Meet Angela Fagnani

What is your role at Avison Young?

Project Manager, Construction

I'm a Project Manager for different types of institutions such as theater/office/warehouse. I'm also a Property Manager for a 110,000 square foot office building.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I was hired out of college as an administrative assistant/receptionist for Liberty Property Trust in Philadelphia while they were developing, leasing and managing the first Comcast Tower. I have 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.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

My parents, who I try to figure out a way to thank each and every day. My mom for being the best support system to my entire family and who I appreciate so much more now that I am a mother myself! My father, who immigrated from Sicily when he was a teenager and opened a restaurant with his brother and cousin. They later started an Italian ice business, and today his product is in almost every state in the US, is sold by Hershey Ice Cream and is in well known parks such as Hershey Park and Downtown Disney. He has lived what people perceive as the American Dream, but has worked hard every day for it. In college I figured out how many pizzas I would have to sell in order to pay myself back for wasted time and money; they taught me the value of a penny.

Also, my children who have really taught me to enjoy little moments, have helped me realize how patient of a person I am, and just how much I can accomplish on so little sleep! What is the best advice you've ever received?

A mentor and former boss taught me to take any issue that came along during my day and tell myself "It's a good problem to have." Then go through the exercise of understanding why. It forces me to think positively in every situation both professionally and personally.

How has Avison Young supported you as a woman in business?

Bill Connor, who leads our Project Management team, has been such a wonderful support since the very beginning, always emphasizing the importance of my family/work life harmony which is so refreshing as a working mother. The Senior Project Managers and other women in my office have also been greatly supportive and have gone out of their way in guiding me through my role of Project Manager. They are so knowledgeable in this industry and have taken the time to teach me in between juggling their work.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have a big passion for charitable work, but I feel I get more from it than I can ever give. I am an ambassador for the MS Society which is close to my heart because I see my sister live with and conquer the disease every single day. She is another significant role model in my life. I also help run a charity with a local news personality in Philadelphia. This past December we collected and delivered 4,000 toys to a local children's hospital.

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."