Josie Legido Correa, Director of Business Development at JWR Construction Services and 2025 President of Commercial Real Estate Women Miami (CREW Miami), has built a career centered on economic development, strategic partnerships, and leadership in the commercial real estate industry. A Miami native with deep-rooted connections in the South Florida business community, Josie spent over 20 years revitalizing Downtown Miami through economic initiatives before transitioning to her current role at JWR Construction. Her extensive experience in business development has made her a trusted leader in cultivating relationships and creating new opportunities within the industry.
As CREW Miami’s President, Josie is focused on strengthening #CREWFirst, expanding networking opportunities, and increasing the organization’s visibility through key industry partnerships. In this Q&A, she shares her leadership vision, insights into Miami’s commercial real estate market, the importance of mentorship, and how CREW Miami is preparing to host the 2026 CREW Network Convention, a milestone that will spotlight Miami as a prime destination for commercial real estate.
What inspired you to take on the role of President of CREW Miami?
There were multiple reasons, but primarily my desire to help other women in the CRE industry by working to create programs and events that will educate and elevate them, giving them the tools they need to succeed in this industry.
What are your top priorities for CREW Miami in 2025?
#CREWFirst – One of the main reasons women join CREW is to grow their networks and do business together. I want to amplify this and make sure we focus on the relationships we are building that ultimately lead to business opportunities. I also want to show those who attend our events—who may be on the sidelines about joining—that CREW Miami means business!
Continuing to partner with other CRE industry groups will increase CREW Miami’s exposure and give our members access to a larger group of professionals. This will provide them with more opportunities to do business together and support each other.
CREW Miami is hosting the 2026 CREW Network Convention—what does this milestone mean for the organization?
This milestone will enable us to put CREW Miami—and our community as a whole—on a global platform to showcase all that our city has to offer and our collective power as a group of professionals. A high-profile event like this establishes CREW Miami as a key player in the industry, attracting attention from local and national stakeholders. It will undoubtedly strengthen our brand’s reputation and showcase our expertise.
In addition, this will help us amplify CREW’s mission, connect influential stakeholders, and promote Miami as a prime market for commercial real estate.
What advice would you give to women looking to build a career in commercial real estate?
Build a network of like-minded women and create strong relationships. One of the best ways to do this is by becoming actively involved in organizations such as CREW Miami. Join a committee within an organization and use this opportunity to sharpen your leadership skills and give back.
I am a strong believer that you always get back more than you put in, and the rewards will be bountiful. Also, find a specific sector within the industry that you are passionate about, and do your best to obtain the most knowledge you can about this specialty. Eventually, you will become an expert in that specific field, and this will set you apart from others, ultimately opening up the doors to more business opportunities.
How does mentorship influence career growth, and how does CREW Miami support mentorship opportunities?
Mentorship can play a huge role in shaping a woman’s career. Mentors help women develop confidence in their skills and decision-making by sharing their own experiences and insights.
Mentorship relationships can also lead to valuable connections, opening doors to new career opportunities, business deals, and leadership roles. The commercial real estate industry has historically been male-dominated, and mentors can help women overcome biases, advocate for themselves, and navigate workplace challenges. Having a mentor who has successfully advanced in their career can inspire mentees to pursue leadership roles and take on greater responsibilities.
What key trends are shaping Miami’s commercial real estate market?
Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) are a major trend shaping South Florida. TODs are designed around public transportation hubs, such as the Brightline train and Metrorail stations in Miami. This improves access to work, entertainment, and essential services, reducing reliance on cars and easing traffic congestion. With the completion of the Brightline train in 2022, our region has seen significant real estate development along its route, particularly around stations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This enhanced connectivity has led to increased property values and new developments, making areas near these stations more attractive to investors and residents.
Developers are also increasingly focusing on mixed-use projects that combine residential, commercial, and retail spaces. This approach caters to the demand for integrated living and working environments, enhancing convenience and lifestyle quality. Notable examples include developments in the Brickell and Wynwood areas, which have become hotspots for such projects.
Miami is at the epicenter of high demand for luxury office spaces. Rental rates for premium offices have reached record highs over the last few years. This surge is driven by businesses relocating to Miami, attracted by favorable tax environments and high-end amenities.
Affordable housing is a pressing issue—why is this a priority for you, and how can the industry contribute to solutions?
I want to create greater awareness of the need for affordable housing in South Florida. I want to use this leadership platform to educate our members, who can also become advocates for this in their own communities.
The importance of affordable housing cannot be overstated—it allows essential workers (teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, service employees) to live near their jobs, reducing turnover and commuting costs. Employers in our region struggle to attract talent when housing costs are too high. Diverse housing options create a well-rounded community, with people from different income levels contributing to local culture and the economy.
I want to do my part to bring attention to the fact that affordable housing is not a bad word and that, as a community, we need to help de-stigmatize it. Hopefully, we can move away from the “Not In My Backyard” mentality.
CREW Miami has launched Takeover Tuesday and other social media initiatives, plus is strengthening its news blog. How do these initiatives strengthen member engagement?
These initiatives create valuable opportunities for both sponsors and members to engage with the CREW Miami community. Takeover Tuesday allows sponsors to share why they support CREW Miami’s mission and their commitment to giving back. Additionally, member spotlights and social media features showcase professional journeys, insights, and experiences, creating a more personal and relatable connection within the network.
CREW Miami is also enhancing its news blog by expanding industry-related insights and resources contributed by members. By featuring news articles, thought leadership pieces, and market trends, the blog serves as a valuable resource for commercial real estate professionals while reinforcing CREW Miami’s role as a hub for industry knowledge. These efforts strengthen relationships, promote collaboration, and encourage deeper engagement within the network.
How has being part of CREW Miami impacted your career?
Being involved in CREW Miami has allowed me to build credibility and trust with peers, clients, and potential business partners. It has also helped me develop essential leadership skills such as strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and public speaking.
I love that being involved in CREW has provided me the opportunity to help so many other women, especially younger women entering the field. Not to mention, it has helped me become more visible to industry professionals, which has led to increased referrals and new business prospects.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in commercial real estate?
People do business with people they trust and like. Making meaningful introductions and connecting people is the best way to build strong relationships of trust and strengthen your own network.
Consistent networking helps establish your reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable professional.
To learn more about CREW Miami, visit www.CREWMiami.org.
