2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Briana Pinheiro, Ionic Development Company

“Briana is a leader at Ionic Development Company and in the Greater Boston CRE market. She is a Rising Star, working on leading projects in and around Boston. Her commitment to furthering herself is unparalleled, evident in her recent commitment to Georgetown University’s Master’s in Real Estate program.” - Kaitlin McCarthy, CEO and Founder of Ionic Development Company.

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? At the start of the year, I took the leap to join Ionic Development Company, as vice president. Ionic is a WBE business and one of the only woman-owned development companies in Boston. I’m proud of myself for making this change, as I’m continuing to learn every day, and am grateful for the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting real estate development and consulting projects in and around Greater Boston. 

How do you balance your rising career with your personal life? One thing that propels my work in real estate is knowing I’m playing a role in creating the environment I want my kids to live in. Finding opportunities to merge components of my career with my personal life has filled me with a profound sense of purpose. As a mom of three boys, it’s been so fulfilling to have the opportunity to bring them to job sites or show them buildings I’ve worked on and see their faces light up. 

Who are the key people in your life that have contributed to your success? I’m grateful for my incredibly supportive husband, kids, family, and friends. I’m surrounded by a group of people that genuinely want to see me succeed and that’s enough for me. I’ve also given myself permission to feel extremely proud of what I’ve accomplished. Trusting in your own capabilities and having the self-confidence to pursue great ventures or new challenges is one thing no other person can give you.

Outside of your career, where else do you seek continuous learning and personal growth? I will always consider myself a lifelong learner and am constantly seeking ways to further educate myself. In May, I started Georgetown University’s Real Estate Master’s program and am excited to learn more about the industry I’m passionate about. I am also a member of CREW Boston, where I am involved in the Ambassador Program and Meds & Eds Programs Committee. Outside of work, I sit on the town of Walpole’s Economic Development Board, coach my son’s T-ball team, and volunteer to teach art history at my children’s school.