Jewel Kayfes

Member Spotlight

Company: NorthWest Engineering Service, Inc.

How did you first hear about CREW Portland?

I was new to the industry and looking to connect with like-minded individuals. I somehow was acquainted with Patti Moller, Past CREW Portland President, and after a meeting with her was inspired to join and invest time in CREW.

What motivated you to join CREW Portland?

Networking, Business Development, Career Advancement, Meet Inspiring People, Volunteer, Be a voice for women in Commercial Real Estate. I think the determining factor was that I wanted to be surrounded by women that truly had a desire to see me succeed in my career. CREW gave me that years ago, continues to provide a strong professional network today, and now I am a resource for new members.

How did you get here?

I've always been a driven person. This likely stems from a young age when I had to take care of myself independently and acquire the resources I needed. I strived and succeeded at a young age to be financially independent. I believe that is why I attained higher-level positions fairly soon in my career. I started out working in customer services jobs and throughout college, these jobs helped fund my education. This drive during and after college pushed me to refine my skills in service and eventually led me to careers in relationship management, business development, and marketing. I always tried to listen and genuinely care about others and their success. This applies to my team at NWESI, our clients, and those in the industry. I think that has brought me to where I am today. I have been in my current role at NWESI for over 7 years. They saw an opportunity in me and I leaned into that and gave it my all. They invited me to serve on their Executive Board of Directors, something I never saw myself doing. Today I help lead a team that is truly making an impact on the built environment and putting clients' needs first.

Tell us something we didn't know about you?

I am a newly working mama! This was a hard adjustment for me to balance with my career. My husband and his family are truly the glue that holds it all together. She is 7 months old now and every day is better with her in it. I believe that she has made me a better wife, employee, and person. Something inside of you really changes when you have kids, and I never really understood it before. The world is so much brighter and life feels more fulfilling.

If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Grit, Thoughtful, Vibrant

Favorite Travel Destination?

Anyplace warm with water

What is one goal you would like to achieve through CREW?

During my tenure with CREW, I've had the privilege to serve various roles within the Programs Committee, as National Delegate and am now completing the 3-year series as Immediate Past President. I served as CREW Portland President in 2021. It was a challenging time but I am very proud of the contributions I was able to make to the chapter to continue our mission through the toughest seasons of the pandemic. In this next phase of membership with CREW, I'd like to continue to raise other women up within the industry through volunteering with members, assisting in youth education opportunities, and participating in the Past President's Council I helped launch in 2022. I look forward to being involved with CREW for many years to come.