We had a wonderful turnout on November 15 to honour Peter Naylor and his solar power project in Ghana at Atorkor Vocational Training Institute.

 

 

 

 

Annelise Taylor spoke about our Steam Whistle Fundraiser the end of March.  Last year her company bought a table for their clients and it was so popular that they are taking two tables this year.  Contact Fabio Ventolini to reserve one for your clients now!

 

We have another fundraiser planned for March 5th in partnership with Progress Place.  Bill Morari hd a video for us showing how successful they are in re-integrating people into the workforce.  Mark the date and invite clients and friends.

 

We introduced a new member Chris Chandler whose bio will appear next week. Dauna Jones-Simmonds was our Let's Be Personal speaker.

 

Our speakers were the University of Toronto Debating Team on the topic of repatriating Canadians who went to fight with IS. The pros and cons were well laid out and all the problems with each.  If we bring them back to Canada we have no way to charge them for crimes committed elsewhere.  The concern with using the International Criminal Court is that we might have to divulge things that could jeopardize our own security.

Leaving them there means they are either free to continue with fighting or be tried in Syria or Iraq, both countries with poor standards of prisoner care. There were excellent arguments on all sides. 

 

Incoming President John Fortney chaired his first meeting and he really 'moved' us!  John Platts won the wine and the 50-50 pot grows.

 

 

Dauna was born in St. Kitts,  the 13th of 14 children. Dauna’s work career started in banking which she enjoyed and was able to lay the foundation for understanding key business practices and planning her career advancement.  She subsequently migrated to Toronto, Canada, over forty-two years ago. Dauna had a rude awakening when she discovered that a typist was the only position available without ‘Canadian experience’. With her resilient attitude, she made a plan which included working hard and pursuing educational opportunities that would advance her career in her chosen profession of Human Resources. She has been able to enjoy a career that specifically focused on Diversity and Employment of Persons with Disabilities.

 

She has first-hand knowledge and experience about the roadblocks and challenges encountered by new Canadians. She is President of DEJS (Diversity) Consulting, which provides her with the opportunity to share her experience through consulting and training activities.  She has been a community contributor towards the Anti-Black Racism project through the City of Toronto CABR Unit.

 

Four years after arriving in Canada, she married her high school friend, Dr. Wrensford Simmonds (affectionately known as Wrennie). They have two children - Wrensford Simmonds, II and Dauren Simmonds-Wright. Her family has expanded to now include a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and beautiful Harlowe – her granddaughter.

 

She is the Co-Author of the book - 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, (now in its third edition), that recognizes and documents the achievements of Black Canadian Women. She has mentored over 36 individuals and engaged in matters that involve youths-at-risk. Dauna is a Certified Facilitator and has won numerous awards for her leadership style and diversity efforts.   Her most recent being two Lifetime Achievement awards:  ‘Brilliant Minded Women’ and the Vanguard Leadership Award for 100ABCWomen.

 

She is currently deep into plans for our club Christmas party on December 13^th.