Ciara Laney, a spirited fourth-year student, stood at a pivotal moment when she received the Runstad Department of Real Estate Fund for Student Support (2023-4). This scholarship, bestowed by the Runstad Department of Real Estate ignited Ciara’s path toward a brighter future.
Overflowing with gratitude, Ciara vowed to make the most of her college experience. As a full-time student, she balanced her academic pursuits with part-time work, ensuring her college expenses were covered. She is from Lynnwood, Washington, and is the third oldest out of eight children, seven girls and one boy. Previously, Ciara clocked in four days a week, eight-hour shifts—until the scholarship allowed her to scale back to just two days. This shift granted her precious extra time, which she now spends bonding with her family and cultivating meaningful friendships.
Ciara’s impact extends beyond textbooks and lecture halls. As the Undergraduate President of the Real Estate Club, an AIAS Mentor, and a First-Year Interest Group leader, she champions aspiring students to explore the Real Estate Major. Her dedication transformed the Real Estate Club, making it more inclusive for undergraduates and women. Last year, only three out of nine club leaders were female, but Ciara’s relentless efforts paid off—now, half of the Real Estate Club leadership comprises women. She works tirelessly to find ways to represent underrepresented groups.
But Ciara’s story doesn’t end there. She is a double major studying Architectural Design. This dual focus enriches her skill set and broadens her perspective in the industry. In winter 2024, Ciara’s journey took an exciting turn. She collaborated with six graduate students in the NAIOP Real Estate Development competition, gaining invaluable experience. She was able to utilize her architectural design skills and draft floor plans while learning more about real-time financial analysis in the downtown Seattle market. The opportunity to work alongside MSRE students was an honor she won’t soon forget.
Ciara landed her first internship last summer as a Project Engineer with BNBuilders. The real-world experience she will gain there was instrumental in shaping her understanding of real estate development.
Ciara’s tale is one of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of educational support. Her future shines bright, fueled by the scholarship that opened doors and the unwavering determination that propels her forward.