In a modest cubicle at Air Canada’s Finance Branch mail desk, Donna Price kept an organizational chart pinned to her wall. She often found herself studying it, not out of envy but with curiosity. “How did these people get there?” she wondered. “Was it their education? Their experience? Their connections?”
Growing up in the 1960s, Donna saw few career options for women. “Back then, it seemed like your choices were teacher, nurse, or secretary,” she recalls.
For a time, following in her mother’s footsteps as a secretary seemed inevitable. But it was her father, a mid-level manager at Canadian National Railway, who sparked her interest for something more. He often brought his work home, and Donna was eager to help.
“I loved sifting through his reports and analyzing the numbers,” she reminisces with a smile. “There was a logic to it that just made sense to me.”
At the time, Donna had no clear career aspirations beyond learning and growing. But that quiet curiosity planted a seed that would blossom into a remarkable journey.
Drawn to mathematics and logic, Donna pursued a degree in Computer Science while working summer jobs at Air Canada. One day, she asked a director what steps she could take to build a career at the company. His advice was simple yet pivotal: “Get your CGA designation.”
“I walked straight to the CGA office, grabbed a brochure, and I was inspired,” she says. The program’s structure, flexibility and practical focus resonated deeply.
Balancing full-time work with her CGA studies demanded long hours and relentless focus, but Donna’s commitment never wavered.
Her determination didn’t go unnoticed. When a manager asked why she was taking CGA courses, her response was clear: “I just want to learn and grow and be ready when the right opportunity comes along”.
That mindset, rooted in preparation and ambition, served her well and set her on a course that would shape her illustrious career.
Donna became the first female manager in Air Canada’s finance division before transitioning to the fast-paced world of airport operations. There, she thrived - tackling logistical challenges, finding creative solutions, and earning a reputation as a forward-thinking and decisive leader.
“I loved the challenge,” she exclaims. “Operations required me to think differently, and that’s where I excelled.”
In a male-dominated environment, Donna’s ability to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and empower her teams set her apart. Eventually, she became General Manager of Toronto Pearson Airport, one of North America’s busiest hubs. From there, Donna made history as Air Canada’s first female Vice President.
In her role as Vice President of Airports, she oversaw 700 flights per day, led 6,000 employees worldwide, and managed a $340 million budget. The organizational chart that she once studied from her cubicle now bore her name.
“I never imagined I’d be on that chart one day,” Donna reflects. “But I believed in putting my hand up, learning, and trusting that hard work would get me there.”
One defining moment solidified Donna’s belief in her abilities. As one of only two non-Montreal-based VPs, she was en route to an important meeting when a colleague expressed confusion about a financial issue that had upset the CEO. Drawing on her financial expertise, Donna calmly broke down the problem and explained the CEO’s concern.
“That’s when I realized I could hold my own,” notes Donna. “Thanks to my CGA training, I had the tools to navigate complex financial issues, and that gave me confidence.”
For Donna, leadership was never about titles, it was about building strong teams and empowering people to succeed.
“Helping others thrive, that’s what’s most meaningful,” she shares earnestly. “When your team feels valued, equipped, and proud of their achievements, everyone wins.”
That philosophy carried over to her role as Senior Vice President of Customer Service and Card Operations at CIBC. There, she led 1,500 employees and managed a $710 billion credit business.
By championing teamwork and collaboration, she fostered a culture where employees felt heard, respected and empowered to excel.
Throughout her career, Donna remained deeply committed to advancing the accounting profession which was evident in her service on numerous committees for CGA Manitoba and CGA Canada. As CGA Manitoba President, her contributions supported initiatives like funding a state-of-the-art lecture theatre at the University of Manitoba and establishing the CGA Scholarship Trust Fund.
In her role as Vice-Chair of CGA Canada, Donna played an instrumental role in ensuring the unification process of the three professional accounting bodies in Canada was thoughtful and strategic.
“It was never just about the technical side,” Donna reflects. “It was about building something better by improving education, services and creating opportunities for generations to come.”
Her impactful contributions were recognized in 2008 when she was named one of the top 100 CGAs of all time to make a difference by CGA Canada.
Even in retirement, Donna’s dedication to her community remains steadfast. Whether mentoring CPA candidates, volunteering with organizations like the True Patriot Love Foundation, or serving on boards such as the Winnipeg Airports Authority, Donna continues to create meaningful change.
Looking back, Donna credits her success to curiosity, adaptability and a genuine desire to help others.
“I always asked, ‘How can I help?’” she explains, sharing the advice she’d give to future generations. “That simple question opens conversations, builds trust and creates opportunities for growth. It’s about understanding what others need, working together and finding common goals. That’s what drives success.”
Resilience, Donna believes, is just as important.
“I didn’t have a network like others,” she admits. “But I paid attention to leaders who inspired me. Great leaders shape how you show up and how to do the right things, for the right reasons.”
Today, Donna enjoys quiet moments at the lake, cherishing moments with family. Her niece and nephew’s children affectionately call her ‘Grandma,’ a role she embraces with pride.
Yet even in quieter moments, her legacy remains vibrant – one built on curiosity and a relentless desire to lift others.
Receiving the CPA Manitoba Lifetime Achievement Award was an unexpected but deeply moving honour.
“I honestly thought it was a mistake,” she laughs. “It’s incredibly humbling to be recognized for something I’ve loved doing.”
For Donna, the award represents more than personal achievement, it’s a testament to the values that have guided her career.
“I never set out to win awards,” she explains. “I just kept asking, ‘How can I help?’ And that’s what opened doors - for myself, for my teams and for the people I’ve had the privilege to support.”
From her early days in a mailroom cubicle to becoming Air Canada’s first female Vice President of Airports, Donna’s story is proof that resilience, education and a commitment to helping others can turn even the most ambitious dreams into reality.
Learn more about the Member Recognition Program.