Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carla Ferreira. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Carla , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’ve spent a lot of my career in rooms where I was the only woman, and I never felt it was necessary to make myself less visible in order to be taken seriously.

I love fashion. I love art. I enjoy expressing myself creatively, and I don’t believe those interests are incompatible with a career in development. In fact, one of my favorite things is seeing people’s reactions when I walk into a meeting looking like an art collector and start discussing land rights, infrastructure planning, permitting challenges and construction schedules.

Eventually, people stop focusing on how you look and start paying attention to what you know.

I’ve learned that preparation is far more important than presentation. If you’ve done the work, understand the details, and can clearly communicate your position, you earn respect. I’ve also learned that confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from being comfortable asking questions, listening carefully, and trusting your ability to solve problems.

Women don’t need to become someone else to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. The most effective thing I’ve done is show up as myself every single time.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Carla Ferreira, and I am the CEO of The Aurora Highlands, a master planned community in northeast Aurora. My father and I have worked side by side on this project from the beginning, and it has been incredibly meaningful to help shape something that will serve families for generations.

What inspires me most is the opportunity to create a place that feels distinctive. Of course, great homes matter, and we’ve partnered with some of Colorado’s most respected builders to offer a wide variety of home styles and price points. But I’ve always believed that the places people remember are the ones that create an emotional connection.

My background is in fine art, so it was important to me that The Aurora Highlands reflect that philosophy. Through our Art in the Park program, we’ve installed more than 20 permanent works of public art throughout the community. Those pieces have attracted visitors from across the country and even around the world, while giving residents something unique to experience every day.

Public art helps tell the story of a place. It creates opportunities for discovery, sparks conversation, and gives people landmarks that become woven into their memories. When someone takes their evening walk past a sculpture they’ve grown to love, or brings visiting friends to see an installation, that artwork becomes part of how they experience home. To me, that’s incredibly powerful.

The Aurora Highlands continues to grow, and there is a lot on the horizon. We regularly host community events, including Aurora Pride celebrations, seasonal markets, concerts and family activities. We’re also preparing for the opening of our Beach Club, along with additional amenities that will continue enhancing life for residents. It’s exciting to see the community evolve while staying true to the vision that guided us from day one.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to enjoy being underestimated. A lot of people find that frustrating. I found it motivating. Every assumption became an opportunity to surprise people. That shift in mindset served me well throughout my career, and it’s something I encourage young women to embrace.

Another skill that has been incredibly important is the ability to connect with all kinds of people. Development involves constant collaboration. One day you’re speaking with engineers, the next day you’re meeting with builders, public officials or future residents. The better you become at listening and understanding different perspectives, the better your decisions will be.

I also think creativity deserves more credit in professional settings than it typically receives. Creativity isn’t limited to art. It’s about seeing possibilities that others miss. It’s about finding solutions. It’s about making projects more meaningful. At The Aurora Highlands, that translated into public art and community experiences that have become defining elements of the development. Every industry benefits from people who are willing to think beyond the obvious.

For anyone early in their career, I’d encourage them to stay curious. Learn as much as you can, stay open to different viewpoints, and don’t be afraid to approach challenges in your own way.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Without question, my father.

Some of my earliest memories are of being around construction sites and watching him work. I had a front-row seat to the realities of development long before I ever entered the industry myself. I watched how he navigated obstacles, managed relationships and kept moving projects forward.

As we’ve built The Aurora Highlands together, he has remained my most trusted advisor. There are very few people who have the depth of experience he brings to every conversation, and I’ve benefited enormously from his guidance.

What I’ve always admired most is his willingness to tackle ambitious projects and his determination to see them through. The Aurora Highlands was intended to be a legacy project, and being able to help carry that vision forward has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Knowing that I’ve played a role in making him proud means more to me than any award or professional recognition ever could.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theaurorahighlands.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaurorahighlands/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAuroraHighlands

See article at Bold Journey Magazine.