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About Ashley
Ashley Walker is the founder of The CRE Mentor, a groundbreaking training and development program dedicated to empowering women in commercial real estate. Driven by a deep passion for creating pathways for women's success in the industry, Ashley has made it her mission to break down barriers and provide strategic mentorship, resources, and opportunities for women looking to build and scale their careers in commercial real estate.
As a successful commercial real estate professional with over $250M in transactions, Ashley leads the Healthcare Team at Millenia Partners, specializing in Healthcare assets, Professional Office, Land, Development, and Investment Sales. Her professional journey exemplifies her commitment to supporting women's professional growth, demonstrating that with the right mentorship and strategic approach, women can excel in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Through The CRE Mentor, Ashley provides comprehensive training that goes beyond traditional mentorship. Her program offers women practical skills, industry insights, career opportunities, and the confidence to navigate and succeed in commercial real estate. By sharing her own experiences of climbing the ranks and breaking through professional barriers, Ashley inspires and equips the next generation of women leaders in the industry.
Ashley's professional background includes a Business Management degree from the University of S. Alabama and attending Barry University School of Law. Her personal philosophy of "stick-to-itiveness" – a lesson learned from her Dad – drives her approach to mentorship and professional development. With a track record of strategic deal-making and a genuine commitment to women's professional advancement, Ashley is transforming the landscape of commercial real estate, one mentee at a time.
From Hustling in College to Thriving in Commercial Real Estate
I didn’t start out in commercial real estate—I actually began my career waiting tables during college to pay the bills. Like many students, I was balancing work with school, but I felt like I was missing out on what college was supposed to be—a time for fun and freedom. That all changed when one of my regular customers, a commercial real estate developer, took an interest in me and offered me an opportunity to join his team. It was a pivotal moment that allowed me to learn the ins and outs of real estate, particularly how to assemble lots for developers to build homes.
Working in real estate not only helped me financially, but it gave me something far more valuable: flexibility. I had the freedom to study when I needed, relax by the pool in the middle of the day, and hang out with friends. For the first time, I could balance my work life with enjoying my college years—and that flexibility became something I deeply valued.
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After a few years in real estate, I shifted into sales roles, eventually becoming a corporate sales trainer and then a national director of sales. I thrived in the corporate world—I was training teams, developing managers across the country, and working in a prestigious glass office with other executives. I felt like I had “made it,” and I even had a reserved parking spot with my name on it. But while I was hitting all the traditional markers of success, I quickly realized something was missing. I had unlimited PTO, but an unspoken rule that I could never actually use it. The constant travel took a toll, and I found myself missing out on life. Friends would say, “I haven’t seen you in forever,” and it hit me—I was making all this money, but had no time to enjoy it.
To add to the intensity, I was also attending law school full-time in the evenings, working a demanding job from 8 to 5 and then going to class from 6 to 11 PM. It was a dream I had long held, but after losing my dad during my second year, I realized that law school had been more his dream than mine. What I really wanted was to connect with people and work on the client-facing side of transactions, not be buried in contracts and case law. So, I made a bold move. I left my corporate job and returned to real estate, where I could have both the flexibility and income I needed—without sacrificing my personal life.
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Today, real estate allows me to do what I love while keeping my family and God at the forefront of my life. It has given me the ability to be present for my children—whether it’s being room mom, spending the entire summer traveling, or having them play hooky and stay home with me. It hasn’t always been easy, and there have certainly been sacrifices along the way, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. I’ve built a career that not only supports my financial goals but also allows me to live a full, balanced life where my family always comes first.
Why Work with Me
Commercial real estate is more than just a job to me— it's allowed me to create freedom and flexibility for myself and my mentees. I’ve walked in your shoes, balancing career aspirations with personal commitments, and I understand what it takes to make it all work without compromising on what matters most. When you work with me, you’re not just getting a seasoned professional—you’re getting someone who truly values relationships, and integrity, and making sure that both your business and personal goals are met.
Let’s work together to build the life and success you dream of—without sacrificing the things that matter most.