Women’s History Month is the perfect time to acknowledge women who have undoubtedly made their mark on the history of Savills. There is one woman, in particular, who has been a true trailblazer, not only at our company but also in the entire commercial real estate industry. Lois Zambo is vice chairman and co-regional manager in the Washington, DC office and she is the definition of the term doyenne. Throughout her tenure, Lois has been the first of many things. Among her many accomplishments, she was the first woman to:

• Become an office director
• Join the North American Board of Directors
• Become the highest-earning broker for the company, an achievement she earned twice

Lois began her career as a temporary receptionist at the Julien J. Studley office in Crystal City, Virginia. What she did not know was this temp job, expected to last between one year and 18 months, would turn into a career spanning over 40 years. She quickly began moving up in the company and was one of the first women to receive her real estate license in Washington – the rest, they say, is history. Even to this day, Lois is still working with many of the same clients she had since she began her career. Notable ones include the Newseum, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and law firms Kirkland & Ellis, Baker McKenzie, Mintz, and Perkins Coie. She has also been honored with more awards than we can list, many of which she was the first woman to receive.

Nicole Miller, a leader of Savills Women’s Initiatives Network employee resource group, describes how Lois assisted her in bringing in a new account in just one day. She shares, “Only a few years into my career, I secured a meeting with the CFO of a notable association after I made a cold call. Later that afternoon, I received an email from the CFO who said the CEO would be attending and he had two requests: 1) the meeting should be held over lunch, and 2) bring Lois Zambo. When I told Lois of the request she laughed and said of course she would join. It turns out Lois had previously represented the CEO at a prior association, and he was of course thrilled with her work. By the end of the lunch, we were hired on the spot. I credit Lois’ strong reputation and her ability to maintain key relationships for our quick-win that day.”

Lois continues to leave an imprint on the company through mentoring other women. Her advice to the next generation? Don’t take no for an answer. Always take the time to find the way to a yes. Ask questions and find the root of the problem. Once you figure out what the problem is, you can figure out the solution.

There is no denying Lois has made her mark on the history of Savills and is continuing to inspire all women and men of the company today. She is an original and one who proves that trusting your own instincts is what makes you a true trailblazer.

-Vice Chairman and Chief Diversity Officer Lisa Davidson