(Editor’s note: Christina Giannone is the winner of a 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award. This article was contributed by the person who nominated her. Some parts have been edited for style and other factors, including updates following the original submission. Check out the full list of 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award winners.)

Christina Giannone is the vice-president of planning and development for the Brightwater partnership, a consortium of Kilmer Group, Dream, DiamondCorp, and Fram+Slokker.

In this role, she leads the transformative redevelopment of a 72-acre site in the Port Credit area of Mississauga, Ont., into the award-winning mixed-use community known as Brightwater.

As the fifth generation in her family to be in the building and development industry, Giannone has followed in the footsteps of her father, Frank, and grandfather, Giovanni, drawing inspiration from their legacy while looking toward the future. She is dedicated to creating great places and spaces for future generations to call home, continuing her family’s tradition of excellence in development.

Her dedication to the development and construction industry has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Member of the Year award from the Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Association. This recognition highlights her exceptional volunteerism and commitment to advancing the field. In 2021, she was honoured with the Next Generation Business Excellence Award from the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario. She was also profiled as a member of the championship team for the Urban Land Institute’s Women Leadership Initiative.

Giannone serves on the board of the Ontario Home Builders Association, where she has been an active member since 2019, currently holding the position of first vice-chair after previously serving as second vice-president. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as vice-chair of the Home Construction Regulatory Authority’s industry advisory council.

Her academic background is equally impressive. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Real Estate and Infrastructure from the Schulich School of Business, where she graduated on the dean’s list, as well as a Real Estate Development certificate from the ULI. She also holds an honours Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto in Commerce and Finance, with distinction, and a major in Economics and minor in Italian Studies.

Giannone’s journey as a leader in urban development is driven by her commitment to innovation and community building. She continues to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the industry, while building vibrant, sustainable communities for future generations.

She balances her role as a dedicated mother to her two children, Jack and Emma, with her demanding professional responsibilities, drawing on the strength and support of her husband Kent Fenwick, and close-knit family.

(Check out the full list of 2024 Canadian Women in Real Estate Award winners.)