This event is designed to create an intimate gathering between DLs and leaders in the Triangle Commercial Real Estate community.

Join us for the last breakfast of a year long series, hosted by the NAIOP Developing Leaders and designed for young leaders only (35 and under). Limited amount of seats are available for this event. Seats are first come, first served and open to NAIOP Developing Leader members first. If  open seats are still available, event may be open to non members after a two week registration period

Our featured mentor for September is Kristen Hess, President, CEO, HH Architecture

Kristen M. Hess is the President, CEO, and business development leader of HH Architecture. With a Bachelor of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University, she passionately drives sustainable and client-focused design at the firm. Kristen's community-centric approach extends beyond her role, as she actively mentors students and future leaders, while also serving on influential boards such as the Governor's Council on Historically Underutilized Businesses and the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of North Carolina Coastal Pines. She is also the Vice President of the Blue Ridge Corridor Alliance and a member of the Board of Advisors for the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Kristen's global perspective was enhanced through her participation in the Marshall Memorial Fellowship by the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Zhi-Xing China Eisenhower Fellowship, forging connections with leaders worldwide. In 2021, she co-founded the Sardinia Dialogues, bringing together representatives from diverse sectors.

Under her leadership, HH Architecture has grown to nearly 50 employees, earning recognition as the AIA North Carolina Firm of the Year in 2022 and AIA Triangle Firm of the Year in 2018. Kristen herself was honored as the North Carolina Small Business Person of the Year in 2022.