Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Carol Schillne, senior vice president for Orion Investment Real Estate.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026
WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE: The Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2026
Carol Schillne, senior vice president, Orion Investment Real Estate
Background: Carol Schillne is Principal of the Schillne Retail Team at Orion Investment Real Estate, where she leads a nationally connected commercial real estate brokerage specializing in retail tenant representation, landlord leasing and investment sales. With more than 35 years of experience, she is recognized for helping retailers, franchise brands, landlords and developers strategically expand across Arizona and nationwide through the Retail Brokers Network. A respected industry leader and speaker, she serves in leadership roles with AZCREW and the Retail Brokers Network and serves on the Advisory Board for the Colangelo College of Business at Grand Canyon University, where she is passionate about mentoring the next generation of commercial real estate professionals.
Advice to younger self: “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to believe in my value earlier and step forward with more confidence. Early in my career, I focused on working hard behind the scenes and making sure the job got done, often without seeking recognition. Over time, I learned that visibility, relationships and confidence matter just as much as effort. Opportunities tend to follow when you are willing to speak up, take a seat at the table and trust what you bring to it.”
Legacy: “I want my professional legacy to be one of encouragement, mentorship and helping others see their potential. I’ve always believed people do their best work when they find something they are truly passionate about and pursue it wholeheartedly. We spend so much of our lives working, so it’s important to build a career that brings purpose, energy and fulfillment. I would love to be remembered for building strong relationships, opening doors for others and creating a business where my two sons and future professionals can grow, succeed and make a meaningful impact in our industry.”
Surprising fact: “Before brokerage, I spent my days chasing black lines at the bottom of a swimming pool. I was an All-American Scholar Athlete and Team Captain at the University of Southern California. Competitive swimming taught me discipline, resilience and how to stay calm under pressure — skills that still come in handy during real estate negotiations today!”
