Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi of First American Financial Corporation and Vice President and Profit Center Manager Crystal Cook of First American Title Insurance Company were selected for GlobeST.’s 2024 Women of Influence Award.
This award recognizes the achievements of female commercial real estate professionals who have impacted the market and have driven the industry to new heights. The honorees were chosen based on how impactful their work has been, how the nominees furthered the development of their field and the role of women within it, and their personal commitment to ethics, service and excellence.
“This year’s honorees have closed deals in the hundreds of millions of dollars, launched new ventures, and expanded their business horizons. They’ve also generously devoted their time to mentorship, advocacy, and, in the process, have elevated the commercial real estate industry,” said Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt. “The nominations we received this year were profoundly inspiring, underscoring the remarkable strides women have made in an industry historically dominated by men. Our team is excited by the opportunity to recognize these trailblazers and visionaries.”
“Odeta’s insights and thoughtful economic analysis, combined with her effective communication skills, continue to elevate her profile inside First American and throughout the industry,” Ken DeGiorgio, CEO of First American, said “Her unique, data-driven perspective on the housing market make her a trusted resource within the company and an in-demand expert at industry events and top-tier media.”
Kushi holds a leadership role within the economics and decision sciences teams at First American and shares her insights on economic and housing market trends. She is also a proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion and mentorship across the company. She publishes research and analysis on First American’s Economic Center and co-hosts “The REconomy Podcast” with Chief Economist Mark Fleming. Outside of her role at First American, Kushi serves as co-chair of the Real Estate/Construction Roundtable for the National Association of Business Economics.
Cook is also a proponent of diversity and sits on First American’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council. She also chairs the First American Title National Commercial Services Division’s DEI Taskforce and was one of 14 women from across the entire company selected to participate in the 2024 class of First American’s Women in Leadership program.
“Crystal excels in her role leading our Georgia operations and has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing equity for women and other underrepresented groups at First American and within the title insurance industry at large,” said Joe Ghilardi, president of First American Title’s National Commercial Services Division. “She takes every opportunity to provide mentorship and resources to other women within First American and is an inspiration for others.”