Katie Schneider

It has not taken Katie Schneider long to make a lasting impression in the commercial real estate industry.

Schneider, who entered the sector in 2019, serves as the development manager at Edmonton-based Autograph. She leads and co-ordinates diverse projects from conception to completion.

These days, development projects take more time to complete than they did in the past due to a market challenges and slower regulatory approvals. But Schneider has already helped deliver two new multi-family projects in the Alberta capital: Mercury Block and the Clifton.

Her involvement in construction co-ordination, asset management, operations, and project management are integral to all of Autograph’s projects.

“In addition to her daily responsibilities, Katie is deeply engaged and committed to a wide range of management and operations within our company,” said a colleague who nominated Schneider for her Next Gen Award.

“Despite the compact size of our team, we function seamlessly, with each member making significant contributions. There are reciprocal mentoring and learning opportunities, as well as consistent feedback channels in place.

“Katie considers herself fortunate to be actively involved in every aspect of our business.”

Schneider fully immerses in the collective effort to drive the company forward, whether she is involved in entire project lifecycles, playing pivotal roles in strategic decision-making or simply being part of important discussions, the nominator added.

Outside of her development management role, Schneider has rolled out Autograph’s wellness programs, piloted the company’s software opportunities and led its corporate rebranding exercises. (Edgar Development’s Edmonton office rebranded itself as Autograph in 2023.)

“This collaborative environment not only enhances efficiency, both for the team and for Katie personally, but also fosters a culture of mutual support and innovation,” said the nominator.

When she isn’t working on building a better company and real estate projects, Schneider seeks to help the industry and world improve.

She sits on NAIOP Edmonton’s board and chairs the group’s developing leaders committee, which helps people under 35 advance in commercial real estate. A cyclist, Schneider also co-chairs the Tour de NAIOP, a cycling event hosted by NAIOP Edmonton for commercial real estate industry members, their families and friends.

Schneider is also an active member of Commercial Real Estate Women’s Edmonton chapter.

In her community, Schneider serves as the board secretary for the Edmonton chapter Canadian Adaptive Snowsports. CADS provides opportunities for people with physical, visual and cognitive impairment to participate in winter sports.

Schneider has also served as a shaper with the Global Shapers Community, a network of city-based hubs developed and led by young leaders between 20 and 30 years old. Shapers are provided to connect with each other and other World Economic Forum communities, and to represent the voice of youth at WEF events.

Ultimately, shapers seek to build a more peaceful and inclusive world.

Before entering the commercial real estate industry in her hometown of Edmonton, Schneider served in several diverse roles in Canada and Kenya as part of a “soul-searching” effort, according to her Next Gen Award nominator.

Most recently, she wrote freelance articles for what is now Mountain Equipment Company and served as community relations leader for Edmonton’s Canterbury Foundation. She has also served as a communications co-ordinator for the Masai Wilderness Conservation Trust in rural Kenya.

Masai has helped curb a multitude of anti-poaching security activities in southern Kenya. The group also operates a non-profit eco-tourism lodge, among other activities.

In addition to fulfilling her communications role, Schneider co-ordinated Masai’s conservation program.

“For Katie, personal growth is paramount, and she actively seeks diverse opportunities to expand her expertise,” said her Next Gen Award nominator. “She takes pride in turning challenges into opportunities for continuous improvement and success.”