WHM Spotlight: Heather Boujoulian ’97

To continue our celebration of Women’s History Month and the remarkable women who help shape the Roger Williams University community, we’re introducing Heather Boujoulian ’97, Chair of the RWU Board of Trustees.

Appointed in fall 2024 as the first woman to hold the role in the university’s history, Boujoulian brings more than 25 years of experience in real estate development, construction, and investment to her leadership. As Managing Director and Head of Development at Berkshire Residential Investments, she oversees large-scale portfolios and strategic initiatives, with a career spanning more than $5 billion in multifamily investments across the United States.

A deeply engaged alumna, Boujoulian has remained closely connected to RWU since graduating in 1997, serving on advisory boards, as president of the Alumni Association, and as a trustee since 2020. Her leadership reflects both professional expertise and a personal commitment to the institution that helped shape her path.

“The excellent RWU faculty and strong academic programs really helped me develop the skills I use every day in what can be a really fast-paced and demanding but rewarding industry.”

As Chair, Boujoulian plays a critical role in guiding the university’s long-term direction – ensuring financial strength, advancing strategic priorities, and keeping student opportunity at the center of every decision.

Boujoulian earned a Master in Urban Planning from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Roger Williams University, grounding her leadership in both technical expertise and a broad, systems-level understanding of the built environment.

Fun Facts About Heather

• As a student, she was involved in everything from rock climbing club and Student Senate to serving as a Resident Assistant and running the ropes course as an Orientation Advisor – experiences that shaped both her leadership and lifelong friendships.
• She helped build floats for Bristol’s Fourth of July parade as a student.
• She worked as a computer lab tech while on campus.

In Her Own Words

Tell us about your role at RWU and what leadership looks like in your work.

As Chair of the Board, my role is to help steward the long-term health of the university. While the Board is not involved in day-to-day operations, we set direction, ask important questions, and make sure decisions are grounded in what’s best for students.

One thing that makes our Board special is that more than half of our trustees are RWU alumni. There’s a real sense of pride and responsibility in that. People are giving back to a place that shaped them, and that brings a level of care and urgency to the work.

Leadership in this role is about steadiness and alignment – keeping the focus on the mission and making sure everything we do expands opportunity for students.

What does it mean to you to be a woman leader at RWU?

Gratitude is the first thing that comes to mind. I’m honored to serve an institution that played such an important role in my life.

I didn’t always see women in roles like this when I was coming up, so I try to model a version of leadership that is strong but human, clear but not sharp. If a student sees me and thinks, “I could do that,” then that matters.

What does “Give to Gain” mean to you, and what do you give that helps others gain opportunity?

To me, “Give to Gain” is about investing in people – your time, your perspective, and your advocacy – without expecting anything in return.

What I try to give is steadiness, access, and honest guidance. The gain comes in seeing others step into their own potential. That’s the part of leadership that brings me the most fulfillment.

Were there specific people who helped shape your path, and how did their influence guide you?

I had mentors early in my career who showed me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking good questions, listening carefully, and being open to different perspectives.

That mindset has stayed with me. It shapes how I approach decisions, how I work with others, and how I continue to grow.

What has been one meaningful success in your work with RWU?

One of the things I’m most proud of is the progress we’ve made in strengthening connections across the RWU community.

We’ve been intentional about improving how students, alumni, faculty, staff, and trustees engage with one another. When people feel informed, included, and part of something larger, everything else improves.

At the end of the day, we’re all Hawks – and building that shared sense of purpose is incredibly meaningful to me.

When you reflect on the journey that brought you to RWU, what experiences most prepared you for the work you’re doing now?

My career has been rooted in construction, development, and real estate investment, which means I’ve spent a lot of time navigating complexity and thinking long-term. Those experiences taught me how to manage risk, communicate clearly, and stay steady in challenging situations.

But my path really started as a student willing to take a chance. Coming to RWU meant moving away from home and stepping into something unfamiliar. It was a little scary – but it was absolutely worth it.

What advice would you offer to students or early-career professionals stepping into leadership?

Stay curious – there is always something new to learn.

Build trust early. Relationships are everything, and being kind is never a weakness.

Don’t wait until you feel ready. Most growth happens just outside your comfort zone.

And pay attention to how you show up when things get difficult – that’s when people really see your leadership.