Building for Future Generations: Meet Annalies Verhoeff, recipient of the UBC Sauder BGO Award in Real Estate

With a vision for lasting change in the built environment, Annalies Verhoeff, a fourth-year BCom. student at UBC Sauder, views real estate as a way to empower communities for future generations. Originally from Toronto, she is a proud member of the Canoe Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and pursuing a specialization in Real Estate with a minor in Sociology.

She was drawn to real estate in her early years at Sauder because of the people-centered nature of the industry: “It’s about building relationships, consulting with stakeholders, and creating something that serves people long-term,” she said.

Inspired by the Indigenous concept of building for seven generations, she envisions herself as a real estate developer for Indigenous nations, focusing on economic growth, sustainability, and intergenerational equity.

Annalies is also the recipient of the BGO Award in Real Estate, which recognizes a promising student for their dedication and academic excellence. “This award has allowed me to focus on success,” said Annalies.

This summer, Annalies is gaining hands-on experience at a Vancouver-based developer, where she reviews legal documents and construction plans. She’s most excited by master-planned communities, inspired by ability to thoughtfully create a vibrant neighbourhood around a variety of asset classes.

On campus, Annalies is a passionate community leader, serving as an executive with the Indigenous Business Association and a mentor to first-year Indigenous students. The Real Estate Club at UBC deepened her understanding of the industry and where she built lasting relationships with peers and professionals.

With graduation on the horizon, Annalies has plans to use her education to support Indigenous economic development and cultural resurgence. Her vision is clear: to build vibrant, inclusive communities that will stand the test of time.