International Women's Day 2025: Theresa Dillon

In the world of real estate marketing, there are many voices, but few stand out for their thoughtful approach and genuine passion for community. One of those voices is Theresa Dillon, Director of Marketing at fabric. With a background that blends creativity and strategic thinking, Theresa has helped shape fabric’s brand in ways that prioritize both people and place. We sat down with her to discuss her journey into real estate marketing, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she balances her career with motherhood.

Theresa, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with something simple—can you tell us about your journey into real estate marketing?

Of course! I’m the Director of Marketing at fabric, a Vancouver-based real estate developer specializing in projects within urban, amenity-rich communities. My background is very marketing-focused—I studied Marketing Management at BCIT, but at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. I stayed an extra year to finish my degree and realized my passions lay in interior design and marketing. Real estate felt like the perfect intersection of both.

From there, I landed a role at a boutique real estate marketing firm. It was an incredible experience—I got exposure to everything from residential and commercial projects to master-planned communities. It was a small team, which gave me a lot of room to carve out my role and gain valuable hands-on experience. Eventually, that led me to fabric, where I’ve had the opportunity to push creative boundaries and develop a brand that resonates with people.

fabric’s website shows a balanced representation of men and women. Was that intentional, or did it happen organically?

Every hire at fabric has been based on merit however we are always mindful of inclusion and diversity. Women play an integral role in our company and we all appreciate the balance and perspective that a diverse team brings. We are stronger because of it. I think the fact that fabric has so many women is a testament to the number of talented women in our evolving industry.

fabric has developed a distinct identity in Vancouver’s real estate scene, particularly with your 'NOTBORING' campaign. Can you talk about the philosophy behind it?

Absolutely! 'NOTBORING' is our guiding principle, particularly for our purpose-built rental projects. When we started asking ourselves why we were so passionate about what we do, the answer was simple: we want to create spaces that are meaningful and anything but boring.

That concept extends to everything—from the locations we choose to the way we design amenities.

When we are working purpose-built rentals, we have more creative flexibility—whether it’s bold artwork, unique wallpaper, or a boutique hotel-inspired aesthetic, we’re able to experiment in ways that might not be feasible in condo developments. The goal is to make our buildings feel like an immersive experience rather than just another place to live.

You’re balancing a high-level career with being a mom. What has that experience been like for you?

It’s a constant juggling act. Some days, you feel like you have it all under control; other days, everything is chaos. You could have important meetings lined up, and then your kid gets sick, and suddenly, your entire day shifts. But I think working at fabric has helped because the company culture supports flexibility. If I need to take my child to swimming lessons at 4PM, I can make that happen, as long as I stay on top of my work.

Motherhood has also made me more efficient. My time management skills have sharpened—I get things done quickly and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. It also puts things into perspective. The little stressors that used to feel huge don’t bother me as much anymore.

fabric has a strong commitment to community involvement. Can you tell us about some of the initiatives you’ve worked on?

Yes! One of our key commitments is donating 1% of project profits to a local cause. That cause varies depending on community needs at the time. One of our recent partnerships was with Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS). We’ve supported their Sweat to Support initiative and hosted fundraising events, like outdoor workouts and spin classes, where we bring our network together for a good cause.

Another project I’m really proud of was at our Assembly development in Strathcona. It’s located right across from Admiral Seymour Elementary, one of Vancouver’s oldest schools. The school needed updated technology and classroom equipment, so we rallied our network and raised nearly $60,000 to fund new smart whiteboards and other school improvements. It was a tangible way to make a lasting impact on the community.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Be curious and ask questions. When I was in school, I sometimes felt like I had to know everything right away, but that’s not the case. People are willing to help, and the best thing you can do is soak up knowledge from those around you. Also, don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way.

What’s next for fabric? Any exciting projects on the horizon?

Yes! We’re launching our Left Field project this spring, an 81 apartment purpose-built rental development inspired by boutique hotel design. It’s located in Cedar Cottage right on Clark Park. Clark Park is a massive 10.5 acre park between Commercial Drive and Clark - with a ton of recreational amenities like trails, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts - that a lot of people don't know about. The neighborhood has a rich, interesting history—Clark Park was home to a notorious youth gang in the 1970s, which influenced the building’s bold, moody counterculture aesthetic. Pre-leasing starts in May, with first move-ins scheduled for July. We’re really excited to see this one come to life! It will definitely be a NOTBORING rental project.

Theresa’s leadership at fabric is a testament to the power of creativity, inclusion, and community-driven development. As she continues to push boundaries in real estate marketing, her work will no doubt inspire the next generation of women in the industry.

Read more about the other inspirational women we are featuring for IWD 2025 HERE.