Team

As head of Ignite Investments, Nili is responsible for all capital raising activities for the firm. Nili curates and manages investor deal flow, cultivates and maintains investor relationships, advocates alignment of interest between Ignite’s sponsors and investors, and directs equity distribution. Over the course of her career, she has overseen and managed relationships with investors representing nearly $1.5 billion in equity.

Prior to joining Encore in 2014, Nili worked as an investment banker in the Real Estate Group of Raymond James & Associates in New York and Florida, where she was responsible for executing a variety of public and private M&A and capital market transactions for clients across the hospitality, multifamily, student housing, industrial, single-tenant net lease, and GSA sectors, with a particular emphasis on listed REITs. Nili earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business, where she graduated with honors.

As head of Marketing, Evita is responsible for ensuring clear messaging, developing brand strategy, and overseeing content creation for all of Ignite Investment’s investor communications. Based in New York, Evita has generated in excess of $10 billion of capital and has more than 20 years of experience in the asset management industry.

Previously, Evita was vice president of marketing at Central Park Group, where she worked closely with large private equity firms such as Carlyle, KKR, and Brookfield to define strategy and messaging across various retail distribution channels. Prior to that, she was branding and marketing communications director for an independent consulting firm whose clients included hedge fund managers and commercial real estate advisors. Evita began her career overseeing marketing communications for various global alternative investment managers, including a private equity funds-of-funds manager and a BNY Mellon company specializing in currency overlay management. Evita earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business Administration and Management from Boston University.

As head of Investor Relations, Azure is responsible for maintaining investor relationships and providing client support for Ignite Investments. She has more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Previously, Azure served as director of investor relations for Cognios Capital, where she was responsible for all marketing, communications, and client service for the firm and its investment products. She also served in a similar role for Brandmeyer Enterprises, a single family office. Azure earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Kansas, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin. Azure earned the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®) designation and holds a Series 65 registration.

As Executive Director, Daisy Chen is responsible for developing and maintaining investor relationships for Ignite Investments, focusing on high net worth and international clients. Daisy has more than 15 years of experience in the securities, financial advising, and private equity industry. To date, she has managed relationships with high net worth individuals representing approximately $100 million in equity.

Previously, Daisy was a financial analyst at Trinity Private Equity Group. Prior to that, she analyzed data that was used to provide financial guidance to investors at NY Life Securities. Daisy earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in International Trade from East China Normal University in Shanghai, China, and a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Arlington. Daisy earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and holds the Series 22 and Series 63 registrations.

Brenda Grogan is responsible for developing and maintaining investor relationships for Ignite Investments. Brenda has more than 25 years of commercial real estate development, investments, and brokerage experience and has raised more than $100 million dollars in equity through Encore-sponsored products.

Previously, Brenda was director of commercial real estate for Hudson & Marshall, exceeding $2 billion in transactions through sales and auctions. Prior to that, she was vice president of investments at Henry S. Miller. Brenda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Louisiana State University. She holds a Real Estate Commissioners Broker’s License as well as the Series 22 and Series 63 registrations.

Debra is responsible for developing and maintaining investor relationships for Ignite Investments, focusing on ultra high net worth clients. Over her more than 15 years of experience in the financial services and real estate industries, Debra has managed relationships with high net worth individuals representing nearly $200 million in equity.

Previously, Debra worked in private banking at Merrill Lynch and was vice president and financial advisor at Bernstein Global Wealth Management, where she cultivated relationships with more than 200 clients, prospects, and their professional advisors to develop, implement, and monitor wealth management plans for individuals and families. Prior to that, she was the president and owner of Sales Advantage, a boutique consulting firm in the consumer-packaged goods industry. Additionally, Debra has held sales and marketing roles for various national brands over the course of her 30-year career. Debra earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She holds the Series 7 and Series 66 registrations.

Blaire is responsible for content development and brand strategy guidance for Ignite Investments’ investor communications. Based in New York, she has nearly 10 years of financial services experience within the asset management industry in both the retail and institutional spaces.

Previously, Blaire worked at AMG Funds, the retail distribution arm of AMG, focusing on campaign management and marketing production. Prior to that, she worked at PIMCO on the messaging and content team, curating thought leadership for multiple distribution platforms, including Barron’s, Financial Times, and Wall Street Journal, among others. She began her career in non-profit arts administration at a prominent cultural arts institute in New York City. Blaire earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Indiana University, where she graduated with honors.

Richard is responsible for developing and coordinating digital marketing collateral for Ignite Investments. He has 10 years of experience in movie, television, and commercial production.

Previously, Richard was a senior producer for a digital marketing firm, working directly with Fortune 500 companies to create branded video content and experiential marketing initiatives. Prior to that, he worked on broadcast commercials for a variety of theme parks across North America. Richard earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production from the Art Institute of Dallas, where he received the Outstanding Graduate award for best portfolio.

Nami is responsible for maintaining investor relationships and providing client support for Ignite Investments. He has more than six years of experience in real estate law.

Previously, Nami was a case clerk at Clark Hill Strasburger (formerly Strasburger & Price LLP), working within the industry litigation practice group. Prior to that, Nami served in the AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) working in business development for Habitat for Humanity. Nami earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business.