AnnaMaria Toppazzini

Born and raised in Winnipeg, AnnaMaria has a B.A. and a MPA from the University of Manitoba and an Entrepreneurial Business Development Diploma from the MIB School of Management in Trieste, Italy. She is fluent in English, French and Italian.

AnnaMaria has over 30 years of business experience and has a proven track record of developing membership-based organizations by bolstering the membership base, implementing innovative revenue-generating ideas, and pursuing collaborative partnerships. In her role as CEO of the University of Manitoba Business School Foundation, she leads and implements strategies that further the Foundation's mission and vision for the advancement of business education of the Asper School of Business faculty and students, the Foundation, its members and the business community as a whole. AnnaMaria is a proud alumnus and ambassador of her alma mater and champions our graduates in the business community.

Prior to joining the Foundation, AnnaMaria worked at the University of Winnipeg for 9 years in various capacities including Director of Alumni Affairs, Director of University Advancement, and finally as the Senior Development Advisor, President's Office, under the leadership of Dr. Lloyd Axworthy.

AnnaMaria was the Founding Director and Executive Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Manitoba where, over a seven year period, she transformed a small not-for-profit into a sustainable revenue-generating entity. She led numerous initiatives on investment, trade, and business with government and industry leaders while contributing to the economies of both Italy and Canada.

AnnaMaria was conferred with the Order of Italy - Onorificenza di Cavaliere, Ordine della Stella Della Solidarieta Italiana in recognition of her work developing trade between Italy and Canada from the President of the Republic of Italy.

AnnaMaria enjoys traveling, reading, fundraising for worthy causes, cycling, tennis, and is an avid Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers fan.