What Makes Ladies in Land a Game Changer
"Built With You" – A Collaborative Future for Land and Lifestyle
When a simple meetup evolves into a national movement, you know it's meeting a long-overdue need. That’s exactly what's happening with Ladies in Land, the grassroots initiative founded by Erica Sinner, who sat down with April LaMon of Alosant for a compelling conversation on the Connected Communities podcast.
The discussion unveiled the philosophy behind Ladies in Land, which isn't about titles, ego, or hierarchy. It's about access, authenticity, and elevating women in real estate. The initiative is fueled by education, shaped by real-world experience, and supported by a powerful, collaborative network.
Ladies in Land: From a Local Meetup to a National Movement
Erica Sinner’s journey into land acquisition began over a decade ago, rooted in strategy, market studies, and deal sourcing. But in 2021, after joining several woman-led networking groups, she felt something was missing. “We were doing cooking classes and happy hours,” she shared. “And I said, well, can we do something different?”
That something different became Ladies in Land, a group focused not on wine nights or surface-level networking but on substance, learning, and connection.
What started in Houston quickly began to get noticed. “But people liked it here, they liked it in Austin… and now we’re on track to hit 20 markets by October.”
This rapid growth shows the hunger for real value in networking. Not performative gestures, but trusted advisor connections.
Why Education Comes First in Ladies in Land
Erica doesn’t mince words: “At the end of the day… you gotta know what you’re doing.” This isn’t just a community; it’s a classroom.
Unlike traditional real estate events that may prioritize schmoozing over skill-building, Ladies in Land centers its entire model around education. From lunch-and-learns to certifications and coaching, the content focuses on:
- Skill building for real-life challenges in land and development
- Creating space for honest questions without fear of judgment
- Providing recorded sessions so members can revisit lessons anytime
There’s a simplicity in Erica’s words that speaks volumes: “Ladies in Land provides that space where people can raise their hand and say, ‘What do you mean?’ And they don’t feel judged.”
A Consistent Brand Experience Across Every Chapter
Trust and familiarity are essential to any brand, and Erica has modeled Ladies in Land after a favorite analogy: “This is like a Starbucks… you go to Florida and you can still get that same favorite coffee.”
Each chapter delivers the same three foundational pillars:
- Education: No fluff, no frills—just focused development through learning.
- Representation: More women on panels, in publications, and in leadership.
- Inclusion: From interns to executives, every woman is welcome and essential.
The goal? “There should be no guessing,” Erica explains. Whether you walk into a meeting in Houston, Tampa, or Indianapolis, you’ll know what to expect: support, substance, and shared growth.
Representation and Visibility for Women in Real Estate
For years, women in real estate have worked behind the scenes—closing deals, managing projects, and influencing communities—without much recognition. A majority weren’t on panels, featured in media, or visible in leadership spaces. But with Ladies in Land, that’s changing—and fast.
This movement isn’t about being seen for the sake of it. It’s about ensuring women have the platform, confidence, and credibility to lead openly and authentically. When ladies in land step into the spotlight, it invites others to follow—and it helps shift industry norms for good.
Here’s how visibility becomes impact:
- Industry panels with real presence. Through partnerships like Zonda, more women are now speaking at national events, regional forums, and online roundtables— as experts.
- Media coverage that celebrates leadership. Women are being profiled for their insights, not just their support roles. Their voices are influencing how development is covered and understood.
- Purposeful speaker placement. Chapters actively nominate and recommend women for speaking roles, ensuring diverse voices and strong representation.
- Authentic social storytelling. Member wins, learning moments, and behind-the-scenes highlights are shared widely—showcasing the breadth of talent across the network.
- A pipeline for future leaders. Visibility starts early. Ladies in Land makes space for younger professionals to gain confidence, experience, and recognition.
This is visibility with purpose—and it's transforming how women in real estate are seen, heard, and valued across the industry.
Beyond Networking: Building True Professional Confidence
In many professional groups, networking is often reduced to a numbers game—collecting contacts and exchanging business cards without ever building something deeper. But Ladies in Land takes a different approach. It’s not just about who you know—it’s about what you’re learning, how you're growing, and who you’re becoming along the way. For women in real estate, this subtle shift creates space for lasting confidence, not just temporary connection.
Ladies in Land encourages professional growth through:
- Curated educational meetups. These sessions go beyond small talk, offering substance and skill-building designed to help women navigate real-world challenges in land development and acquisition.
- Monthly virtual access. For those outside major markets—or balancing demanding schedules—virtual sessions keep learning consistent and accessible across the country.
- Safe spaces for learning. Newer professionals and seasoned leaders alike are encouraged to ask questions, share knowledge, and learn without judgment or ego.
The impact is real—and personal. As Erica shared, “One of the most gratifying things that I'm getting is I get messages 24-7, emails, texts that all say, Hey, this helped me.”
That kind of feedback isn’t just anecdotal. It’s a reminder that confidence grows when ladies in land are equipped with both knowledge and community—and that kind of support builds far more than careers. It builds leaders.
Men as Advocates: The Male Land Patron Program
Although Ladies in Land is led by women, it’s not a closed circle. From day one, the initiative has recognized the importance of male allies—those who choose to support, encourage, and stand alongside women in real estate. Inclusion isn’t just about bringing women in; it’s also about inviting others to help shift the culture.
Erica Sinner calls it by name:
“I call it the Male Land Patron. They’ve helped me grow… and they inspire me.”
The program creates space for male professionals to contribute meaningfully through:
- Virtual mentorship and insight. Male allies are encouraged to share their industry experience and provide support to women navigating new terrain in land and development.
- Chapter-level advocacy. From speaking at events to facilitating introductions, male advocates play a local role in helping ladies in land expand their reach and impact.
- Modeling shared leadership. By standing beside female peers, these advocates help build a culture of mutual respect and collaboration across the industry.
In a space historically dominated by men, seeing allies shift to bridge-builders sends a powerful message. Everyone has a role to play in making the real estate industry more equitable—and the Male Land Patron is proof that real change happens through partnership.
Scaling the Mission: 20 Markets and Beyond
What began as a small, local gathering has now become a fast-growing movement. The momentum behind Ladies in Land is real—and it’s accelerating. Driven by demand, community energy, and a clear sense of purpose, the initiative is scaling with intention, not just speed. What makes this growth possible? A consistent experience, a flexible model, and a deep understanding of what women in real estate truly need.
As Erica Sinner shared:
“We’re opening up our 12th chapter next week… and three more next month.”
By year’s end, Ladies in Land is expected to reach 20 unique markets across the U.S., each offering:
- Monthly in-person meetings. Held from February through December, these gatherings give members a steady rhythm of connection and learning throughout the year.
- Hybrid participation options. Virtual attendance and recorded sessions ensure accessibility, especially for professionals who travel or live outside active chapters.
- Local leadership with national support. Each chapter operates with autonomy while staying aligned with the national mission—ensuring consistency without rigidity.
Erica describes the organization’s growth mindset like this:
“If anything is going to be consistent right now, it’s change. We’re not a big ship yet and we can maneuver as we grow.”
That flexibility—combined with a clear vision—is what makes Ladies in Land so agile, so relevant, and so capable of growing without losing what made it meaningful in the first place.
Accessibility Without Borders: Learn from Anywhere
One of the most powerful aspects of Ladies in Land is its commitment to accessibility. You don’t need to live in a major market—or even within driving distance of a chapter to get involved. Whether you're based in a bustling metro like Houston or working remotely from a smaller town, you can still learn, connect, and grow. The network was intentionally built to meet women in real estate wherever they are.
As Erica Sinner put it:
“I want to take Ladies in Land and make us more effective everywhere we go.”
Through digital tools and thoughtful communication, the initiative extends its reach without sacrificing quality:
- Virtual meetups with real value. Monthly sessions are streamed online and designed to include those who can’t attend in person, offering the same educational depth and interactive discussion.
- On-demand recordings and resources. Can’t make a live session? Every meeting is recorded and archived, allowing members to revisit content or catch up at their own pace.
- Insightful newsletters and recaps. Each chapter shares timely updates, educational highlights, and practical takeaways—keeping every member informed and engaged.
This accessibility is especially useful for professionals considering relocation or career shifts. Whether you're moving to a new market or entering a different side of the industry, Ladies in Land provides a soft landing. From local zoning policies to deal structures and developer relationships, members are equipped with the context they need to hit the ground running.
It’s more than flexibility—it’s empowerment without geography as a barrier. And that’s how ladies in land stay connected, no matter where their work takes them.
Education as a Launchpad for Growth—and a Movement
For ladies in land and women in real estate, education isn’t optional—it’s the edge. It’s what separates those who simply show up from those who lead with clarity and confidence. As Erica Sinner puts it:
“If you don’t want to do it or you don’t have time, somebody else does… and its going to make them that much better and I would feel a little nervous having to compete against them.
That mindset has positioned Ladies in Land as more than a community—it’s a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to take on the complexities of land, zoning, and development. The industry is taking notice. One division president told Erica:
“I just find that females are much more analytical, more detail-oriented.”
This isn't about filling roles—it's about building leaders.
The long-term vision reflects that. “I want to stand in a room of 10,000 women,” Erica said “and say we’re all here… educating this space and developing for the future.”
To get there, the roadmap includes:
- Education-based conferences that emphasize learning, collaboration, and actionable growth
- University partnerships to reach and empower young talent early
- Deeper media and policy engagement to shape the narrative and the industry’s direction
At every level, Ladies in Land is planting seeds for generational change.
So what would Erica tell her 24-year-old self? Her answer came without hesitation:
“Do not stop learning.”
And for those just getting started: “There’s lots of different kinds of networking… but make sure you can have an educated conversation about something important to both of you.”
The message is clear. Whether you're just entering the field or looking to level up, knowledge is your most powerful tool. Ask questions. Stay curious. Build your own platform—and bring others with you.
That’s how real estate changes. That’s how women in real estate lead.
Ladies in Land
If you're looking for a place that prioritizes education, authenticity, and collaboration, Ladies in Land is your answer. Whether you're new to the field or seasoned and seeking growth, this initiative offers a trusted advisor network that amplifies your voice.
Ladies in Land isn’t about trends—it’s about transformation. And the future of women in real estate is being shaped, one meetup at a time.
FAQs About Ladies in Land and Women in Real Estate
What percentage of land developers are women?
In the U.S., among people classified as property developers, about 32 % are women.
Why are there so many women in real estate?
Many women choose real estate for its flexibility, relationship-building, and entrepreneurial potential. Programs like Ladies in Land also provide education and community support that help women in real estate grow their influence in more specialized areas like land acquisition.
What is the 7% rule in real estate?
The 7% rule typically refers to a target annual return on investment (ROI) that investors seek in real estate deals. However, in land acquisition, returns vary by location, zoning, and timing. Ladies in Land offers education to help members understand these nuances.
How much do female land developers make a year?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Real Estate Developer in the U.S. is about $155,700/year (with a range from ~$116,800 to ~$217,900).
There is evidence of a gender pay gap in commercial real estate: women in CRE reportedly earn on average $191,103 in total compensation, compared to $220,275 for men — a ~$30,000 gap.
What is Ladies in Land?
Ladies in Land is a national community for women in real estate, founded by Erica Sinner. The initiative focuses on education, visibility, and inclusion—offering monthly meetups, virtual sessions, and professional development across the United States in land-focused real estate careers.
Can men join Ladies in Land?
Yes. Through its Male Land Paton program, Ladies in Land welcomes male allies who support women in real estate through mentorship and collaboration. The program strengthens industry-wide relationships while honoring the group's core mission.
How is Ladies in Land different from other networking groups?
Unlike traditional networking groups, Ladies in Land centers around learning. It offers curated education, real-world insights, and inclusive dialogue—helping members build both confidence and competence in the real estate industry.
How do I join or start a Ladies in Land chapter?
You can join an existing chapter or apply to start one in your city. Ladies in Land provides resources and guidance to ensure each new chapter aligns with the initiative’s values: education, representation, and accessibility for all ladies in land.
Further Reading
- Connecting People to Place: Services That Make Communities Thrive
- Placemaking Strategies for Master-Planned Communities with Heart
- Designed to Belong: Life in Newfield Florida
- How Long-Term Housing Trends Are Redefining the Way We Live
