2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Amey Bissonnette, Director of Development, Global Learning Charter Public School

What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months? Public charter schools in Massachusetts do not receive funding for building construction or renovations. Many charter schools rent or purchase buildings and then renovate them to create a learning environment that matches the school’s mission and vision. Without state funding for facility construction and renovation, public charter schools must rely on grant funding and private donations. Without grant funding and private donations, charter schools must go out for loans to pay for project expenses, ultimately using their general operating budget to fund construction projects, taking away programmatic and resource funding for student learning.

What is one characteristic that you believe every woman in commercial real estate should possess? The ambition to achieve the most challenging goals. A strong ambition to achieve is driven by a never quit attitude. Regardless of the challenge or the obstacle, the time is now to maximize your potential and your success. I believe ambition is driven by passion, creativity and desire to continue learning.

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I launched the One-School, One-Campus Capital Campaign for Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS), focused on raising funds for the school’s $8.5 million expansion and renovation project, scheduled to be completed for the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. The goal was to reduce the amount of bank loans the school needs to secure, maintaining academic programs and resources. On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, GLCPS broke ground on their expansion project and announced nearly $7.5 million has been raised through grants, private donations, and a savings fund over the last year, including a $2 million donation, the largest in school history.