A student on the forefront of AI in real estate

During the fall term of her freshman year at the University of Oregon, Stella Rabb, class of 2026 (business administration), dove headfirst into the Duck experience.

“I was overly involved in high school,” she joked. “So, I wanted to find a community right off the bat.” 

Rabb grew up in the small town of Pendleton in eastern Oregon, where her high school colors were also green and yellow. On her first visit as a prospective student, she fell in love with the UO campus and saw an opportunity to build close relationships with peers and professors while still being able to stand out and carve her own path.

During her first week, Rabb joined the UO Real Estate Investment Group (UOREIG), a student-run organization focused on providing opportunities and tools to explore real estate careers more deeply. 

“I instantly found my community there,” she said. “It was very warm, fun, and filled with great, super sharp students. I didn’t come from family that knew anything about real estate, and I was not really exposed to it, but I was able to surround myself with peers who were deeply passionate and knowledgeable in the real estate industry.” 

During her freshman year, she had a developing interest in real estate and was eager to explore different paths in business while discovering where her passions might lead. With support from the General University Scholarship Program, the Summit Scholarship, and the Hugh B. Oliphant Memorial Scholarship, Rabb has been able to stay nimble during her studies and extracurriculars. 

“Scholarships have had such an impact on me because I’ve felt like I can take important risks that I couldn’t without financial support,” she said. 

Her entrepreneurial spirit brought her to participate in the Oregon Innovation Challenge, the Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship’s flagship program. Fueled by philanthropic support, the challenge brings together peers and mentors who encourage participants to think bigger, take risks, and learn from failure. 

As part of the challenge, Rabb pitched a college game-day onesie brand designed for school spirit and style and received $2,500 toward her project and first product: “The Duckling,” a slim-fit, yellow duck onesie.  

“Ultimately, I didn’t go with the business, but I’m still such an entrepreneur at heart, and it was a super fun experience,” she recalled. “It is just electric to be in a room full of student entrepreneurs. Plus, it’s not just sitting around, being inspired. They walk you through the steps of a business plan, how to create a pitch, how to work through problems in your business, do customer discovery interviews, and go through the whole process.” 

Meticulous academic work paired with real-world experience has shaped Rabb into what she calls a “Swiss Army Knife”—versatile, adaptable, and ready for any challenge. She credits the Lundquist College of Business with that preparation, citing its structured curriculum and emphasis on practical skills that gave her the confidence to navigate complex business challenges and communicate effectively with industry professionals.  

That classroom work translated into opportunity beyond Eugene. In March 2025, Rabb took part in a transformative UOREIG trip to New York City, where she set out to bridge her interests in real estate and entrepreneurship. Visiting top firms across the industry, she spoke with professionals about the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector. Their encouragement and confirmation that she could pursue a career in the field left a lasting impression. 

Once home, Rabb started searching LinkedIn for potential leads. She soon connected with fellow Duck Oliver Alexander, BS ’14 (business administration), founder and CEO of Portland-based Prophetic, an AI-native land acquisition software startup serving homebuilders and real estate developers. Rabb pitched herself as the ideal summer intern. Alexander took a chance on her, and with the support of her scholarships and a small intern stipend, Rabb was able to accept the role—gaining hands-on experience that moved her career preparation to the next level. 

“I think Oliver will be the greatest mentor of my life,” Rabb said. “He’s a Duck being a great Duck to others. From day one, he had this belief in me."

That summer ultimately turned into an offer for what Rabb called her “dream job.” For six months, she worked part-time as Prophetic’s growth operations specialist while continuing her coursework back at the UO. 

Now, she’s the company’s chief of staff and on track to graduate a year early, directly into a full-time role at the forefront of AI in real estate development.   

Even with her post-graduation plans set, Rabb is making the most out of her time as a Duck, bringing her signature energy and interactive approach to her campus involvement. After freshman year, she deepened her commitment to UOREIG, now serving as president and helping build pathways for other students interested in real estate careers. As interest in the field continues to grow, Rabb has also advocated for her peers while Lundquist College raises funds to endow a real estate concentration for business majors.  

Through this advocacy and her previous work in the Lundquist College development office, Rabb gained firsthand understanding of the donor support that fuels student-driven progress.  

“I’ve had so many touch points with donors,” she said. “I’m so grateful for everyone who gives back.” 

Through her drive, leadership, and willingness to take risks, Rabb’s UO journey shows how academic rigor, student involvement, and donor support can intersect to create life-changing new pathways.  

Learn more about how you can support students like Rabb through your estate plan or donate to the Lundquist College of Business.