(Hero Mohtadi is the winner of a 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award, presented by Connect Canada CRE. Check out the full list of 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award winners.)

Hero Mohtadi is an agent of real estate industry change.

Mohtadi serves as vice-president of residential operations and asset management at Toronto-based Dream Unlimited. The company owns, develops and manages office and multi-residential real estate assets.

Mohtadi’s extensive career reflects her commitment to enhancing residential communities; promoting sustainable, inclusive development; and championing diversity, equity and inclusion. Through her work at Dream, she continues to lead innovative projects that set new industry standards.

Over the past two-plus decades, she has developed diverse multi-residential asset management skills in such areas as strategic planning, development, and operational optimization.

Under Mohtadi’s guidance, Dream’s multi-residential operation strives to create affordable and attainable housing within environmentally friendly and inclusive communities. She has helped expand a small portfolio into one that now spans the country and has a robust development pipeline.

In addition to leading the development of new properties, she oversees the revitalization of legacy assets with modern amenities and sustainability features that enhance the resident’s living experience. She also helps foster the growth of co-living and co-working spaces within Dream’s buildings.

Mohtadi is helping to co-ordinate the development of Dream’s transformative 34-acre Zibi waterfront project that straddles Ottawa and neighbouring Gatineau, Que.

Known for its commitment to sustainable living, Zibi incorporates a district energy system that deploys post-industrial waste for heating and uses the Ottawa River for cooling, enabling the entire community to remain carbon-neutral. Since Dream’s initial investment in 2015, the community has completed roughly 1 million square feet of residential and commercial space, two public parks, and three plazas.

Dream remains deeply committed to the future of Zibi, with plans to build 2,500 rental units, 600 of which are already completed and leased. Another 440 units are set to break ground within the next year.

Mohtadi’s responsibilities include oversight of the Dream Community Foundation, which plays a key role in creating inclusive communities and helping people feel that they belong.  The DCF is a not-for-profit group dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and neighbourhoods across Canada.

Through the foundation, Dream creates experiences and programming, which include homework clubs, summer camps, programs at properties, supporting not-for-profits at Dream communities and generally helping create opportunities for adults and children to belong to groups, learn practical skills and be part of a supportive community.  

Before joining Dream in April 2022, Mohtadi was director of operations at Hazelview Properties, where she managed a portfolio of more than 6,000 suites in the Greater Toronto Area and co-chaired the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee. Previously, she served as director of operations at Timbercreek Communities, overseeing operations across multiple regions and, later, properties as manager of the firm’s Toronto East region.

Mohtadi’s earlier experience includes roles with the company now known as BGO, as regional manager for residential properties, and with Realstar Management as a property manager. She also held managerial positions at Greenwin, Canlight Hall Management, and Schickedanz Bros. Properties, gaining substantial experience in property management, leasing, and marketing.

In the public sector, Mohtadi served as a policy advisor to the minister of economic development and trade at the Government of Ontario, where she contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing economic growth.

Outside of her Dream work, Mohtadi is an active volunteer with community groups. She sits on the board of McClellan Community Childcare Centres, on behalf of a non-profit facility. She also serves on the executive committee of the Greater Toronto Kurdish House. The human rights group helps preserve Kurdish culture, provides supportive spaces for interfaith and intercultural events, and addresses local education and health issues, particularly for youth, seniors and people with disabilities.

These are some of the reasons why Mohtadi has received a 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award.

(Check out the full list of 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award winners.)