In the age of social media and YouTube influencers, the term influence gets tossed around and loosely applied to clicks and followers, measured by quantity over quality.
However, the truly influential people move more than keyboard warriors. In the male-dominated world of commercial real estate and development, Urban Campus & Core founder and CEO Jennifer Horne exemplifies what it means to lead and to influence.
This year, Horne is recognized by the Nashville Business Journal and GlobeSt. as one of their 2025 Women of Influence.
Although Horne is grateful for the recognition, she acknowledges the women who influenced her.
“Women have historically been a driving force in shaping communities and reimagining how land can revitalize economies,” said Horne. “One of my earliest memories of a public-private partnership, even before I knew what the term was, was watching my church growing up create an affordable senior housing project.”
Horne said that one of the driving forces behind that effort was Dr. Peggy Alsup, a medical professional and public health leader who knew that senior populations faced better health outcomes when they had housing security.
“Another example in my adult life is Sheila Crump Johnson, who is truly the definition of a Renaissance woman,” said Horne. “She has been successful across a variety of industries and in development through her Salamander Hospitality group has established a brand and portfolio in a space with very few women leaders.”
Standing on the shoulders of those pioneering women, Horne regards recognition as motivation to build on, not rest upon. She stays focused on vision and mission. Although she humbly accepts awards and honors, Horne understands her achievements are rooted in collaboration and community.
“I am awed and thrilled to see how so many innovative and collaborative solutions and partners come together to create a project that will make a difference in the lives of residents and small businesses,” said Horne.
Honored for Leadership and Legacy
Both GlobeSt. and the Nashville Business Journal recognized Horne not only for her business acumen but for her trailblazing impact on the industry.
GlobeSt. — which has honored women shaping the commercial real estate space since 1983 — noted Horne’s “remarkable achievements” and her role in guiding the industry through a period of transformation.
In Nashville, the Business Journal’s Women of Influence program spotlights women across industries who are driving real change. Horne’s selection highlights her commitment to redefining how cities are built — with purpose and inclusivity at the core.
“My favorite piece of advice has always been: leave things better than you found them. This simple yet profound principle has guided my life and work in countless ways,” Horne told the Nashville Business Journal. “To me, it’s about more than just picking up after yourself or making small improvements: It’s about contributing in meaningful ways, whether that’s to a place, a relationship or a community.”
Celebrating Influence and Impact
Horne will be honored at the GlobeSt. Women of Influence Awards Dinner on July 22 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, CO, where her work will be recognized among the nation’s most impactful leaders in commercial real estate.
The Nashville Business Journal Women of Influence celebrated honorees at an awards luncheon last month on April 10th at the Four Seasons.
“For me, it’s about focusing on impact over time,” Horne told the Nashville Business Journal. “The work I do with Urban Campus and Core, as well as in my personal life, is driven by the belief that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger legacy.”
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett