving, and collaboration that are invaluable in this industry. Use your unique perspective to your advantage, lean into your strengths, and don’t hesitate to speak up and advocate for your vision. You’re here because you’ve earned this opportunity—embrace it with confidence.
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