President Dauna Jones-Simmonds Throne Speech

Good evening and welcome, Fellow Rotarians, family, friends, and supporters.

On May 12, 2023, I received a call from Past President Jayson Phelps inviting me to dinner to “discuss how I was feeling about the Club.” I found the request curious — after all, we crossed paths regularly — but out of respect, I agreed to meet him here at this venue on May 15th, 2023, at 6:31 PM.

Naturally, I speculated. I told someone with whom I live, that I suspected Jayson might be preparing to ask me to step away from the Club, as I had recently become quite outspoken. I mentally prepared myself for that conversation.

I showed up. After about twenty minutes of light chatter, in walked Past President Prince Kumar. I remember thinking, “How bold of him to crash our meeting, without even saying ‘excuse me.” But Prince, ever warm and charming, was welcomed in.

Then came the twist: Prince asked, “Did she accept?”

“Did who accept what?” I asked.

Jayson replied, “I haven’t told her yet.” Then he turned to me and asked, “Do you know what we are discussing? You’ve been selected as our next Vice President, which means you'll be president in 2025–2026.”

Of course, I naively didn’t realize I was being set up — beautifully, and unwittingly — by two men who believed in me more than I believed in myself.

I blinked. “Are you serious? Is this Club ready for a Black woman to be President?” Without hesitation, Jayson responded, “Dauna, it’s about time.”

Those powerful words still echo in my heart.

That moment changed the course of my life. (By the way, I overheard John Lloyd telling my husband, “You won’t see her for a year — she’s a write-off now!”)

A Historic First
Today, July 9th, 2025, is a family affair—with friends, fellow Rotarians, my family, and many 100ABC Honourees. I stand before you filled with gratitude and humility. Becoming the seventh woman and the first Black and 115TH President of the Rotary Club of Toronto is the honour of a lifetime. What a privilege and an Honour!!
For the record, while this milestone is significant, this moment is not about me—it’s about us. As I assume this role, I do so with full commitment to the core of our mission: ‘Service Above Self’.

Now, let me share A little Bit About Me.
You’ve seen a glimpse of my journey in the video and my bio in your program. But for those who’d rather listen than read — I was born on the island of St. Kitts, the 13th of 14 children.

I’ve held several leadership roles in not-for-profit organizations, business and, more specifically, at banks and here at the Club, such as participating in various committees, such as Member Engagement, Programs, Research and Appeal, Board Foundation, to name a few. But one of the most significant leadership positions is my role as co-founder, co-author, and architect of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women (100ABCWomen). Together with my co-founders and co-authors, the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine and Dr. Denise O’Neil Green, we have biennially celebrated 500 women and co-authored five editions of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, since 2016-2024 - a gift to our community — a tribute to unsung heroes, trailblazers and accomplished Black women, who may have never been publicly recognized for their excellence nor had their accomplishments documented. I’m deeply grateful for that opportunity.

Let me take a moment to proudly acknowledge my family - the people who are my rock and my reason:

My husband, Wrensford Simmonds
My son, Wrensford II, and his wife, Shannon Meadows
My daughter, Dauren, and her husband, Gregory Wright
My five grandchildren — Harlowe, Peyton, Wrensford III, Robyn, and Graham
My sister, Valerie Jones
My niece, Paige Caldeira, who is joining the Club today and recently migrated from London, England
My nephews, Brent and Cerdic Jones
The Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, my mentor
My Rotary hero, John Lloyd, whose moral clarity I will speak of shortly — thank you.
District Governor Niecy Dillon Tyrovolas (District 7070), my Sherpa through this President Elect leadership training journey; President Omar Wisdom (Oshawa), President Kenneth Chin (Markham), Past Presidents Aron Harnett and Marion Chan (Toronto East), and to my 100ABC family and friends— thank you.
My steel panelist Kenn Lewis, and our unwavering tech champions Kit Truong and Malcolm Edwards — your dedication allows us to shine. Please stand and be recognized.

I’d like to share a story as to Why I Stayed with this Club
Recently, DG Niecy had a segment with the President Elects. She asked each of us: what has kept us at our Clubs?
After almost 18 years of being on several committees. On the Board, etc., my answer was simple:

My husband, who insisted I join.
John Lloyd, now 90 years young, who conspired with my husband and insisted that I join the club. A quick story about John.

In 2013, Wrennie and I attended our first Rotary International Convention in Portugal. Wrennie and I were denied entry on a city tour bus as the tour guide insisted that no seats were available—John and Lorraine were with us, and Lorraine said she counted 8 empty seats. When challenged, the tour guide reluctantly said John and Lorraine could board, but not Wrennie and me. John got emotional and said, “If they’re not getting on, we’re not getting on.” I said ‘wow’. John could have said, “Dauna, Wrennie — catch the next bus where you may feel welcome.” But he didn’t. He stood with us. We got on the bus, as eventually, the embarrassed Tour Guide afforded us. With this painful incident, isn’t it fitting that John did the toast and prepared today’s programs?

This is what Rotary is about. Standing up for what is right, even when it’s uncomfortable. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said,
“The time is always right to do what is right.”

I also remain a Rotarian because of the incredible work we do and the impact we make in our communities. Whether it’s:

Making menstrual pads for homeless girls in the Dominican Republic in collaboration with other clubs
Sending 40,000 diabetic syringes to St. Kitts — a life-saving initiative
Delivering holiday hampers to seniors
Preparing camp Scugog for disadvantaged youth
Contributing to the eradication of polio
Providing $1M in grants, annually, for very worthy causes, within marginalized communities

This is service above self. This is what walking together feels like. This is Rotary.
Let’s now take a moment to watch a short video that captures just a few of the good things we’ve done.

Let me now address the Presidential Priorities – 2025–2026. Your program contains our goals and shared expectations.
With all that’s happening in our world — political division, social upheaval — at our core, Rotary remains a humanitarian organization. Our goal will always be to do good in the world, regardless of who you are, where you come from, your religion, the colour of your skin, etc.
Here are the 10 strategic priorities that will guide us this year:

Elevate the Rotary Brand & Image - We will do so by continuing to engage in sweat equity projects, build corporate partnerships, engage in environmental activities and connect with communities. Let’s wear our Rotary pins proudly. Share our impactful stories. Let people know that Rotary is alive and well.
Growing Our Membership - Each one, bring one. Let’s grow to 250 members by 2026 — because people still believe in unity and service, they just need to understand how to do it. Starting today, take some time to help others understand.
Strengthening Club Engagement - In 2020, when my granddaughter Harlowe was only 2 years old, she taught me that Inclusion means engagement. Every Sunday morning, she would track down every family member in the house to attend her pandemic talent shows in my foyer. No excuses. You were part of the family, and everyone must be present. Rotarians, show up. Let’s get our colleagues involved. Let’s create a magnetic culture.
Supporting & Integrating New Members - Let’s ensure no one feels like an outsider. Invite someone new to sit with you at your table. If you haven’t seen someone for a while, reach out. Your message is that of inclusion—you belong!
A quick story about inclusion – I recall finding a note on my desk on my first day at American Express (July 3,1990) that read: “We’re so happy you’re here. Let’s do lunch - Marijke.” Initially, I thought Marijke was a ghost, for I had never seen her until weeks later, she showed up in the office. You see, Marijke spent time with her clients – they were important to her.
The message is that one simple note became a decades-long friendship. She now lives in BC, and we visit each other every year. Think about how such a note would make you feel.
The Tree of Remembrance is our signature event, which matters. Last December, Rotarians braved the bitter cold at Sankofa Square (previously known as Dundas Square), and in doing so, more people learned what Rotary stands for. In the video, you would have seen the tree covered in yellow ribbons. People from all over came and wrote special messages on these ribbons to their loved ones. Thanks to the incredible work by Jayson Phelps, Anny-Sandra, and the team.
Investing in Ourselves - let’s grow your leadership. Attend district conferences and events. Visit other clubs. Rotary is a classroom — use it. I was shocked that my training for the Presidency was a two-year journey! A massive investment for which I am eternally grateful. When one person asked me how I felt about becoming president, I responded ‘We’ll see’. Did I ever get a lecture – the person promptly informed me that this is a privilege and honour of a lifetime. I said yes, sir. I’ve since used his words and the difference it has made in my outlook for this position - The power of positive thinking.
Sharing Our Stories -Let’s flood The Voice and Rotary Magazine with inspirational stories of our service, such as environmental cleanups, our Holiday party for children with disabilities, and taking care of seniors. Everyone has a story—and yes, even the ones that you think are “boring.”
Committee Involvement -This is where engagement and change happen. Join, participate, and bring your skills to the table. You will better appreciate and enjoy the club you belong to. Rise and take the initiative to join a committee. It will stimulate personal growth.
Supporting the Vulnerable - Let’s support programs for veterans, seniors, persons with mental health challenges, our Indigenous communities, and those experiencing food and housing insecurity. As one writer wrote, ‘We are children of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, we have a right to be here.’ These aren’t problems—they are crises. Rotary answers the crisis.
A Commitment to Excellence - last but not least - Stay active. Stay inspired. Let’s make our Club not just functional, but exceptional and fun.

Let me express my Gratitude to those who performed or contributed to today’s event:

Kaitlynn Almeida – thank you for your testimonial from Camp Scugog
Aryn Blake – thank you for your beautiful rendition of ‘Lift Every Voice’
Brigitte Bogar and Denise Williams – thank you for leading O Canada – our national anthem.
Coco Laraine Veira – thank you for capturing my story in words and music
Denise Williams, who captured our hearts with her beautiful rendition
All past Presidents – your encouragement and support mean the world to me
Vashney Martin (my long-time high school friend) – thank you for your plaque and for sending your message so that it can be delivered by my niece Paige Caldeira
Carol Hutchinson, our Executive Director – your strength and support mean so much. I know that we’ll bond as sisters do!
The National Club and its staff – as always, exceptionally delicious food and service
Those who helped with the setup – Sadilyn Foster, Paige Caldeira, Kares Clarke-Glasgow, Jeweleen Dillon, Kit Truong, Malcolm Edwards and Kenn Lewis
To all my fellow Rotarians, friends and family who inspire me every day — in person and online — thank you for being part of this moment.

To a Leadership Team I Trust and will rely on

President-Elect Pauline Lyons and Vice President Sergio Amatller — your loyalty and presence matter more than words can say. I am grateful to have you by my side.
To Past President Binoy — your legacy is one of excellence. I’ll wear those big shoes with heart and determination.
To our board members, committee chairs, working group champions, past presidents, and the staff – Essam and Sarah — you are the heartbeat of this club (You will be introduced later). You lead not for applause, but because you believe in building a better world.

In Closing
Let me leave you with this quote by Margaret Mead:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Together, we are that group. Let’s walk this journey hand-in-hand. Let’s do good, not for applause, but for impact. Thank you — and let’s get to work.

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