EmpowerHer: Lead Like A Man

Alexandra Notay

Chair & Commissioner, Radix Big Tent Housing

Alexandra Notay is a global expert in housing, placemaking, and ESG, with 20 years of experience across four continents. She became chair of the Radix Big Tent Housing Commission in August 2024. Previously, she was Placemaking and Investment Director at Thriving Investments, overseeing a £390mn JV with Housing Growth Partnership and the acquisition of sustainable developer igloo Regeneration. Alex has authored and edited over 30 real estate books, including the ULI UK Best Practice Guide on Build to Rent. She chairs BPF's residential ESG group and serves on multiple government advisory boards, including the UK Geospatial Commission.

Hannah Cooper

Group HR Director, LRG

Hannah began her HR career with a Business Honours degree, specializing in Human Resource Management at the University of the West of England, where she earned a 2:1. She then completed a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in HRM while working in the biotechnology industry. Joining Leaders in 2013 as an HR Advisor, she progressed to Head of HR Operations, managing HR for over 3,000 employees. Now Group HR Director, Hannah ensures compliance with employment laws, promotes fair treatment, and oversees HR, recruitment, and employee development. LRG values its people, believing the business thrives due to its dedicated workforce.

Jemma Phillips

Group Finance Director, LRG

Jemma Phillips is an ACA-qualified Group Finance Director with 15+ years’ experience in statutory reporting, commercial finance, procurement, and finance transformations. Jemma is skilled in managing large teams across multiple locations, with expertise in PLCs, private equity, and complex group structures. Jemma is focused on driving efficiency, automation, and value through financial control and strategic change.

Debra Yudolph

Founder & CEO, SAY

Debra, Founder and CEO of SAY, has over 25 years of expertise in residential property. SAY provides strategic operational asset advice for residential-led projects across the UK, Europe, and the UAE. Before founding SAY, Debra was Director of Asset and Property Management at Grainger plc for a decade. She is an authority in residential property, particularly in rental living and community development, advocating for the integration of economic viability into planning stages. In May 2024, she was named Residential Property Personality of the Year by Property Week. Debra also holds non-executive roles with several organizations, including Grove End Housing Limited.

Rupa Patel

General Counsel, Awaze

Rupa Patel is a senior corporate/commercial lawyer with extensive experience across multiple sectors. She is currently General Counsel and board director at Awaze, a travel company with brands including Cottages.com, Hoseasons, James Villas, Novasol, and Landal. Previously, Rupa held senior legal roles at Exterion Media (now part of Global), TruRating, and BPP Professional Education Group. She began her career as a corporate M&A lawyer at Simmons & Simmons. With expertise in multiple jurisdictions and managing large teams, Rupa's leadership experience working alongside prominent CEOs has positioned her as a forward-thinking in-house lawyer challenging traditional legal roles.

Hanna Afolabi

Founder, BWRE (Black Women in Real Estate)

Hanna founded BWRE to connect and support Black women in property. As Managing Director of Mood and Space, she specializes in large-scale urban regeneration, including the £860M East Wick & Sweetwater project. She also serves as Vice Chair at the University of Greenwich and on Estates Gazette’s Diversity & Inclusion panel.