ULI PHL’s 6th Annual Willard G. “Bill” Rouse III Awards for Excellence finalists represent superior development projects in the greater Philadelphia region that embody the ULI mission of pushing the standard of excellence in real estate and land use and creating sustainable, thriving communities.

Mihir Wankawala, Managing Director of The Wankawala Organization, joins us for this week’s “Five Minutes with a Finalist”. The Wankawala Organizations has been recognized as a finalist for Fairfield Inn & Suites. Here’s what she had to say:

Who has had the greatest influence on your career and what was the best advice he or she gave you?

My father had the greatest influence on my career as he is my strength. Time is the most important commodity. Use it wisely. Time does not stop for anyone nor is in abundance.

What are you most excited about in the Philadelphia area and region?

It is truly exciting to see Philadelphia on a map as one of the greatest City of this Country. Philadelphia has accomplished so much in last few years that it has made an international city where people from all over the world when they visit USA, one of their stop is Philadelphia. That is an remarkable achievement for City and as Philadelphians.

As a ULI PHL Awards nominee, what makes you most proud of your project?

It is a very proud moment when you are able to restore one of the Philadelphia historic building to its original grandeur. It is very satisfying to see entire neighborhood transforming and uplifting of community and neighborhood when you project is completed.

Winners announced live June 12