UKREiiF drinks reception

As Head of Digital Citizen Engagement at DLUHC, Bridget's passion lies in using digital technology to foster diversity and inclusion across communities and drive the acceleration of proptech across the development and planning industry. Her current focus is to lead on delivering the PropTech Engagement Fund which has supported a level record of investment into the local government sector, currently working with over 45 local authorities and sharing emerging best practice across the market. Bridget has more than 14 years of international real estate experience and is an expert in the global PropTech (property technology) sector through her previous role on the CBRE UK Innovation Board and as a founding member of the Urban Land Institute UK Tech Forum. She was previously Director of Community Engagement at Built-ID, where she was responsible for scaling the award winning proptech platform Give My View that supported the delivery of more than 35,000 homes across the UK. Bridget is a proud advocate for developing the next generation of real estate professionals across London, with a focus on skills evolution into the digital age through her role as Co-founder of Peer20 social impact network, Startup Mentor on the REACH UK Tech Programme and previously Steering Committee Member of the City Property Association Next Gen Committee. As an industry champion for the adoption of proptech and innovation to support urban environments, Bridget was recognised as Global Finalist for the Tech Futureproof Woman Awards (2021) and Global Woman in Proptech Awards (2019).

Melissa is the Chief Operating Officer for the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), leading major economic development transactions, initiating tax incentive programs and investments that create jobs in key sectors, and spearheading real estate development on city-owned land. Managing to a double bottom line of financial returns and measured social impact, Melissa mobilizes public and private investment across the NYCEDC portfolio of 64 million square feet and 230 assets comprised of life sciences, film & entertainment, advanced manufacturing, offshore wind, and green economy businesses. Melissa joined the EDC in 2022 after two decades as a leading business executive and property developer. While at Lendlease and Forest City, she assembled, entitled, capitalized, and constructed millions of square feet of mixed-use office, housing, and entertainment developments. A proud civic leader, Melissa serves as a Trustee of the Henry Street Settlement and has been recognized by Crain’s 40 Under 40, City & State’s Women of Public & Civic Mind, and the Commercial Observer Real Estate Power 100.

Shravan is presently the Chairman of the Planning & Transportation Committee and a Member of the Policy and Resources Committee. He is also the Policy Lead for High Growth Markets for the City of London Corporation.

He has served since 2018 as an elected member at the City Corporation and has held various positions including, Deputy Chairman of the Licensing Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee & Deputy Chairman of the Property Investment Board.

Shravan started his career in investment banking but moved to the energy sector in 1999. He specialised in trade structuring and supply chain contracts into Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Far East and North America. He has worked with several new energy technology companies, and currently advises firms on policy, governance and commercialisation of new innovations and solutions.