MP’s very own Jane Kepros and Robina Shepherd are featured in the New England Real Estate Journal’s 2025 Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight!
Jane Kepros | Director of Lab Programming
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? When I first considered leaving the pharma industry to work at an architecture firm, I was asked why I would leave a “noble” career developing treatments for illnesses or diseases to work in design. Since then, I have been involved in over 170 projects, mostly in the biotech/pharma industry. These facilities I helped design have been used by dozens of companies and thousands of employees to develop treatments and cures for many indications. I’m proud to think that my input has made a small impact as I help the scientists and technicians bring these products to market.
What’s a challenge you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome it? I changed careers from working as a scientist in a biology lab to working at an architecture firm in my thirties. It was my first time working in an office environment, which was a culture shock. Imposter syndrome hit hard. I confided in a colleague, who was a wonderful mentor, and she reminded me that I was hired for my previous experience, which was unique and would be an asset, and that no one expected me to be an expert in the design industry on day 1. When I had bad days, I thought about that advice. Over time, I developed my expertise and have since enjoyed a lot of success.
Robina Shepherd | Senior Interior Designer
What drew you to commercial real estate, and what keeps you passionate? As a designer the opportunity to focus on hospitality and multi-family development was my initial draw to commercial real estate. Over the last four years I’ve been fortunate to design the interiors for six multi-family affordable housing projects throughout greater New England and New York sparking my drive to create places that everyone can be proud to call home. I’m grateful for spaces like CREW Boston’s Housing and Community Development Committee that support that passion.
Congratulations to you both and we cannot wait to see all your continued success!