Celebrating Women in Real Estate: Meet The Trailblazers Transforming the Industry

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In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the women reshaping Canada’s real estate sector.

From investment and development to operations and strategy, these leaders are making an undeniable impact. Their vision, innovation, and determination continue to push boundaries and set new standards for the industry.

Women Leading the Charge in Canadian Real Estate

Sky McLean – CEO, Basecamp Resorts

As the founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts, Sky McLean has redefined the boutique hospitality space in Canada. Under her leadership, Basecamp Resorts has become one of Western Canada’s fastest-growing hospitality brands, with properties in Canmore, Revelstoke, Banff, Golden, and beyond. The firm’s innovative approach combines the comfort of Airbnb with the amenities of a hotel, catering to modern travelers seeking unique experiences.

Sky’s commitment to sustainability is evident through Basecamp Resorts' partnerships with organizations like One Tree Planted, Protect Our Winters Canada (POW), and veritree. These initiatives focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and reforestation efforts to minimize environmental impact.

Juli Ann Booker – VP of Strategy & Operations, Revesco Properties Trust

As VP of Strategy and Operations at Revesco, Juli Ann has been instrumental in steering the company’s investment strategy and asset management. Her story is unique– after nine fulfilling years as the owner and operator of a prestigious ballet school, in 2016 she sold her business and ventured into the corporate world, taking on roles at Western Wealth Capital and JLL Canada before joining Revesco. 

Today, she is a respected industry leader and was recently recognized in Wealth Professional Canada’s Top 50 Leading Women in Wealth. 

Reflecting on the role of women in finance in an interview with Wealth Professional, Booker highlighted the importance of confidence and authenticity. "For so long, women were told to act like men in the boardroom. But we don’t have to do that. Leadership is about being yourself, leading with empathy, and knowing your worth."

Carmen Campagnaro – Co-Founder & Trustee, District Property Trust

Carmen Campagnaro is a powerhouse in the real estate industry, with a career spanning decades and a portfolio of successful real estate-focused ventures. She began her journey in real estate at just eighteen years old and has since built an empire of businesses dedicated to investment, development, and financing.

As Co-Founder and Trustee of District Property Trust, Carmen plays a pivotal role in managing a private real estate investment trust that provides investors with access to high-quality real estate assets. She is also the Founder and President of Pro Funds Mortgages, an investor-focused mortgage brokerage. To date, she has arranged and coordinated mortgage funding in excess of $3 billion dollars with private and institutional lenders.

Additionally, Carmen is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Valour Group, a development and construction group of companies, the Founder & Owner of Once Upon A Stay™, a vacation rental company that spans North America, and Co-Host & Producer of 30 Minutes To Wealth™, a Canadian real estate television show. 

Gagan Sivia – Director of Finance and Analytics, Azure Properties Group

As the Director of Finance and Analytics at Azure Properties Group, a family-owned business that develops quality housing in the Greater Vancouver region, Gagan leads data-driven decision-making and financial planning for hundreds of projects. With over 13 years in the role, she has developed a deep understanding of market trends, customer needs, and regulatory requirements that shape business strategy and performance.

Gagan is actively involved in engaging the communities Azure works with, leading initiatives that support community needs and financial literacy programs for at-risk women and children.

With over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and analytics, Gagan has earned her CPA, CGA, and CFP designations, along with a degree in Accounting. Beyond Azure, she teaches accounting, analytics, and finance at BCIT School of Business, mentoring the next generation of financial professionals.

Sheri Kosturik – Director, President, CEO, Secure Capital MIC

As co-founder and current Director, President, and CEO of Secure Capital MIC, Sheri has been a driving force behind the company’s impressive growth. What began in 2007 with just $2 million in founder capital has expanded into a thriving fund with over $60 million in assets under management (AUM). Under her leadership, Secure Capital MIC has consistently delivered high dividend returns of at least 8% APR for more than 15 years.

Sheri has nearly two decades of experience in the mortgage industry and private lending, with deep expertise in mortgage underwriting, enforcement, and portfolio management. She previously obtained her Mortgage Broker’s license under the Mortgage Broker’s Act, co-founding and operating two successful mortgage brokerages between 2007 and 2010.

With a keen analytical approach and a commitment to staying ahead of market trends, Sheri meticulously oversees Secure Capital MIC’s operations, ensuring sound investments while the company continues to lead in private lending. She has completed the Partners, Directors, and Senior Officers Exam from the Canadian Securities Institute, as well as the Exempt Market Products Exam by IFSE. 

Sheri is also an active member of Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC) and the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association Ontario (CMBA Ontario).

July Ono – Managing Partner, OCMI Mutual Fund Trust

July Ono is a seasoned real estate investor, educator, and industry leader with a track record of transforming underutilized properties into thriving investments. 

As Managing Partner of OCMI, she has played a pivotal role in real estate acquisitions, property management, and investor education. Her expertise in strategic real estate investing has allowed her to create opportunities that generate long-term wealth for investors while revitalizing communities.

July’s journey in real estate began with a personal mission to achieve financial freedom, which she accomplished in less than two years. This success led her to develop the Fast Track to Real Estate course in 2005, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to build their own real estate businesses.

Together with her husband, Steve Cain, she co-founded the OTBEC Group, a leading real estate investment company specializing in acquiring and managing multifamily residential apartments across Canada. Since 2003, OTBEC has built a reputation for delivering above-average returns for investors, operating with a core philosophy of empowerment, integrity, and long-term value creation.

Olga Karan - Managing Partner, OCMI Mutual Fund Trust

With 20 years of experience as a CPA across multiple industries, Olga Karan brings deep financial expertise to real estate investment and management. As Managing Partner at OCMI, she plays a critical role in overseeing financial strategy, business acquisitions, and portfolio management. 

Olga’s background spans internal and external audits, business valuations, and restructuring across sectors including construction, real estate, manufacturing, and law. Her ability to analyze financial performance, identify operational inefficiencies, and implement strategic improvements has been instrumental in optimizing investment outcomes.

With a strong command of GAAP, ASPE, and tax regulations, Olga ensures that OCMI’s financial operations remain robust and compliant. Her analytical approach and problem-solving skills continue to drive growth and efficiency within the firm’s expanding portfolio.

The Women of Parvis: Steering the Future of Canadian Real Estate

The women of Parvis are instrumental in driving the company's mission forward—revolutionizing real estate investment by making it more accessible, transparent, and efficient. Through cutting-edge technology and expert financial strategies, they are reshaping how investors and developers connect with opportunities. By eliminating traditional barriers, fostering innovation, and ensuring greater market accessibility, they are defining the next era of real estate investing in Canada.

Françoise Lyon – Senior Advisor

As Senior Advisor at Parvis, Francoise brings over 30 years of experience in investment and wealth management to the team. Her leadership plays a crucial role in guiding Parvis’ expansion, fostering strategic partnerships, and exploring new market opportunities that align with the company’s growth objectives. 

In recognition of her extensive work advocating for women and wealth, Francoise was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. In 2015, she was identified as one of the top 8 women in Finance in Quebec by Premières en Affaires and in September 2018 she was identified by the magazine Entreprendre as one of the Top 100 women leaders in Quebec to watch.

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Zoe Seguev – Chief Compliance Officer & Head of Operations

With over a decade of experience in operations, Zoe has played a pivotal role in leading global brands through complex digital transformations. She has worked with organizations such as Soho House & Co and WeWork, driving strategic initiatives that streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.

Most recently, Zoe led audits, operations, and control management at Coinsquare, where she helped the company become Canada’s first IIROC-regulated crypto broker-dealer. 

Her expertise in compliance, risk management, and workforce change management ensures that Parvis remains at the forefront of regulatory excellence and operational strategy.

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Cynthia Aasen – Business Development, Western Canada

With over 25 years of experience, Cynthia has been a leader in integrating real estate into financial portfolios, helping individuals, businesses, and institutions diversify their investments. Specializing in real estate syndication, development, multi-family value-add, and strata ownership, Cynthia has facilitated over $500M in real estate transactions across Canada and the United States.

At Parvis, Cynthia focuses on sourcing top-tier private real estate investments, ensuring capital security and long-term growth through rigorous due diligence. She enables investors to diversify their portfolios with opportunities in multiplex development, multifamily value-add, land development, self-storage, mortgage funds, and purpose-built rental projects.

Cynthia is dually licensed as a Dealing Representative with Parvis Invest and an Associate Broker with eXp Realty Canada Inc., ensuring investors have exclusive access to premier private equity real estate opportunities in North America’s top markets. 

Passionate about impact-driven investing, Cynthia also works alongside developers to create affordable housing solutions for Canadian residents.

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Selly Park - Director of Marketing

Selly is a growth-driven marketing leader with a track record of scaling businesses across proptech, fintech, and hospitality tech. With over seven years of experience, she has helped shape the trajectory of high-growth companies, from startups to global brands like Airbnb.

Her unique ability to craft strategies that deliver tangible results makes her a vital part of the Parvis team. 

As a dedicated member of the Proptech Collective, Selly is committed to cultivating Canada’s proptech ecosystem, fostering collaboration, and providing her leadership in marketing within the industry. Prior to joining Parvis, she led the growth and marketing efforts at Billdr Renovation, playing a pivotal role in the company’s expansion.

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Rousselle Banza – Dealing Representative

Rousselle Banza is a private capital markets specialist with a strong background in investor education and alternative investments. She has worked extensively in private lending and exempt market opportunities, previously serving as a Dealing Representative at Integrated Equities Inc. and a Mortgage Servicing Specialist at New Haven Mortgage Corporation.

At Parvis, Rousselle helps investors navigate private equity real estate with clarity and confidence, ensuring they have access to secure, high-quality opportunities. Licensed in Ontario and Alberta, she is committed to making real estate investing more accessible and transparent for investors at every stage.

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Philippa Brangam – Dealing Representative

With a background in growth and content marketing, Philippa (Pip) Brangam brings a strategic approach to investor communication at Parvis. She has worked across multiple industries—including tech, consumer goods, and travel—crafting compelling narratives that build trust and engagement.

Previously, Pip served as an Investor Relations Representative at FrontFundr, where she honed her skills in storytelling and investor engagement within private markets. At Parvis, she is dedicated to ensuring investors feel informed and connected throughout their investment journey, helping them navigate opportunities with confidence in the private real estate sector.

She is currently pursuing the Canadian Securities Course to further enhance her expertise in alternative investments and capital markets.

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The impact of women in Canadian real estate continues to grow, with leaders like these paving the way for future generations. Their dedication, expertise, and vision are transforming the sector, driving innovation, and setting new benchmarks for success.

This International Women’s Day, Parvis is proud to recognize and celebrate their achievements and the contributions they are making in the industry.