One of the greatest strengths of the Australian Property Institute is the dedication of members who generously volunteer their time, knowledge and leadership to strengthen our profession.

Over the coming months, we’ll be introducing you to the people behind the ACT State Committee, beginning with our Chair, Marcia Bowden LFAPI. Through this interview series, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know the leaders who are helping shape our profession, learn what inspired their careers, discover the issues they are passionate about, and perhaps even uncover a few interests beyond the workplace.

Marcia’s contribution to the Australian Property Institute spans decades. A Life Fellow of the API, former National President, current Chair of the ACT State Committee, and a valued contributor to several national committees, she has dedicated countless hours to advancing both the profession and the members it serves. Her leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment continue to make a lasting impact across the property industry.

We hope you enjoy getting to know Marcia, for those of you who don’t know her, gaining insight into her experiences, values and advice that have shaped her remarkable career.

1. Let’s start at the beginning. What first attracted you to a career in the property profession, and did you always envisage this is where your career would take you?

My introduction to the property profession came through a financial consulting firm where I was responsible for securing funding for individual investors after beginning my career in merchant banking. After a few months, I joined the real estate investment team, sourcing commercial investment opportunities tailored to clients’ requirements.

It was during that time that I realised commercial property was where I truly wanted to build my career. Looking back, I certainly didn’t envisage the journey would take me where it has, but I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a career that has been both diverse and incredibly rewarding.

2. You have enjoyed a career spanning decades and have become one of the API’s most respected members. Looking back, what has been one of the defining moments of your career, and why does it remain so significant to you?

Early in my career, I sought advice from an experienced property professional about how I could pursue a career in commercial property. I was told that it simply wasn’t possible because I was a woman and not a valuer.

Rather than allowing that advice to discourage me, it strengthened my resolve. I enrolled in the University of Technology Sydney’s property degree, (they didn’t have a degree at the time so I had to wait for a couple of years for one to become available) studying part-time over six years while continuing to work. That education provided the knowledge and confidence that became the foundation of a fascinating and varied career.

I intended to become a valuer, but there was a downturn in the economy in 1991, so when I graduated there were no trainee valuer opportunities available, so many of my university colleagues pursued other areas of the profession, as I did.

Receiving my Life Fellowship of the Australian Property Institute remains one of the proudest moments of my career. It is an honour that reflects not only professional achievement, but also many years of contributing to a profession that has given me so much.

3. You’ve dedicated many years to volunteering with the API and now lead the ACT State Committee as Chair. What has inspired your ongoing commitment to serving the profession?

I’ve been involved with the ACT State Committee and its predecessor committees in one form or another since moving to Canberra more than 30 years ago.

Initially I commenced my involvement with the API in the ACT on the CPD Committee and then on the ACT Divisional Council in the late 90’s. I became president of the ACT Division in 2003. I have been heavily involved in Education and CPD since the late 80s and continue to work in this area to ensure ACT Members have access to relevant CPD.

The Committee plays an important role in supporting members locally, ensuring the perspectives of ACT members continue to inform the broader direction of the API. Being able to contribute to that is both a privilege and something I care deeply about.

4. As Chair, what opportunities or challenges facing the profession are you most passionate about over the coming years?

One of the biggest opportunities for the API is continuing to demonstrate its value to members beyond professional accreditation.

Our profession is evolving rapidly, and it’s important that members see the Institute as a trusted professional community that supports their careers through advocacy, education and connection.

From an ACT perspective, we’re committed to delivering CPD that reflects the issues and opportunities unique to our jurisdiction, ensuring members can access education and events that are both practical and relevant to the work they do every day.

5. When your time as Chair eventually comes to an end, what would you most like your contribution to be remembered for?

I hope it will be remembered that the Committee always put the interests of ACT members first.

If we’ve continued to deliver meaningful CPD, advocated for our members and ensured the ACT’s voice remains influential within the national conversation, then I would consider that a worthwhile legacy.

6. The property profession continues to evolve at an incredible pace. What qualities do you believe today’s professionals will need to succeed in the future?

Adaptability and agility will be the most important qualities.

Technology is changing how we work, and professionals who remain curious, continue learning and embrace innovation will be best placed to succeed. While technical expertise and experience will always be important, being willing to evolve alongside the profession will be equally valuable.

7. What advice would you give to young property professionals, or members considering volunteering with the API for the first time?

The property profession is built on both knowledge and relationships.

Volunteering with the API is one of the best ways to expand your professional network while contributing to something bigger than yourself. It provides opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, develop leadership skills and build connections that can support your career for many years to come.

I’d encourage anyone who has considered becoming involved to take that first step.

8. Outside of your professional life, how do you like to spend your time?

When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading and listening to music.

Most importantly, I value spending time with friends. Maintaining those personal connections provides balance and reminds me that some of life’s greatest rewards happen away from the office.

9. Has there been a mentor or life experience that has shaped your approach to leadership?

One experience has stayed with me throughout my career.

Being told that I couldn’t succeed in commercial property because I was a woman became a defining moment. Rather than limiting me, it motivated me to prove that determination, capability and professionalism matter far more than stereotypes.

While our profession has come a long way, there is always more we can do to encourage diversity and create opportunities for future generations. That belief continues to influence how I lead today. I was grateful to be mentored by previous National Presidents and that was invaluable.

10. Finally, what message would you like to share with our ACT members?

The ACT State Committee exists to represent and support our members, and your feedback is incredibly important to us.

If there are issues you’d like raised, topics you’d like covered through CPD, or ideas for future events, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The more we hear from our members, the better we can ensure the Committee continues to deliver initiatives that are meaningful, relevant and valuable for our local property community.

Together, we can continue building a strong and connected profession.

Please reach out to me via my email – [email protected]

Rapid Fire with Marcia

Coffee or tea? 

Black coffee.

Early bird or night owl? 

Definitely an early bird.

Favourite place in the ACT? 

Lake Burley Griffin.

Favourite way to spend a weekend? 

A morning walk followed by brunch or lunch with friends.

Favourite cuisine? 

I don’t really have a favourite. I simply enjoy good food shared with good company.

Best career advice you’ve ever received? 

As a woman in the profession, be yourself and play to your strengths.