Walker & Dunlop is an award-winning real estate firm with 40+ locations in the US. The industry-leading company is as passionate about supporting its teams as it is about creating meaningful change in the industry and the communities it serves.
We sat down with Katie Balderrama, executive vice president and group head of Walker & Dunlop’s Affordable Equity Preservation and Development groups, to discuss how her unique career journey was built upon a foundation of teamwork and compassion for others, and how prioritizing those values has been an asset to both her personal and professional life.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Walker & Dunlop?
I serve as executive vice president and group head of the Affordable Equity Preservation and Development Groups. I began my career as a litigator handling complex antitrust matters, securities litigation, and high-stakes corporate disputes. As a litigator, I particularly enjoyed working on cases involving “corporate divorces” (disputes between partners or owners of a company), and I learned a lot from my exposure to real estate companies and investors. Eventually, one of my mentors, who represented one of these clients, Alliant Capital, encouraged me to apply for their open general counsel position. I couldn’t believe how seamlessly that door opened, and I quickly accepted the position.
My transition to general counsel for Alliant Capital and its related entities was exciting as I dove deeply into both LIHTC and transactional work. In this role, I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in many significant industry-first initiatives, such as becoming the first syndicator in the industry to get our assets rated by Moody’s for a securitization. I also acted as one of the leaders in the sale of the company’s ownership to Walker & Dunlop. After Shawn Horwitz’s retirement, I took on the role of group head of the Affordable Equity, Preservation, and Development groups at Walker and Dunlop, and I’m enjoying the work I get to do today.
Why do you do the work you do?
The number one motivator for me is always people—building relationships within my company, investor and developer clients, outside counsel, and other industry professionals. I value being part of an excellent team—not only my team within the company but also with all the participants in our industry and our deal teams. The way we collaborate helps us execute our mission, which is financing safe, affordable housing for folks who otherwise might not have access to it. Sometimes, it’s easy to lose sight of that mission when the day-to-day can seem like an endless sea of words and numbers, but the big picture is why I’m in this industry as opposed to market-rate real estate, which frankly seems far easier!
What are you most proud of in your professional life?
Once again, I must point to relationships. The connections I’ve forged with our internal team, as well as other colleagues, professionals, and clients, are invaluable. I work hard to nurture those connections. It’s what I prioritize and what I'm most proud of.
Who have been some of the most influential sponsors and mentors in your career, and what lessons did you draw from them?
I’ve been fortunate to have two remarkable mentors and sponsors who’ve profoundly shaped my career. The first is from my law firm days—Michael Cypers taught me the technicalities of litigation, but, more importantly, he taught me how to do the work in context with the broader narrative and to align it with client goals. After all, you can win at trial but ultimately lose if your client isn’t happy with the time and money they’re spending. Michael helped me learn to always put the client’s goals first and measure your effectiveness and your success by your client’s goals and whether you’re achieving them. We continue to work together now that I’m in-house.
The other mentor who helped me grow is Shawn Horwitz, who encouraged me to take on the role I’m in today. As busy as he was, if I asked for guidance, he always explained what he was doing, why he was doing it, and how the pieces fit together. He taught me so much more than the nuts and bolts of what we were doing; he taught me the “why,” and he had a keen eye for developing strategy and meeting our clients’ needs. Shawn helped me develop my business judgment and to prioritize and build relationships.
Both mentors showed me not only how to do my job, but how I wanted to do my job as I grew.
You studied classical voice in college and continue to sing with community groups. How has music and singing shaped who you are?
Transitioning from a career in singing to law might sound strange, but I developed some very valuable skills from my classical music background. Studying classical voice involves highly technical training on complicated topics like music theory—it’s a very good foundation for any kind of business because it teaches you to think deeply and to be extraordinarily detail-oriented.
In addition, you are performing in front of people all the time. The first time I sang in front of my classmates and teachers, I was so nervous I couldn't finish my song and ran off stage. I had to figure out how to get over that. I eventually got comfortable putting myself out there, and I was able to deliver hour-long solo performances. The natural ease I feel when public speaking, both as a law student and now as a business person, stems from the confidence I built through musical training and performance.
Your compassion for others shows in your work. How does it guide your family life?
My husband and I have built our family in a somewhat unique way. We fostered and then adopted three out of our four children, a path that has brought us so much joy. Despite the challenges that parenting inevitably brings, our children are blessings to us. I think that’s how every parent feels.
My primary motivation in life is to provide for them, ensuring that they have access to every opportunity and choice available, particularly as they approach college and adulthood. I serve my children’s needs with the same approach I take with the underserved communities I help; I know that by building a solid foundation that allows them to access opportunities, I’m giving them the tools to help them thrive. Being successful in my career helps me be a successful parent. My children are my number one priority, and I am deeply invested in their well-being and future. My work helps me accomplish this not only in my home but out in the world they’ll inherit.
