CREW New Jersey celebrates trailblazing female business leaders:

Kristen Wolansky

Director, Business Development

AWT Environmental Services

Years with company/firm: 3.5

Years in field: 37

Years in CRE industry: 37

Real estate organizations/affiliations: Urban Land Institute, CREW NJ, ICSC, Pipeline, Society of Women Environmental Professionals, Liscensed Site Remediation Professionals Association

Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today?

When I started college at Rutgers, my plan was to become a veterinarian—but that dream was quickly derailed when, during my first semester, my advisor bluntly told me I’d never get into vet school and needed to pick another major. After a few meetings and a lot of time flipping through the course catalog (which wasn’t online back then), I landed on environmental science. Looking back, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. That unexpected pivot set me on a path that has shaped a fulfilling and dynamic career. I began in environmental consulting and eventually transitioned into environmental contracting, seeking a better work-life balance. Both roles, though different, consistently intersected with real estate and the complex balance between development and environmental remediation. In many ways, I stumbled into this career—but I genuinely don’t think I could have chosen a better path. Despite the stress and challenges that come with the territory (and there have been plenty!), I thoroughly enjoy what I do. I believe the key to a successful career isn’t just hard work—it’s finding something you enjoy that pushes you to grow.

What unique qualities and/or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession?

Being true to myself has been instrumental in my success, even when my qualities didn’t always align with traditional expectations of women in business. I’m naturally competitive, driven, decisive, and fiercely independent—with a strong sense of conviction, sharp sales instincts, and yes, the occasional foul mouth. These traits, while not always considered “typical” for women, are who I am at my core. The turning point came when I stopped trying to soften or hide these aspects and instead focused on channeling them in a more positive and professional way. By doing so, I’ve been able to create meaningful impact and achieve outcomes I’m truly proud of. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from changing who you are, but from identifying and elevating your best qualities. People respond to authenticity—it’s what builds trust, respect, and lasting relationships.

Do you feel being a woman is an advantage, disadvantage or no advantage in today’s business world? Why? Why not?

Being a woman in the environmental and real estate sectors comes with both advantages and challenges. On one hand, women often face limited access to C-suite positions, which can hinder their credibility and reduce opportunities to engage with high-level decision-makers or influential counterparts. This underrepresentation at the top not only results in salary differentials, but can also create barriers to advancement and industry impact. However, women in these fields also bring valuable strengths—empathy, collaboration, and a strong willingness to support one another. I have found these traits tend to foster more supportive work environments, which lead to greater risk taking, enhanced personal development, and ultimately better outcomes, especially in sectors like environmental planning and real estate development. While structural obstacles remain, the growing presence and solidarity among women professionals continue to reshape these industries in meaningful ways. CREW NJ epitomizes a support network for women real estate professionals that provides a great platform for showcasing existing and emerging talent and one of the many reasons why serving on the CREW NJ board has been so rewarding.

Do you feel there are any differences in the way that men and women develop business relationships and if so, what activities or venues do you participate in?

In my experience, I have observed that men and women often develop business relationships through distinctly different approaches and social settings. I tend to build connections with men through activity-based networking, such as golf outings, mountain biking, or sporting events, where business is discussed in shorter, more transactional bursts during shared experiences. In contrast, I find that women are more likely to foster business relationships through intimate, conversation-focused settings like wine tastings, yoga or pilates classes, where dialogue tends to be more in-depth and personal. These conversations often extend beyond business to include topics such as family, health, and personal well-being, creating a deeper personal connection. I think that both styles are effective, and is by no means a one-size-fits-all, so initial meetings are important in determining what method/s is going to be the most effective way to make a connection. I have noticed that in general, gender tends to reflect differing values in relationship-building—men often prioritize efficiency and shared interests, whereas women typically emphasize trust, mutual understanding, and emotional intelligence. Having the ability to recognize and navigate both of these styles has definitely contributed to my networking and relationship-building success.