The 2025 International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, challenges us to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
At Geranium, our incredible women are leading the way — shaping the future of development through innovative planning, thoughtful design, and community building. Their leadership is leaving a lasting impact and legacy.
Join us as we get to know and celebrate our female leaders and the culture they foster — one where every voice is heard, every achievement is recognized, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Stephanie Lane, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Stephanie’s journey with Geranium began as Sales & Marketing Manager. Her role has evolved over time, but one thing has remained constant: her commitment to continuous growth, both personally and professionally.
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Stephanie shares, “You will not have all the answers, and that’s okay. Be humble and open to learning.”
She also reflects on the wisdom found in Baz Luhrmann’s song “Everybody’s Free.” In a nutshell, it reminds us to take care of ourselves, stay true to who we are, not get too caught up in what other people think, and to wear sunscreen.
Andrea Kelly – Vice President, Land Development
Andrea Kelly joined Geranium in a part-time role supporting Land Development projects. Her talent and leadership skills were quickly recognized, and she now serves as Vice President of Land Development.
Reflecting on her career, Andrea recognizes both the opportunities and challenges of being a woman in the development industry. “Early in my career, there was recognition that change was needed, and organizations began actively working to provide more women with exposure to leadership roles,” she says.
While this shift provided new opportunities, Andrea also faced challenges. “There wasn’t always a lot of room for failure,” she admits. “There were lots of eyes on ‘Can she do it?’” Rather than letting this pressure hold her back, Andrea used it as motivation. This experience shaped her leadership philosophy: creating an environment where everyone has the chance to try, fail, and try again, regardless of gender.
Andrea also acknowledged that balancing motherhood and a career has always been a challenge — one that many women continue to navigate. But her belief that “it can work if you make it work” has only strengthened over time. Above all, her unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace where family comes first remains at the heart of her leadership.
Jennifer Lee – Acting CFO
Jennifer started at Geranium as a consultant, and her work and dedication led her to her current role as Acting CFO.
When asked what inspires and motivates her as a woman in leadership, Jennifer highlights the strong relationships she’s built at Geranium. “People and relationships inspire me,” she says. “Our working relationship is truly symbiotic, driven by our shared commitment to executing with excellence. We bring diverse expertise and strengths to the table while maintaining mutual respect.”
She looks forward to continuing her contributions to Geranium’s success while supporting the growth and development of her colleagues.
Daniella Giallonardo – Vice President, Executive Operations
Daniella joined Geranium nearly 15 years ago as an Executive Assistant in Land Development and has since advanced to Vice President of Executive Operations.
When asked about the impact of female leadership in the development industry, Daniella noted that women bring unique strengths, helping to create a more accepting and diverse culture. “Female leaders have driven greater collaboration, productivity, and innovation.”
Positive mentorship, networking, and relationship-building are key to success for women in the industry. Geranium is committed to advancing women by identifying potential leaders early, providing a platform, mentorship, and support for growth. Daniella is proud to be part of an organization that continues to champion women in leadership roles.
Cheryl Shindruk, Executive Vice-President at Geranium
Finally, in celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, it’s integral to spotlight the commitment exemplified by Cheryl Shindruk — Geranium’s fearless leader and a mentor to women across the industry.
With a Master’s degree in City Planning and a Bachelor of Human Ecology, Cheryl has been at the helm of Geranium since 2003, guiding the company through the approvals of large-scale master-planned communities, redevelopment sites, and complex infill projects. A dedicated industry advocate, she has played a pivotal role within BILD, serving as Chair (2019-2020) and past Chair of the Simcoe Chapter. Beyond the industry, her leadership extends to community service, including past Board membership at Unionville Home Society and her current role on the Board of the Canada Ireland Foundation.
Cheryl’s leadership is more than just a professional legacy — it’s an inspiration for women in development and beyond. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate her impact and the path she continues to pave for future generations of women in the industry.
Geranium is proud to support women at all stages of their careers, and we’re excited about the future of the industry, with strong, diverse leadership accelerating action and leading the way. We invite you to join us in supporting gender equality, empowering the next generation of leaders, and continuing to build a brighter, more inclusive future. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize the invaluable contributions of women in development and remain committed to fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking industry.
Discover more about our vision and initiatives at www.geranium.com/about.