Six NYU Wagner Alumni Named 2025 Trailblazers in Building & Real Estate

In New York, building and real estate are among some of the most influential industries. The City & State 2025 Trailblazers in Building & Real Estate list recognizes leaders in policy, development, community leaders, advocates, and more—and among that list are six NYU Wagner alumni. 

Sarah Berman (MUP 2002), Founder and President, The Berman Group

Berman blends her expertise in urban planning with communications strategy as the leader of one of real estate’s longest-standing public relations firms. Over two decades, The Berman Group has twice produced the state’s largest minority- and women-owned business event, rebranded several office towers including Tishman Speyer’s 6 Grand Central, and now represents Kushner Companies’ Pier Village. Berman also serves as the executive director of the Avenue of the Americas Association. 

Joseph Chan (MUP 1998), Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Property Management, YMCA of Greater New York

Chan has a nearly two-decade career in public-private development in New York City. He served as the founding president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, leading the development group’s efforts in the city’s third-largest business improvement district. In his time in the Bloomberg administration, he led New York’s bid for the 2012 Olympics. Chan now leads real estate planning across all five boroughs for the YMCA. 

David Quart (MUP 2003), Northeast Regional Real Estate Market Leader, VHB

In his current role at VHB, Quart guides clients across the Northeast in multiphase real estate developments. His team advocated for the passage of the City of Yes, and he is working to improve commercial districts in East Midtown and overseeing a project to convert a busy road to a public space in New Rochelle. Quart is also a former senior vice president at the New York City Economic Development Corp. and former deputy New York City housing commissioner.

Jennifer Steinberg (MUP 2008), Senior Vice President of Development in New York City, Beacon Communities, LLC

Steinberg is currently leading Beacon’s New York City pipeline, which includes over 3,500 units in development. Additionally, she’s spearheading the refurbishing of nearly 1,000 apartments across three Bronx housing developments, the firm’s first New York City Housing project. She previously led real estate development at the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing. 

RuthAnne Visnauskas (MUP 2005), Commissioner, New York State Homes and Community Renewal

As part of a statewide housing agenda, Visnauskas has led New York’s first five-year 100,000-home plan to completion. Her current work includes a $25 billion plan to create or preserve 100,000 homes. Her approach to the project combines affordability and sustainability, electrifying 50,000 units and backing LEED-certified housing. Visnauskas also furthered mixed-use housing projects in Utica and Troy.

Cea Weaver (MUP 2016), Campaign Coordinator, Housing Justice for All

In her role with Housing Justice for All, Weaver has helped galvanize 80 groups statewide advocating for the expansion of rent stabilization, “good cause” eviction, and investing in social housing. She also currently leads the new New York State Bloc, with the aim of mobilizing 250,000 renters into a voting bloc. Previously, Weaver co-led a movement that led to 2019 rent reformers, closing loopholes that had led to deregulation and tenant harassment.