Realty Collective Founder Victoria (Hagman) Alexander is a key player in planning and historic preservation issues across Brooklyn, as well as a community activist. Her work in real estate has introduced her to the individuals and institutions governing public life in New York City and she regularly leverages that access on behalf of the community. Alexander is recognized for her commitment to growing community—not just making money. As a former carnival barker, club promoter, ‘zine founder and classic car restorer, Victoria did not seem destined to become a real estate broker. Coming into the business, she was acutely aware of the stereotypes associated with NYC real estate. Instead of sleazy agents, apathetic brokers, and money-hungry developers, Victoria envisioned a company that would combine empathy and advocacy to build meaningful relationships between clients and their communities. Realty Collective is a people-driven real estate solution service founded in 2005 with the goal of guiding and supporting clients using honest and ethical practices—and ditching industry bad practices along the way. The brokerage was co-founded by a then-24-year-old Victoria Alexander who, after studying art history at Pace University, hit pause on plans to become a gallerist once she realized a jump into real estate meant she could design a career that combined all her interests—activism and deep love of Brooklyn—while rooted firmly in her values. That vision was put to the test on the tumultuous day Hurricane Sandy hit New York. Victoria awoke to see her neighborhood streets pummeled by the disaster and she immediately took action. Realty Collective opened its Red Hook office doors wide, giving locals access to emergency responders, government agencies like FEMA, food, warmth, and shelter. Victoria and her team partnered with Portside, New York and volunteered with local groups to weave the threads of their neighborhood back together. Her team’s support met many of the needs of their neighbors in a time when the city was nowhere to be found. In 2013, Victoria was recognized for her work with Portside and was awarded the Champions for Change by President Obama. Although she did not help for the recognition, her experiences rebuilding Red Hook solidified her belief in the power of community advocacy, meaningful connections, and empathy. She realized that real estate was about more than just filling spaces; realtors have a social responsibility to all the people in the community. This traumatic event inspired Victoria to join Resilient Red Hook, Community Board 6, as well as many other local initiatives that were related to community-based planning. She wears local advocacy as her badge of honor. Every meeting, she brings her mindful and unique perspective to local initiatives that are not often at the table. Victoria's unusual career path makes sense to everyone who knows her. "Victoria is unlike anyone I have ever met," says Realty Collective agent Tina Fallon. "She has phenomenal instincts, great charisma, and the work ethic to follow through. She seems to know everything and everyone." She is a member of Community Board 6, NY Rising Planning for Red Hook Cobble Hill Neighborhood Association, and the Community Advisory Group to Gowanus Superfund. She continues to work closely with her colleagues at Pratt in city planning and community development issues.