Najla Kayyem is a nationally recognized marketing strategist and placemaking expert with over 20 years of experience shaping iconic destinations across the country. As the founder of Kayyem Marketing, she brings a bold, high-impact approach to branding, leasing support, and experiential activations that help commercial properties thrive.

Najla launched Kayyem Marketing to offer developers and owners a more strategic, hands-on partner—one that understands how to tell a property’s story, build lasting community connections, and drive tangible results. Her leadership has guided projects coast to coast, from luxury retail and mixed-use developments to revitalized downtowns and adaptive reuse spaces.

She previously served as Executive Vice President of Marketing at Pacific Retail Capital Partners, overseeing a $3 billion national portfolio and setting new benchmarks in experiential marketing and consumer engagement. Her career also includes senior roles with industry leaders like Westfield, Caruso, Related Companies, and RED Development.

In addition to leading Kayyem Marketing, Najla serves as Executive Director of Steadfast LA, furthering her commitment to community-driven development and strategic growth initiatives.

Recognized as a 2023 GlobeSt. Woman of Influence, Najla is a trusted advisor, speaker, and industry voice driving the future of commercial placemaking.

Leslie Himley is a dynamic marketing leader with 20+ years of expertise in branding, strategy, and execution across commercial real estate, entertainment, and consumer industries. A transformational branding expert, Leslie has successfully rebranded mixed-use properties, consumer real estate, and the Phoenix Coyotes’ arena, driving visibility and revenue growth. Known for innovative marketing in mixed-use and shopping centers, Leslie has boosted tenant growth, foot traffic, and leasing support. As a high-profile event strategist, she led marketing for the Phoenix Coyotes’ home arena, working with top artists like Carrie Underwood and Paul McCartney. An award-winning professional, Leslie’s work has been recognized for excellence in digital and branded content.

Bridget is a digital marketing and design specialist with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and minors in English and Africana Studies from the University of Tennessee. She’s known for transforming brands through compelling visual identity, engaging content, and strategic storytelling. With a proven ability to grow social media engagement and elevate digital presence, she helps brands connect in more meaningful ways with their audiences. Her experience with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Football enhances her expertise in operations, partnerships, and fan engagement.

Grace is a passionate marketing coordinator with a talent for creative strategy, brand storytelling, and digital engagement. A graduate of Arizona State University with a B.A. in Communication, she brings fresh ideas and data-driven insights to social media marketing, content creation, and audience growth. With a knack for crafting engaging brand narratives and impactful digital campaigns, Grace helps brands stand out, connect authentically, and drive meaningful engagement. She continues to refine her skills in strategic marketing, content innovation, and brand development, always bringing energy and creativity to everything she does.

Melissa Greenfield is a marketing and communications professional with 15+ years of experience in content creation, brand storytelling, and strategic marketing. With a background in hospitality, retail, and tourism, she has worked in marketing, PR, social media management, and event coordination for brands across the U.S. In 2018, she received a Silver MAXI Award from ICSC for her contributions to a high-impact public relations campaign. A James Madison University graduate, she lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and serves on the Board of Directors for InUnison of Central Virginia, an organization dedicated to supporting local small businesses since 1906.

Taylor earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality and Event Management from California State University, Chico and brings over six years of experience in event planning and execution. With a passion for creating seamless, memorable experiences, she has successfully managed a wide range of events, from large-scale corporate gatherings to intimate brand activations. Taylor’s expertise lies in logistics, vendor coordination, and guest experience, ensuring every detail is flawlessly executed. Her dynamic approach and keen eye for detail make her an asset in delivering high-impact events that leave a lasting impression.

Josie Anderson specializes in creating engaging spaces, both digital and physical. With expertise in graphic design, social media management, content creation, and digital marketing, she helps bring ideas to life with creativity and precision.

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a Master of Science in Nursing, Josie grew up surrounded by graphic design and architecture, fueling her passion for creative design. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors with her husband, volunteering with foster children, and tackling home renovation projects.

Ellie Gray is a talented graphic designer specializing in branding, collateral design, and social media marketing for both corporate and small businesses. With experience across health and fitness, commercial real estate, construction, retail, healthcare, entertainment, and food & beverage, she brings a versatile approach to design and marketing.

Beyond her design career, Ellie owned and operated her own restaurant on Magazine Street in New Orleans, blending creativity with business acumen. A Louisiana State University graduate, she was born and raised in New Orleans and now resides in Baton Rouge with her husband and three kids.

Michelle Berryman is an accomplished marketing and public relations professional with a proven track record in commercial and residential real estate, healthcare, and retail sectors. She specializes in crisis communication, consumer marketing, branding, and event management. With a strategic mindset and a focus on execution, Michelle spearheads impactful marketing initiatives that elevate brand visibility and foster engagement.

A proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Michelle holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. She currently lives in the Charlotte area with her husband and their two children.

Lindsay Burgee brings over 20 years of experience in mixed-use and retail marketing, with a proven track record of elevating high-profile assets across the country. Her expertise spans both operational and development marketing, including brand strategy, creative campaigns, content development, social media, community engagement, public relations, communications, and large-scale events.

A digital marketing expert, Lindsay specializes in data-driven solutions that drive measurable results, leveraging CRM platforms, SMS and email marketing, eCommerce strategies, and omni-channel advertising to maximize engagement and ROI.

In addition to her work with top landlords such as Westfield, Lindsay founded and operates a successful direct-to-consumer brand and previously served as Vice President of Marketing, eCommerce, and Sales for a well-known contemporary fashion label. Earlier in her career, she led retail marketing for 400 North American GUESS stores, bringing a deep understanding of both brand and consumer dynamics.