Because people are at the core of Stream’s success, we’ve learned to identify the most talented individuals that contribute to our unique culture of service and leadership. As Stream continues to grow its business and people, we are taking this opportunity to spotlight our talented employees from all service lines, cities, and departments. These individuals are selected because they have had a significant impact on Stream, the commercial real estate industry, and the local community.
Vanessa Carrion joined Stream Realty Partners in 2019 and currently serves as a Vice President in office leasing for Stream Washington, D.C. Vanessa’s primary responsibilities include marketing and leasing of office properties, tenant representation, and investment sales. Vanessa’s experience also includes business development efforts for a Washington, D.C.-area general contractor.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Competitive, driven, and funny – I’m probably the funniest person I know.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have ever received?
My old boss once told me to “do all things with grace.” In my personal and professional life, I try to remember the bigger picture and never let anger get the best of me and try to do what’s right. That, of course, isn’t always so easy.
What do you enjoy doing away from work?
I recently adopted a dog named Pia from one of our clients, so I spend a lot of time going to the park with her. I’ve also been into the concert scene lately because of another client I’m working with. I’m grateful that my work has brought me some wonderful opportunities even outside of work. I also love reading and traveling a lot.
What are your two favorite restaurants in DC?
Pearl Dive, it’s like my second home. They have seafood and a great espresso martini. And O-Ku makes my favorite sushi.
If you could pick up a new skill instantly, what would it be?
I would love to speak six different languages.
Are you involved in any organizations?
I’m the community service chairwoman for the Washington Building Congress, which brings D.C. general contractors, subcontractors, and architects together. Through that, I get to volunteer at local food banks, book drives, and clothing drives. I also co-chair another business committee and help at the Humane Rescue Alliance and Rebuilding Together when I can.
What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?
At the beginning of COVID, a client found me on social media and asked me to help him find an art exhibit/concert venue for his start-up business. He’d been planning and dreaming about it for 9 years. Now, less than a year later, I’m helping him find more unique D.C. spaces for his second and third venues. He’s had some of the most successful concerts in the past few months and has been getting national and international recognition because he gives back to the community by giving local artists a platform. We’ve become good friends since we’ve started working together, and I am so grateful that I get to be a part of his business dream. Working with him really shows that hard work always pays off and being a broker really can help other people and lead to interesting opportunities.
What does good leadership look like to you?
I think that always doing the right thing, having empathy, and putting the needs of the team first are incredibly important. The best leaders I’ve seen have all really taken the time to invest in others and bring people up with them.
What does your day-to-day look like?
My day usually involves a lot of varied business development efforts and trying to be a proactive tenant rep. I like to keep in touch with long-standing clients, follow up on pursuits, and give new clients tours. I also spend a lot of time running surveys and reviewing leases.
Did you always know you wanted to be in CRE?
No. When I was young, I wanted to be a photojournalist, then I wanted to be a lawyer for a long time. I went to James Madison University in Virginia and studied global justice and political science. Once I graduated, I found myself doing business development for a construction company, and now I’m here! I love the relationships and the challenge that being a broker presents.
What brought you to Stream?
Stream was redeveloping 1771 N Street in D.C. and I was also pursuing that property from a business development standpoint on the construction side for the general contractor I was working for at the time. I went to lunch with Stream’s Charlie Smiroldo and he messaged me on Instagram later that day asking me to consider joining his team as a broker. I love that I get to see projects through from start to finish. I get a charge out of winning, so being a broker is very rewarding to me.
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Looking to join the Stream team? Learn more about Who We Are, then check out our open positions across the country.