Big Wins: Female Leadership & Culture Spotlight
2026 RETCON HERizon Award (Preiss)
#5 TBJ Top Women-Owned Businesses (Preiss)
2026 GlobeSt. Women of Influence (Sara Clark & Susan Folckemer)
TBJ Women in Business Award (Susan Folckemer)
2026 Influential Female Executives in Business (Whitney Kidd)
2026 RETCON HERizon Award (Preiss) #5 TBJ Top Women-Owned Businesses (Preiss) 2026 GlobeSt. Women of Influence (Sara Clark & Susan Folckemer) TBJ Women in Business Award (Susan Folckemer) 2026 Influential Female Executives in Business (Whitney Kidd)
There’s something really special about the way we work together at Preiss, and lately, others have really been taking notice!
We’re honored and thrilled to share that Preiss was recently named the first-ever recipient of the RETCON HERizon Award. This is a huge national honor that recognizes female-led innovation and the way we’re changing the game in both organizational culture and PropTech.
“At Preiss, diversity is our identity. To be recognized as the inspiration for the HERizon Award is deeply humbling. We believe that by creating a seat at the table for everyone, we drive the innovation necessary to move the entire industry forward.”
- Donna Preiss | Founder & Chief Executive Officer
This recognition complements Preiss’s standing as the #5 Largest Women-Owned Business by the Triangle Business Journal.
From our home base in Raleigh, NC to our nationwide portfolio of communities, we remain a steadfast leader in both the student housing and conventional multifamily housing industries.
But the awards didn’t stop there.
Three (yes, THREE!) of our incredible female leaders have been recognized for their achievements and impact on the industry.
Susan was awarded the GlobeSt. Woman of Influence Award in the Professional/Owner Category and the 2026 TBJ Woman In Business Award by the Triangle Business Journal.
🗞️ CLICK HERE for TBJ’s article about Susan’s growth and impact in the real estate industry
“I am profoundly honored to receive these awards. It symbolizes the mentorship and courage that have defined my journey, and I hope it motivates other women to pursue their own paths with equal boldness. This recognition reinforces my dedication to empowering others and challenging the limits of what women can achieve in business. “
-Susan Folckemer, Chief Investment Officer
Sara was awarded the GlobeSt. Woman of Influence Award. in the Corporate Real Estate Executive Category.
“It’s a privledge to be recognized by GlobeSt. alongside Susan and such an accomplished group of women. Since joining Preiss in 2055, I have seen firsthand how our leadership’s dedication to excellence empowers every level of our organization. I’m proud to contribute to a team that is constantly redefining success.”
- Sara Clark, EVP of Property Management
Whitney was recognized as one of the 2026 Influential Female Executives in Business among the Top 50 Women Execs by Chief Women Leaders Magazine.
🗞️ CLICK HERE to read about Whitney’s journey and her vision for the future of Proptech
“Merging technology with a human-centric approach to inclusion is what allows us to stay ahead. Developing the industry’s first female humanoid robot was a testament to our belief that the future of PropTech must be representative of the diverse world that we serve. We’re thrilled to accept this award and look forward to continuing this legacy.”
- Whitney Kidd, SVP of Innovation
While these awards look great on the shelf,
it’s important to remember they also represent you.
These wins happen because we’ve built a culture where everyone has a seat at the table and where big ideas can come to life. We’re so proud to be on this journey with all of you.
Let’s take a moment to congratulate Susan, Sara, and Whitney in the comments!
