The Day WILD Began — A Founder’s Story
I remember so clearly the day I first shared the idea of WILD. I wasn’t sure how it would land. Was the timing right? Would the idea resonate? Could we really build something new in this industry?
But instead of hesitation, I saw nods, smiles, and an attitude of “Yeah, let’s do it.” That was the moment WILD was born — not from one person, but from a group of women who believed in the same vision.
The Spark
Over the past decade, I’ve watched industrial real estate evolve dramatically from an overlooked sector to one of the most dynamic forces in commercial real estate. And with that growth, I’ve seen more women step into industrial, logistics, and development roles than ever before.
But progress doesn’t erase the need for connection, visibility, and leadership. While groups like CREW have opened doors across the CRE industry, I realized there wasn’t yet a space focused exclusively on industrial, a space where women could see themselves, support each other, and amplify their impact.
That’s the gap WILD was created to fill.
The Founding Board (The Who)
From that first conversation, an incredible group of women stepped forward. They became the Founding Board of WILD, shaping this vision into reality. Each brings her own story, her own “why,” and her own leadership to the table.
Tomi Jo Lynch, CCIM, SIOR
First Vice President | CBRE
“The women who came before us and organizations like CREW opened doors, but our work isn’t done. WILD matters because it’s our turn to pave the way for the next generation and create a space where women in industrial real estate can support each other as they advance in their careers.”
Beki Dobson, SIOR
Vice President I Miller Industrial
“For years I tried to blend into a male-dominated space instead of recognizing the strength in what made me different. WILD matters because it elevates ambitious women in industrial real estate through mentorship, education, and collaboration — creating a network where women rise together and shape what comes next.”
Christina Rangel
Senior Leasing Manager I Prologis
“Early in my career, I was told industrial brokerage wasn’t a viable path for women. WILD matters because no woman should be told ‘you can’t’ when her skills, drive, and vision clearly say otherwise. With the right mentorship and bold leadership, she can change the trajectory of her entire career.”
Makenna Backstrom
Senior Associate I Colliers
“When I first started in industrial CRE, my first thought was, ‘Are women even allowed to be brokers?’ WILD matters because it creates a community where women can connect, collaborate, and grow. It’s about empowering women to lead with confidence, share knowledge openly, and send a message to the next generation: you belong here.”
Lindy Deller
Development Manager I Panattoni
“Industrial real estate has long been male-dominated, and women often face unique challenges — from limited visibility to fewer mentorship opportunities. WILD matters because it creates a space where women can connect, collaborate, and grow. By amplifying visibility, fostering professional development, and championing authentic leadership, we can help level the playing field and open doors for the next generation.”
Amanda Eastwick, CCIM, SIOR
Director I Cushman & Wakefield
Founder of WILD
“Over my career, I’ve seen industrial real estate evolve dramatically, but one thing hasn’t changed: women in this sector still face limited visibility and fewer opportunities to lead. WILD matters because it amplifies women’s voices, cultivates authentic connection, and builds unapologetically bold leadership for the future of industrial real estate.”
The Road Ahead
WILD isn’t just an association. It’s a movement.
We’re here to cultivate bold leadership, amplify women’s voices, and create a community where authenticity and collaboration are the norm — not the exception. From events and mentorship to education and visibility, our goal is to build a powerful network that changes what leadership looks like in industrial, logistics, and development.
The founding board is only the beginning. In the months ahead, WILD will host its first events and welcome sponsors and partners who share our vision.
That day, when the board said “let’s do it”, I knew WILD was possible. Today, we know it’s just the beginning.
Bold. Industrial. Female.
Learn more, read member stories, and join the movement: Membership
Amanda Eastwick, SIOR, CCIM
Founder, WILD (Women in Industrial, Logistics & Development)