International Women's Day 2026: Christina Toews
From a young age, Christina Toews had always shown a fascination with real estate, from leading her family’s house hunting efforts by searching through MLS listings and reaching out to agents on her own. Fast forward to today, and Christina works in Sales Operations Management at Intracorp Homes. We sat down with Christina to discuss her transition into new home development, the impact of strong mentorship within this industry, and the need to always be curious and ‘jump into’ opportunities.
Can you share a defining moment or real estate project in your career that shaped you into who you are today?
If I had to highlight one moment, my very first pre-sale project was incredibly formative. At the time, I was actually focused on becoming a real estate agent and working in resale. I hadn't been exposed to the pre-sale world yet so stepping into an environment where we were selling a community that didn't physically exist was really fascinating to me. There was something really powerful about taking a vision on paper, building momentum around it, and watching people get excited about a future home that they can't walk through yet.
That launch was a bit of a whirlwind. We had so much demand that our selection form server actually crashed (laughs). It was fast-paced and high-pressure, but it was also really energizing, and it gave me such an appreciation for the strategy, coordination and creativity that happens behind-the-scenes that makes a launch successful – I became enamoured with the process.
After now participating in several launches it's really just that accumulation of these cycles from pre-sale, leasing, and different markets that's built my resilience, sharpened my thinking, and kept me curious. Each season of my career has added a new layer, together, they shaped the way that I approach the work I do today.
What personality traits or experiences of yours do you think have contributed to your success?
Early on in my career, I worked at a small agency, because the team was so lean, I wasn't siloed and I was exposed to every layer of the business. I had to quickly learn systems, pricing, strategy, yield management, and managing people. From there, I learned to move with a lot of urgency to quickly problem solve and take ownership for work beyond my title. That experience really shaped me and made me dynamic in how I work.
At the same time, the most important role I hold is being a mother. Growing my career while raising my son has strengthened me in ways that nothing else could have. Managing the full scope of parenthood, school runs, sick days, and all the milestones, while also showing up in my role has sharpened my prioritization, time management, discipline, and my ability to stay calm and perform under pressure. Balancing motherhood in my career isn't always easy, but it's made me stronger, more intentional, and more driven in everything I do.
With this year's IWD theme being ‘Give to Gain’, from your years of experience in the real estate industry, what do you think are some key efforts the industry can offer to open more doors to equitable opportunities for women?
I think one of the biggest opportunities our industry has is around mentorship. Some of the most meaningful moments I have in my own career came from people who took the time to guide me or share their own experiences. I believe mentorship should be accessible to everyone. When companies pair people intentionally with mentors, you create a culture where growth is shared and that benefits the whole organization overall.
Another area where we can make a big impact is supporting those who are balancing their careers while raising children. As real estate tends to move very quickly, it can be tough to step away even temporarily. But society and our workplaces can play a huge role there by offering flexibility, and normalizing parental leave for all genders. When we're supported through those key life moments, people stay, they grow, and they lead.
I’m so proud that Intracorp champions those values so strongly and consists of so many strong women. For me, ‘Give to Gain’ is really a reminder that investing in each other is how we move forward. When we make room for mentorship, flexibility, and equitable opportunities, we gain an industry that's more innovative, inclusive, and ultimately stronger.
Did you have a key mentor, and what was the most valuable thing you've learned from them?
I've been really fortunate to have numerous strong mentors throughout my career – people who challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me grow. What's interesting is that a lot of my mentors I worked closely with had actually started their careers with Intrawest. The way they spoke about their experience and the culture left a really strong impression on me. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from those mentors was the importance of slowing down enough to think strategically, even when everything feels urgent. Their experience made me genuinely hope that one day I'd have a chance to be a part of Intracorp.
So now, being here and celebrating Intracorp's 50th year alongside my colleagues feels especially meaningful, as I had seen the strength and the reputation of this organization long before I joined. Being a part of it today is something I'm truly proud of, and I'm excited to keep learning from the leaders and mentors around me here. As I grow, I'm more intentional about contributing to that same culture that inspired me long before I arrived here.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who's struggling to carve out a space for themselves in this industry?
The advice I would offer is to lead with curiosity, seek out mentors to learn from around you, and not hesitate to step into new challenges. Some of the most pivotal moments in my career came from saying yes to opportunities that initially felt intimidating. I didn’t always have every answer, but I have been willing to ask thoughtful questions, remain curious, and continuously learn. That mindset has allowed me to build strong relationships and opened doors I never anticipated. I have found this industry rewards those who are proactive, adaptable, and willing to engage with enthusiasm. Ultimately, my advice would be to stay curious, embrace growth, and never stop learning.
