Over the past decade, PLA! (The Professional Ladies Association) has become a meaningful community for women in the commercial real estate and construction industries—one built on connection, empowerment, and giving back. Earlier this month, PLA! hosted its 10th annual PLA! for Ellie Brunch at Venezia Boston to celebrate community, courage, and compassion, all in support of the Ellie Fund.
Founded by Maureen Rystrom, Partner at J. Calnan & Associates (JC&A), and Kris Esposito, PLA! was created to give women in the commercial real estate and construction industries a space to connect and lift one another up—while supporting causes that directly impact women.
The inspiration came years ago when Rystrom attended an industry event early in her career with JC&A’s Founder and CEO, Jay Calnan, and commented that it felt like “wading through a sea of navy suits and silver hair.” Instead of brushing it off, Jay simply asked, “What can we do as a company to help you change that?” That moment sparked an idea—and with JC&A’s full support, PLA! was born.
From the very beginning, the Ellie Fund has been at the heart of that mission, helping to ease the everyday burdens faced by breast cancer patients so they can focus on what matters most: healing.
“PLA! started with purpose,” said Rystrom. “When I recognized how few women were represented in our industry, I wanted to help change that. Kris and I built PLA! around connection, empowerment, and giving back—and every year, this community continues to amaze me. I’ll forever be grateful to Jay and JC&A for believing in the vision and helping to make it possible.”
“PLA! represents what happens when women come together with shared purpose,” said Meredith Mendelson, Executive Director of the Ellie Fund. “Their continued partnership has helped provide critical support to hundreds of patients and families across Massachusetts. We are so thankful for their dedication and generosity.”
This year’s brunch, hosted by Candy O’Terry, featured powerful conversations with three extraordinary women—Candace Woods-Yacub, Jenna McCarthy, and Melissa Dupuis—each sharing stories of courage, hope, and resilience.
Ten years in, PLA! has raised significant funds to support the Ellie Fund’s mission and continues to grow its community of women who lead with heart—both in business and in life.
