Get to Know...
Ana Duffy
"My career has been profoundly enhanced by the mentors and peers I’ve met through BOMA, so being a part of [the Careers Committee Mentor Match] is a really satisfying way to pay it forward."
Ana Duffy is a sustainability analyst for Hudson Pacific Properties. She is also an active member of BOMA/San Francisco, where she currently serves as chair of the Energy & Environment Committee and secretary of the Careers in Real Estate Committee. Duffy has participated in an array of sustainability-related advocacy efforts with her BOMA local association, and she is a mentor for college students interested in commercial real estate through the Careers Committee Mentor Match program. In 2020, she was elected to BOMA International’s Executive Committee.
How did you get started in commercial real estate?
Shortly after earning my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, I took a job as a tenant coordinator, with hopes that it might lead to more sustainability-focused opportunities within the field. I was fortunate to have a very supportive boss, who allowed me to spearhead some sustainability projects for the building and encouraged me to get involved with my BOMA local association. I joined the BOMA/San Francisco Energy & Environment Committee, which really helped me network and ultimately transition into the sustainability side of commercial real estate.
What does your day consist of at Hudson Pacific?
I do a little bit of everything. This includes tracking water, waste and energy data in ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager ®; leading reporting efforts; working with property managers to implement tenant-engagement initiatives focused on sustainability; and developing strategies to help Hudson Pacific reach its sustainability goals.
What is your involvement in BOMA/San Francisco’s sustainability efforts?
As chair of the Energy & Environment Committee, I work to provide members with relevant education and information on everything from green building certifications to emerging sustainability-related legislation and beyond. I’ve also helped inform some of our advocacy efforts related to sustainability. For instance, last year, I worked with our Government Affairs Policy Advisory Committee (GAPAC) and San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s advisors to polish the city’s ordinance requiring commercial buildings to procure 100 percent renewable electricity. Our efforts were successful in ensuring that the interests of commercial building owners were considered in the final draft of the legislation. That’s the power of BOMA!
You’re also secretary of your local association’s Careers Committee. Tell us more.
The Careers Committee, in partnership with CREATE (Commercial Real Estate Alliance for Tomorrow’s Employees), is focused on creating a pipeline of talent from local universities and colleges into commercial real estate. We have a mentor match-up program where students are paired with a seasoned practitioner and a young professional. I’ve had the great fortune of mentoring a few students who have now been hired in the industry—some of the program alum have even joined the Careers Committee! My career has been profoundly enhanced by the mentors and peers I’ve met through BOMA, so being a part of this initiative is a really satisfying way to pay it forward.
Congratulations on joining BOMA International’s Executive Committee. Why is it important for young professionals to be involved at the BOMA International level?
I think emerging professionals bring an important, fresh perspective to the table. As a millennial in this long-standing industry, I offer a glimpse into how tomorrow’s workforce might think, which can help identify gaps in progress and areas where there’s room for improvement.
What’s your advice to other emerging professionals looking to get more involved with BOMA?
Don’t be intimidated. Getting involved is easier than you think. Join a committee that interests you and consider how you can bring value to that group, whether it’s actively sharing thoughts or taking minutes. If you’re not sure where to start, just reach out to your BOMA local association and ask them about the opportunities that are available.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
One of the coolest things I’ve ever done is study in New Zealand. While I was there, I bungee jumped, backpacked three of the 10 Great Walks and spent quality time outdoors—my favorite pastime. I highly recommend that everyone adds New Zealand to their post-COVID travel plans!
This article was originally published in the November/December 2020 issue of BOMA Magazine.