In this special “Women to Watch” feature, we spotlight the trailblazing women redefining South Florida real estate. From luxury waterfront estates to high-rise developments, these industry leaders are shaping the region’s most sought-after markets with vision, resilience, and record-breaking results. As top-performing brokers and real estate moguls, they represent the future of luxury property in South Florida. Discover the stories, strategies, and standout achievements behind the women driving innovation and influence across one of the nation’s most competitive real estate landscapes.

Lori Nieman

Naples/Jupiter Island

From Screen Homes to Dream Homes

Throughout her 15-year residential real estate career, Lori has represented high net worth buyers and sellers throughout both South Florida and Chicago. Among her other real estate transactions in 2025, Lori represented one of the highest recorded sales on Jupiter Island while also representing the buyers of the iconic Home Alone house in Winnetka IL.

Prior to pivoting into luxury residential real estate, Lori built her foundation in Class A+ commercial real estate in Chicago, representing the most prestigious corporate landlords in some of the city’s highest profile office buildings. This experience sharpened her analytical mindset and negotiation skills, and set her apart in the luxury residential real estate industry. Lori brings a distinctly buttoned-up approach to the luxury market, one shaped by this experience, and she now services her clients in both the South Florida and Chicago markets.

Known for her fierce client loyalty, Lori offers a meticulously structured process, strategic pricing, and unparalleled creativity in her real estate approach. She is trusted by repeat clients who value her personal availability, preparedness, transparency, and results.

From legacy estates to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, Lori approaches every transaction with the same philosophy: to have an unwavering commitment to her clients’ goals.

Lori Nieman | Broker
Chicago, North Shore and Florida

atproperties / Illinois
John R. Wood Properties / Florida
(312)-343-7070 cell

Melissa Talley

Vero Beach

Melissa Evans Talley, daughter of a prominent local real estate attorney, was exposed to Vero Beach real estate from a young age. The exceptional business acumen she displays, her highly developed ability to multitask, the discreet concierge service she employs are all the direct results of her 20+ years as a specialized physical therapist, first at Duke University and then in her own long-standing business. As a result, she remains highly attuned to the needs of her clients and highly skilled at always guiding them toward their best results.

Educated at the University of Florida, Melissa has held her real estate license since 2005. Superbly mentored by her aunt, iconic Vero Beach Broker, Kay Brown, Melissa learned results-driven marketing and artful negotiation for luxury real estate. Her extensive knowledge of the local market and far-reaching connections make her the ideal choice for effective representation with your million-dollar-plus purchase or sale. In 2025 Melissa’s sales volume was an impressive $74 Million.

Committed to always giving back, Melissa has been an active member of the Community Church, co-chaired philanthropic events for the American Cancer Society and Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County.

Premier Estate Properties
866-220-8195
melissa@premierestateproperties.com
www.browntalleygroup.info

Jessica Julian

West Palm Beach

A dedicated real estate professional with over a decade of experience, Jessica Julian has built a reputation for delivering a seamless, transparent experience to clients in the picturesque Palm Beach area. As a former transplant herself, Jessica specializes in relocation, leveraging her deep market knowledge to make the process stress-free for those moving to the region. Her expertise is further bolstered by partnerships with county leaders such as the Business Development Board of Palm Beach and an exclusive partnership with the Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association, where she serves as an optimal real estate partner for their financial community.

Each year, Jessica further solidifies her reputation as a go-to and trusted resource, known for a high-octane drive and an uncompromising work ethic. Her exceptional performance has earned her a position in the top 15% of agents company-wide at Douglas Elliman, and she is RealTrends Verified 2025 as one of the top real estate professionals in the nation. Jessica spearheaded West Palm Beach waterfront sales by closing the highest sale of the year in 2024—a milestone that cemented her status among the elite. Known for her “quiet” network and access to off-market gems, Jessica combines a progressive approach to marketing with a commitment to integrity. Whether navigating a $12.9M waterfront sale or helping a first-time buyer, she remains a relentless advocate for her clients’ goals.

Douglas Elliman
714-305-6565 | jessica.julian@elliman.com
www.jessicajulianre.com

Lisa Wennick

Delray Beach

Lisa Wennick is a Director of Luxury Sales with Douglas Elliman, specializing in coastal properties throughout southern Palm Beach County. Known for her composed, relationship-driven approach, Lisa guides clients through high-value transactions with insight, discretion, and confidence.

Her business is predominantly referral-based, built on deeply valued relationships and fourth-and fifth-generation client referrals; a true testament to the trust she has earned through consistent results and thoughtful representation. Clients value her steady guidance, strategic perspective, and highly personalized service.

Having lived in London and Tokyo for more than twenty years, Lisa brings a global sensibility and cultural fluency to her work. Her international experience fostered a deep appreciation for timeless architecture, inspired design, distinctive landscapes, and refined living—an influence that continues to shape her approach to luxury real estate and her understated, elegant lifestyle. Since returning to South Florida in 2015, she has combined this global perspective with in-depth local market knowledge to serve discerning buyers and sellers in Palm Beach County’s most desirable coastal communities.

Lisa is also deeply committed to her community. She is actively involved with the Achievement Centers for Children & Families and is a proud sponsor of the Annual Delray Beach Home Tour, a signature event and highlight of the Delray Beach season.

With a keen eye for beauty, detail, and value, Lisa Wennick is dedicated to showcasing and representing luxury homes, waterfront properties, and the ideas and inspiration that define exceptional coastal living.

Dana Pearsall

Luxury Builder

Dana Pearsall is the founder of Pear Design Build, a luxury residential design-build firm based in South Florida. Raised in North Carolina in a family of builders and developers, Dana’s path into construction began with a career as a muralist, which evolved into a design business and ultimately shaped her approach to residential redevelopment.

At just 25, Dana earned her real estate broker’s license, combining her artistic sensibility with real estate expertise to reimagine homes for resale—always with an emphasis on thoughtful design and long-term value.

After relocating to Florida with her family in 2017, Dana became a licensed contractor and launched Pear Design Build. The firm specializes in high-end renovations and new construction, integrating architecture, interiors, and construction under one cohesive vision. In 2025, she expanded her platform with the launch of Pear Properties, a boutique real estate firm focused on design-driven homes.

A mother of five, Dana spent many years prioritizing family life. As she approaches the next chapter with her children grown, she brings that same clarity, patience, and long-range perspective to her work—leading teams, guiding complex projects, and making decisions rooted in experience and creativity.

The result is a career informed by a wide range of experiences – building homes that endure through an ever-evolving vision, while continuing the family legacy.

Candace Friis

Delray Beach

Candace Friis is the industry’s leading luxury real estate producer, with over 30 years of experience marketing South Florida’s most prestigious waterfront properties. Renowned for her unparalleled results, expertise, and dedication, Candace consistently ranks among the Top 6 agents in Florida and is the #1 agent in the Beach Area. She is an elite member of Corcoran’s President’s Council and the International Luxury Alliance, and is regularly recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 27 real estate professionals in the United States. To date, Candace has successfully closed over $5 billion in South Florida real estate transactions.

With exceptional knowledge of luxury waterfront markets, Candace serves an extensive and discerning global clientele. She is widely respected for her tenacity, integrity, and unwavering commitment to exceeding client expectations. Highly regarded for her negotiating and marketing expertise, Candace has received numerous distinguished awards, including Broker Status, and is frequently sought after by the media as a trusted voice in real estate.

At Corcoran, Candace leverages a powerful strategic alliance between South Florida, Manhattan, and the Hamptons, providing direct access to an influential international buyer network. With a background in economics and fine art, Candace brings a refined aesthetic sensibility and sharp financial insight to every transaction. Her intuitive ability to align buyers and sellers has earned her an exceptional reputation and a loyal base of satisfied clients.

Committed to giving back, Candace has served on the board of the Lupus Foundation’s Southeast Chapter, supported the Achievement Center for Children and Families, and chaired events for the American Heart Association and Gulf Stream School.

Corcoran
561-573-9966 | candace.friis@corcoran.com
www.candacefriis.com

Christy Sheehan

North Palm Beach

Christy Sheehan is a proven sales and marketing leader with over a decade of success in Palm Beach County real estate, including 14 record-breaking neighborhood sales. Known for her results-driven approach and relationship-focused style, Christy brings the mindset of a top producer to both the commercial and residential real estate markets.

A graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Christy was an All-American volleyball player and team captain. She helped lead Penn State to two Final Fours and two NCAA National Championship appearances before continuing her athletic career professionally in the United States and Europe. She later transitioned into coaching and recruiting at University of Texas at Austin, where she played an integral role in securing nationally ranked recruiting classes.

Following her athletic career, Christy spent more than a decade in institutional pharmaceutical sales with Eli Lilly and Pfizer, earning consistent top-performer recognition and multiple President’s Club awards. Prior to joining The Corcoran Group, she also helped manage residential assets through Juno Capital LLC and its affiliates, gaining valuable experience in real estate investment and market strategy.

Christy lives in North Palm Beach with her three children and remains deeply engaged in the Palm Beach community, bringing discipline, strategy, and care to every client relationship.

Corcoran
305-389-4045 | christy.sheehan@corcoran.com
www.corcoran.com

Jackie Feldman

Boca Raton

In a profession where trust, discretion, and results define success, Jackie Feldman has distinguished herself as a leading force in luxury real estate. Known for her relationship-driven approach and unwavering commitment to her clients, Jackie has built a reputation that extends far beyond the transaction.

A top-producing agent with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, Jackie’s standout 2024 performance earned top recognition, including #1 Top Associate in Boca Raton, #4 Top Individual in South Florida, #4 Top Individual Company-Wide, and #6 Top Individual by Gross Commission Income across the company.

Jackie pairs exceptional results with an innate ability to connect with people. Acting as both a trusted advisor and fierce advocate, she approaches every deal with meticulous attention to detail and a proactive risk-management mindset, delivering immense value to her global clientele.

As a buyer’s agent, Jackie provides a true concierge-level experience, supported by a carefully curated network of inspectors, attorneys, contractors, and interior designers who share her high standards.

With expansive international connections and strategic marketing expertise, Jackie elevates every listing on a global stage, ensuring maximum exposure and exceptional representation at every price point.

“My greatest reward as a realtor,” Jackie shares, “is witnessing the joy on my clients’ faces.”

Debra Greenberg & Lauren Weisman

Palm Beach Gardens

As a mother-daughter real estate team with Illustrated Properties, we bring an uncommon depth of expertise, precision, and advocacy to South Florida’s luxury market. Before transitioning into real estate, we each built successful legal careers as attorneys in New York and Florida, developing decades of experience in contracts, negotiation, and complex transactions. That foundation now gives our clients a distinct advantage—every detail is scrutinized, every risk anticipated, and every opportunity maximized.

Together, we have closed over $90 million in real estate sales, representing buyers and sellers across a wide range of high-value transactions, including private and gated communities we know firsthand as residents ourselves. We approach every deal with the mindset of attorneys and the heart of trusted advisors. Our strategy is thoughtful, data-driven, and always tailored to our clients’ long-term goals. From contract to closing, we protect our clients’ interests with clarity, discretion, and confidence. Debra was ranked among Top 1.5% Real Estate Professionals Nationwide 2023.

Outside of real estate, we share a love of golf and tennis, time at the beach, and the importance of family. Much of our joy is spent together—whether it’s quality time with our daughter and granddaughter, or walks with our beloved poodle, Parmesan. That balance of professionalism and genuine connection defines how we work and who we are.

For clients seeking elevated service, proven results, and legal-level diligence, we deliver luxury with purpose.

Illustrated Properties
Debra Greenberg | 561.569.5503
DGreenberg@ipre.com | debragreenberg.ipre.com
Lauren Weisman | 860.558.7893
LWeisman@ipre.com | laurenweisman.ipre.com

Lori McAlear

Palm Beach Gardens/Jupiter

With a career rooted in high-level marketing and business strategy, Lori McAlear brings a distinctly sophisticated approach to real estate—one built on positioning, negotiation, and results.

Before entering the Real Estate industry, Lori built an accomplished business career as a Senior Marketing Executive and Advertising Agency Owner, advising prominent South Florida builders on brand positioning, market entry, and buyer acquisition. Her work focused on understanding how properties are perceived, how buyers make decisions, and how thoughtful strategy translates into measurable results.

Today, that background defines her real estate practice. Consistently ranked among the top 1.5% real estate professionals nationwide, Lori brings a disciplined, business-minded approach to every transaction—combining market insight, precision marketing, and clear negotiation strategy. She is known for guiding clients through complex decisions with confidence and discretion, while managing each detail with intention.

Many of Lori’s clients work with her repeatedly, valuing not only the outcomes she delivers, but the experience itself. She is particularly trusted for her discretion, often representing clients who value privacy and prefer their transactions to remain confidential. Her reputation has been built on trust, clarity, and a level of service that feels seamless and highly personal.

In an industry where experience matters, Lori McAlear stands apart for how she thinks, how she leads, and how she delivers.

Illustrated Properties
561-308-6384
LuxuryHomesByLori@gmail.com

Veronica Russo & Candace Ortiz

Jupiter

“Luxury is not just about the home, it’s about the strategy, the exposure, and the confidence that every detail is handled at the highest level.”
— Candace Ortiz & Veronica Russo

Candace Ortiz and Veronica Russo are Broker-Associates with SERHANT and widely recognized as the firm’s “Dynamic Duo” for luxury real estate across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. With more than 30 years of combined experience, they are known for commanding negotiations and successfully closing complex, high-value transactions.

Their competitive edge lies in their rare combination of expertise. Candace is a Licensed Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Paralegal, and Licensed Community Association Manager, delivering exceptional legal and contractual strategy. Veronica is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and Mortgage Loan Originator, providing advanced financial insight that strengthens deal structure and accelerates successful outcomes.

Before joining SERHANT, they owned and led multiple luxury-focused brokerages, earning reputations for innovation, leadership, and results. Their impact extends beyond real estate through philanthropic initiatives that have contributed over one million dollars to local nonprofits.

Backed by SERHANT’s global marketing platform, elite technology, and media-driven exposure, Candace and Veronica deliver a concierge-level experience for discerning clients who expect powerful representation and superior results.

SERHANT.
C: 561-685-7368 | V: 561-371-7277
CV@Serhant.com
www.CandaceAndVeronica.com

Marie Rosner

Jupiter Inlet Colony

With over 30 years of experience marketing luxury properties, Marie Rosner is recognized for her results-driven approach, refined market insight, and strategic presentation across Palm Beach County’s most prestigious coastal communities.

An award-winning Realtor®, Marie was most recently ranked in 2024 and 2025 as a RealTrends “Verified Top Agent” and consistently places in the top 15% or higher of agents company-wide. Her sellers often achieve 30%–40% above comparable sales, while buyers rely on her discretion to uncover off-market and exclusive opportunities.

Highly engaged in her community, Marie has served on the Board of the Jupiter Inlet Beach Club, as a Commissioner for the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony, and with the Florida League of Cities Land Use and Development Committee. This involvement provides clients with informed insight into planning, governance, and long-term community vision.

Marie has been involved in all aspects of real estate, assisting buyers and sellers with premier waterfront properties while also managing her own high-end luxury spec home projects. She offers a distinct advantage through her Stage Design Certification, and her hands-on experience across residential sales, development, and investment enables her to meet a wide range of real estate needs with confidence and expertise.

Douglas Elliman proudly partners with Knight Frank.

Douglas Elliman
561-371-8451 | Marie.Rosner@Elliman.com
www.elliman.com

Visit Luxury Home Magazine of The Palm Beaches for more Luxury Specialist spotlights.

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