Leadership

Vivek Sharma

President
MSRE, 2024
Linkedin

I am a MSRE candidate at the University of Washington. I have worked for 4+ years developing commercial real estate at Crestone Developers, a general contracting firm, based out of Bangalore, India where I gained entrepreneurial experiences and acquired two Fortune 500 clients for my firm and developed 35+ projects across South India. My role as a Project & Operations manager equips me with a strong understanding of the development process including site selection, project planning, financial analysis, contract negotiations, and project management. I am a first-generation college student and I aim to enhance and strengthen my understanding in Real Estate Investments, acquisitions, and development by leveraging the knowledge and connections gained through the MSRE program to significantly advance my development ventures into multifamily housing, public health, and supply chain infrastructure. Outside of school, I love to travel and enjoy painting wall art, cooking and playing badminton.

Ciara Joy Laney

Undergraduate President
Real Estate and Architectural Design, 2025
Linkedin

I am a current fourth year studying Real Estate and Architectural Design. My passion for real estate started in residential. Being a part of a large extended Filipino family, I realized at a young age, that home is where my family is. However, with over 50 people at one gathering, it can be hard to find places where everyone can come together. Taking matters into my own hands, since middle school I would research listings and compare amenities, thinking I would eventually own a place to host gatherings by the time I am in college... that is until I learned about loan annuities and needing points of credit. As I build my points of credit and save for my down payments, I plan on making positive impacts on the communities that I am in, which is why I am honored to serve as the Undergraduate President for the Real Estate Club. I hope to share the great opportunities that this club has to offer with my fellow peers. Outside of Real Estate Club, I am a First-Year Interest Group Leader and serve as the Student Representative for Real Estate on the College of Built Environments Diversity Council. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my seven siblings and exploring the PNW.

Zeynep Akman

Property Tour Liason
Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Economics 2025
Linkedin

I’m a third year student majoring in real estate and minoring in business administration and construction management. I'm enthusiastic about collaborating with the Property Tour Chair to craft versatile property tours tailored to our Real Estate Club members. Being an international student hailing from Turkey, I maintain a profound interest in real estate development trends, both domestically and on a global scale. I look forward to leveraging my academic background and international insights to enhance our property tour experiences. This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in Paris, where I delved into urban development and sustainability, both of which are subjects that hold great importance to me. This experience allowed me to explore innovative approaches to urban planning and sustainability practices in a European context, broadening my perspective on these crucial aspects of real estate. In my free time I enjoy playing hockey for the UW Women’s Team, hiking, and traveling.

Melissa Tan

Communication Manager
Real Estate Major Undergrad, 2025
Linkedin

Melissa Tan, a third year international student at the University of Washington, is pursuing a major in real Estate and a minor in Business Administration, with a keen interest in business marketing. Originally from China and having grown up in Brazil and Hong Kong, Melissa’s global background has influenced her passion for diversity and uniqueness. Her deep interest in Real Estate began during her college journey when she joined the UWRE club, where she explored topics like commercial real estate and real estate development. As a communication manager, Melissa aims to share exciting content that introduces students to the rich resources within the Real Estate department, encouraging wide participation and discovery.

Roushan Kwatra

Event Chair
MSRE, 2024
Linkedin

Roushan was born and raised in India. After completing his Bachelor’s in Architecture, he obtained his architectural license and worked on designing several small and large-scale projects in the residential and commercial sectors in North India. Roushan’s interest in real estate development was piqued during his time working as an interior architect for a commercial property management firm. Exercising more control over the design and operational aspects of a project and gaining knowledge of the building life cycle and the finances involved, incentivized him to pursue a master’s degree in real estate and obtain the skills required to succeed in the industry. Living and working in a resource-scarce environment in India, drove his keen interests in sustainability and adaptive re-use, primarily minimizing energy usage and giving under-utilized, dormant spaces new life. Roushan recently obtained his WELL AP certification and is intent on adding LEED credentials to his resume to pursue a career in sustainable real estate development. Roushan currently serves as the Speaker Chair of the University of Washington’s Real Estate Club and organizes fireside chats bringing together real estate industry leaders from the Pacific Northwest. Outside of school, Roushan enjoys playing soccer, discovering obscure cafes, and planning student events as the Community Director of Nordheim Court Student Housing.

Blake Hardison

Speaker Chair Liason
Real Estate Major, 2025
Linkedin

I am the Speaker Chair Liason for the UW Real Estate club, a role with a very strong foundation, and one which I’m excited to build upon. As a third year student at the University of Washington, the UW Real Estate Club has been critical to my decision to pursue a degree and career in Real Estate. This past summer, I worked on the Dental Practice Transitions team for the worldwide dental supply company, Henry Schein. Working under in-house brokers and certified valuation analysts, it was an incredibly valuable experience which provided me with a great knowledge base for the world of Commercial Real Estate. I love spending my free time by playing lacrosse on UW’s club team, going to concerts, camping, and fly-fishing. Originally from Orange County, California, I’ve been enjoying all that the PNW has to offer!

Richard Zhou

Communication Manager
Third Year Marketing and Real Estate, 2024
Linkedin

I am a communication manager for the UW Real Estate Club, and a third year student at the University of Washington. I intend to major in Marketing and Real Estate. My interest in real estate started in Woodinville, Washington, where I grew up. The rapid development and growth of the city and frequent conversations with real estate agents motivated me to pursue real estate. Since then, I have become an active licensed Realtor at Keller Williams Eastside where I had my first successful transactions. I also have limited experience in property management and home staging, but I am passionate about learning from industries adjacent to real estate. After graduating, I plan to continue my role as a Realtor while exploring the world of real estate development. In my free time, I enjoy cooking comfort food, playing basketball, and spending time with friends, family, and my two cats. 

Jonathan Nguyen

Speaker Chair Liason
Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Real Estate Student,2026
Linkedin

Jonathan is the Speaker Chair Liason for the UW Real Estate Club, approaching his first year at the University of Washington, where he is pursuing a degree in finance and real estate. He is also intrigued by the prospect of immersing himself in the realm of real estate. Jonathan gained practical exposure by contributing to Che Capital, actively supporting their acquisition endeavors. His engagement extended beyond academics, as he effectively managed short-term rentals since 2022. These experiences have emphasized to Jonathan the crucial importance of meticulous planning, wise decision-making, and communication. In his leisure hours, Jonathan assumes the role of a youth leader at his local church. During the winter months, he engages in skiing, while in the warmer seasons, he partakes in boating activities, focusing on fishing and crabbing.

Shawn Murphy

MBA Chair
MBA Student at the Foster School of Business 2024
Linkedin

I am a 1st Year MBA Student at the Foster School of Business and am currently pursuing the Real Estate Certificate Program through the Runstad Department of Real Estate. My passion for Real Estate developed during my own personal acquisitions in the Northwest and am eager to expand my knowledge of the distressed renovations lifecycle. I received my BA in Communications from UW and served in the US Army for 5 years. After leaving the military, I transitioned to roles in e-commerce managing $300M P&L statements at Amazon and as a consultant at Stackline, an ecommerce startup. In my free time, I love to lift weights, play golf, and continually renovate my current home.

Philipp KuNZE

Communication Manager
Master of Science in Real Estate, 2024
Linkedin

My name is Philipp and I am a Communication Manager for the UW Real Estate Club and further I am a student in the Dual Degree Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program at the University of Washington which is in cooperation with IRE|BS (International Real Estate Business School) at the University of Regensburg. I finished one year of my graduate studies in Germany.

Born and raised in Germany, I received my undergraduate degree in business administration with a focus on Real Estate at the University of Regensburg. During my study, I served as an working student at DAHLER Immobilien Regensburg (DAHLER Real Estate) where I was able to gain some further practical insights in the German Real Estate market. Part of my job was evaluating housing prices for luxury residential buildings as well as doing building tours and exposé preparation.  Additionally, I recently worked as an Intern for the global acting accounting company KPMG in Munich, where I was part of the Financial Services US Tax Real Estate team. Therefore I was able to gain valuable insights in the taxation of foreign companies which are investing in the United States. I am looking to broaden my knowledge in affordable housing and financial real estate. In my free time I love to play soccer and my biggest passion is weightlifting and running. Furthermore hiking has recently turned out to be a new hobby of mine as I have started to explore the numerous beautiful trails in Washington.

MEHAK AGARWAL

EDI CHAIR
Master of Science in Real Estate, 2024
Linkedin

I am an international student enrolled in the Masters of Real Estate (MSRE) program in the Runstad Department of Real Estate. With a background in architecture and a professional history of engaging in public-private partnership projects over a span of three years in India, I have developed a profound passion for the intricacies of mixed-use and transit-oriented development. My drive for equitable and sustainable development is deeply rooted in my previous experience working with the City of Seattle, as well as my research contributions at UW. In my current role as the EDI chair in the Real Estate Club, I am committed to fostering awareness and discourse surrounding racial equity within the realm of the built environment. Furthermore, I aim to delve into topics related to entrepreneurship, particularly in support of students hailing from diverse backgrounds.

ELLEN AKOPYAN

PROPERTY TOUR CHAIR
Master of Science in Real Estate, 2024
Linkedin

My name is Ellen and I am the Property Tour Chair for UW Real Estate Club and am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Real Estate in the Advanced program. I received my undergraduate degree in Real Estate & Business Administration at the University of Washington. I also hold an Associate’s in Business from Bellevue College. During my undergrad, I founded the UW Personal Finance Club with a few of my friends. 

I spent spring of my senior year working a finance internship at Aegis Living. After graduation, I joined Cushman and Wakefield as a summer intern, where I worked in research and brokerage to assist with day-to-day operations. I am eager to be on the leadership board and create memorable experiences for our club tours (tour recommendations are always welcomed)!

In my free time, I enjoy being active, spending time with my family and friends, and exploring new restaurants around Seattle.

Communication Manager
Master of Science in Real Estate Economics, 2024
Linkedin

My name is Philipp and I am a Communication Manager for the UW Real Estate Club and further I am a student in the Dual Degree Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program at the University of Washington which is in cooperation with IRE|BS (International Real Estate Business School) at the University of Regensburg. I finished one year of my graduate studies in Germany.

Born and raised in Germany, I received my undergraduate degree in business administration with a focus on Real Estate at the University of Regensburg. During my study, I served as an working student at DAHLER Immobilien Regensburg (DAHLER Real Estate) where I was able to gain some further practical insights in the German Real Estate market. Part of my job was evaluating housing prices for luxury residential buildings as well as doing building tours and exposé preparation.  Additionally, I recently worked as an Intern for the global acting accounting company KPMG in Munich, where I was part of the Financial Services US Tax Real Estate team. Therefore I was able to gain valuable insights in the taxation of foreign companies which are investing in the United States. I am looking to broaden my knowledge in affordable housing and financial real estate. In my free time I love to play soccer and my biggest passion is weightlifting and running. Furthermore hiking has recently turned out to be a new hobby of mine as I have started to explore the numerous beautiful trails in Washington.

Communication Manager
Master of Science in Real Estate Economics, 2024
Linkedin

My name is Philipp and I am a Communication Manager for the UW Real Estate Club and further I am a student in the Dual Degree Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) program at the University of Washington which is in cooperation with IRE|BS (International Real Estate Business School) at the University of Regensburg. I finished one year of my graduate studies in Germany.

Born and raised in Germany, I received my undergraduate degree in business administration with a focus on Real Estate at the University of Regensburg. During my study, I served as an working student at DAHLER Immobilien Regensburg (DAHLER Real Estate) where I was able to gain some further practical insights in the German Real Estate market. Part of my job was evaluating housing prices for luxury residential buildings as well as doing building tours and exposé preparation.  Additionally, I recently worked as an Intern for the global acting accounting company KPMG in Munich, where I was part of the Financial Services US Tax Real Estate team. Therefore I was able to gain valuable insights in the taxation of foreign companies which are investing in the United States. I am looking to broaden my knowledge in affordable housing and financial real estate. In my free time I love to play soccer and my biggest passion is weightlifting and running. Furthermore hiking has recently turned out to be a new hobby of mine as I have started to explore the numerous beautiful trails in Washington.