Angela Fagnani

Meet Angela Fagnani

What is your role at Avison Young?

I am a Project Manager for different types of institutions such as theater, office and warehouse. I am also a Property Manager for a local corporate headquarters and satellite offices around the U.S..

How did you get into commercial real estate?

After graduation I was hired as an administrative assistant/receptionist for Liberty Property Trust in Philadelphia while they developed the first Comcast Tower. I had always been fascinated by the architecture in Philadelphia but that truly was when my love for Construction and Development began. I worked my way up from an assistant to a property manager where I was able to run my own office fit-outs and dive deeper into Project Management.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

I’m so lucky to have three women who have and continue to be influential in my life. First, my mom because of her selfless support. She never missed a game, always offered the best advice, encouraged me to leap at every opportunity and instilled work ethic in me. My appreciation for her has definitely grown since becoming a mother myself. Second is my sister who inspires me and so many others. She’s an ambassador for the MS Society and conquers the disease herself daily, all with grace and the biggest smile on her face. She offers endless support to others who have been diagnosed, brings awareness to what MS is and how differently it impacts everyone, and all while being the rock for her beautiful kids and husband. And third is my daughter, who changed me more than I ever could have imagined. She really has taught me to enjoy little moments, to be present and to see the best in everyone and everything. Children watch their parents closely, and just knowing that has influenced me every day; she makes me want to be better.

What advice would you give women starting out in real estate?

Not just in real estate but in every industry, my advice would be to speak up for yourself. I also think it's important to amplify other coworkers for doing a great job too. Give your colleagues credit for a job well done, talk about their successes to your boss and co-workers because it shows that you’re confident in yourself and are a supportive team player, which in turn makes a great leader.

This year's IWD theme is Choose to Challenge. What do you choose to challenge or celebrate to help create more inclusion in your community?

I really want to work to reverse the stereotype that women don’t support other women. I like the mindset - if given a chance, listen to her story. We can all learn a lot from each other by genuinely listening and supporting one another. A quote that I saw recently and thought of with this year's IWD theme is, “A woman alone has power; collectively, we have impact.”

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have a big passion for charitable work, and feel I get more from it than I will ever be able to give. I direct a non-profit for a local news personality in Philadelphia and this past December despite the pandemic we collected and delivered over 5,000 toys to a local children's hospital, as well as thousands of sets of pajamas and socks. Liberty Property Trust Founder Bill Rouse said it perfectly when he said, "The more I give, the harder it is to catch up with what has been given to me."