Social Media:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/qiwenguan/
Professional Background:
Upon graduation from UC Davis with dual majors in Managerial Economics and Statistics, I started my commercial real estate financing journey at TMC Financing in 2018. I spent two and a half years in loan processing, providing support to the internal departments, borrowers, and business partners. In early 2021, I was promoted to be a Business Development Associate, serving lenders, brokers, and small businesses throughout the North Bay and San Francisco by providing SBA 504 loans. As a Business Development Associate, I work with TMC’s senior business development staff to provide analysis and support for the financing of SBA 504 commercial real estate loans.
CREW SF Background:
I was first introduced to CREW SF by TMC Financing’s president and founder Barbara Morrison, who is a CREW East Bay member. I didn’t know anyone in the SF chapter, but I submitted my application in early 2020 with hopes of expanding my CRE network. In the same month, I attended my first in-person CREW SF event - Leaders Who Power Lunch led by Samantha Low - and learned about the various committees and leadership opportunities. After exploring options, I decided to join the Rising Leaders Committee. My first CREW leadership position was the program manager for the Coffee Talks. I later applied to be the co-chair of the 2021 CREWMates Mentorship Program, where I help foster a positive and caring mentoring environment for young rising professionals by connecting them with experienced industry leaders to exchange ideas, receive professional guidance and build connections.
Today, I serve as co-chair of the CREWMates Mentorship Program and vice chair of the Rising Leaders Committee.
Q&A:
What advice do you have for women who wish to advance in their jobs?
As someone in the earlier stages of my career, my advice would be to seize the opportunity to learn as much as you can. Learning is a lifelong journey, so you’ll grow fast if you’re equipped with knowledge and skills.
What advice do you want to give a new CREW SF member?
Don’t just be a CREW SF member, join a committee! This sounds really cliche, but you get out what you put into it. If you’re curious about how a committee runs, feel free to email the committee chair and vice chair for a Zoom link to the monthly meetings. They would be happy to send you all the sources you need and answer any questions you have. One of the biggest pieces of advice I received when I first joined was “try to attend at least one monthly meeting for all committees, then stick to the ones you like”. And that’s my advice to you if you’re still exploring.
What has been the highlight during your membership with CREW SF?
Being a CREWMates organizer has definitely been a highlight. I got to design and create a platform for mentors and mentees to have productive conversations and build meaningful relationships. It's so rewarding every time I receive appreciative messages from the participants after each module. All of their encouragement and appreciation keeps me working hard and planning the best modules.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy traveling, hanging out with friends and family, creating succulent arrangements, and reading books in the sun. If I need some alone time to do nothing, you can catch me listening to Jay Chou’s songs.
What’s a fun fact that you’d like to share about yourself?
Sleeping is my ultimate hobby. It helps restore my body and recharge my mind to boost energy levels effectively.