Jaime McKenna ’97 is the president of Fengate Real Estate, a division of the major North American asset management firm Fengate. Since stepping into the role in 2019, she and her executive team have accelerated the growth of Fengate’s real estate platform through increasing capital deployment, launching multiple growth and core funds, and closing numerous key transactions on behalf of investors. Fengate now manages a $20-billion portfolio and over 100 real estate properties and investments. 

But nearly 30 years ago when she arrived at Trent University, the Business student was navigating personal challenges and uncertainty, leaving her without a financial safety net. 

“It was really tough times at home,” said Jaime. “It was hard, but Trent gave me a safe place to be to do what I love. I would come here and it was like a warm blanket.” 

She credits the skills, connections, and confidence that made that happen to the meaningful interactions with peers and professors in small and dynamic classroom environments, and to the real-world learning opportunities gained through involvement in the Trent Business Students Association.

Now, Jaime is back at Trent as a member of Trent’s Board of Governors and as the 2024-25 School of Business CEO in Residence, a role she is using to inspire hope and to help the next generation harness their own resilience. 

“I want to let [students] know that maybe today things seem a little bit tough, whether it's financially, they're studying hard, they're not sure how they're going to get a job... to give students a bridge to somebody that experienced all those things, took it to heart, and then made something with it.” 

Learn more about upcoming events with the CEO in Residence.