Ms. Laura Dottori-Attanasio
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
For her outstanding leadership in Canada’s financial industry, and her legacy of professional accomplishments and community involvement, and her strong advocacy for inclusion, acceptance and diversity, the university proudly confers upon Ms. Laura Dottori-Attanasio the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
Ms. Dottori-Attanasio is President and Chief Executive Officer at Element Fleet Management. She has previously held roles with CIBC as Senior Executive Vice-President and Head of Personal and Business Banking, Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, and as Managing Director and Global Head of Corporate Banking.
As a member of the Women’s Executive Network’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Hall of Fame, Ms. Dottori-Attanasio is a strong proponent for improving communities. She serves in board positions with the C.D. Howe Institute, the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the United Way of Greater Toronto, and the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons’ A Seat at the Table.
Her volunteer efforts are extensions of her genuine passion for improving communities and creating a brighter future for children and youth. Her leadership and support have opened the door to transformational programs as well as partnerships with leading companies and their charitable foundations, including the Children’s Aid Foundation, where she serves as a Co-Chair of their fundraising campaign.
Ms. Dottori-Attanasio is a strong supporter of inclusion and diversity in post-secondary education. With her husband Mark Attanasio, she co-created the Dottori-Attanasio Centennial Scholars Award in Commerce at the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business, with the goal of helping to level the playing field so all have the opportunity to learn, grow, and start a career. The family has also made a substantial philanthropical commitment to the Campaign for Centennial Kids’ Centennial Infant and Child Centre, an organization that empowers the potential of children with complex developmental challenges.
Ms. Dottori-Attanasio has received the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the King Clancy Award from the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Western University.
