Championing change: Dauna Jones-Simmonds on inclusion and impact

Dauna Jones-Simmonds, Office and Administrative Studies ’84, is widely recognized as a trailblazer in diversity leadership, community service and promoting the achievements of Black Canadians. As Canada marks 30 years of Black History Month, we spotlight Jones-Simmonds — the first Black President of the Rotary Club of Toronto and a key driving force behind the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women (external link, opens in new window)  project — whose work has helped shape how Black Canadian leadership is documented, celebrated and sustained across generations.

Jones-Simmonds brings more than three decades of experience in human resources, diversity and leadership, having held senior roles at organizations including American Express Canada, CIBC, TD Bank and Aon Hewitt, as well as serving as Executive Director of Ontario JOIN. Her journey, however, began in circumstances few would call straightforward.

“I did not set out to build a leadership career,” she said. “In many ways, my early goal was simply to survive — not only the sometimes harsh Canadian winters, but also the challenges that every new immigrant faces.”

After immigrating to Canada from St. Kitts/Nevis more than 50 years ago, Jones-Simmonds encountered barriers to employment tied to a perceived lack of “Canadian experience.” Rather than allowing that reality to stall her progress, she made the decision to return to school at Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson Polytechnical Institute).

“That experience gave me an invaluable perspective on Canadian culture, work and life,” she said. “It helped shape my confidence.”

From there, she adopted a personal philosophy of not saying no to opportunities that could support her professional growth. That mindset continued as she balanced career advancement with raising two children, supported by what she describes as the unwavering encouragement of her husband. The journey, she said, shaped both her resilience and her leadership.

Documenting and celebrating Black Canadian leadership

Today, Jones-Simmonds is widely recognized as one of Canada’s most respected diversity champions. She is a co-author and architect of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women project, alongside the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, TMU Honorary Doctor of Laws ’19, and Dr. Denise O’Neil Green, former TMU vice-president, equity and community inclusion.

The project, which documents and celebrates Black women’s leadership across Canada, has recognized more than 500 women whose contributions span volunteerism, entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, skilled trades and mentorship. For Jones-Simmonds, the work has always been about more than recognition.

“It is not simply about celebration — it is about preservation,” she said. “Our current and future generations deserve to understand and appreciate what their ancestors achieved, often against extraordinary odds.”

Jones-Simmonds continues to be inspired by the project’s impact, noting that many of the women it features were largely unknown to the broader public before their stories were documented. The project has helped ensure their achievements are recognized and celebrated across Canada, amplifying their contributions and inspiring others.

She points to moments when honourees share news of promotions, keynote speaking invitations, major projects or long-earned academic milestones. “Their voices are being amplified, their work is shining brightly and their success is inspiring others,” she said. “I am genuinely overjoyed by their accomplishments.”

Leading with inclusion and breaking barriers

In 2025, Jones-Simmonds reached a historic milestone when she became the first Black president of the Rotary Club of Toronto in its 115-year history. When she was approached about stepping into the role at one of the country’s largest and oldest clubs — known for its leadership in community service initiatives addressing issues such as child welfare, poverty, hunger, literacy, violence and substance abuse — she asked a direct question.

“I asked whether the Rotary Club of Toronto was ready for a Black president,” she said. “The response was immediate: ‘Dauna, it’s about time.’”

While the role carried weight, she viewed it as a barrier that could and should be broken. She leaned into the opportunity with intention. Today, she notes, the Rotary Club is more diverse than it has ever been, reflecting a commitment to inclusion rooted in action.

Her leadership style, she notes, has remained consistent across corporate, community and volunteer spaces. “I value people, respect their contributions and lead with fairness and integrity,” she said. “Inclusion, for me, is not a slogan — it is a practice.”

Beyond the Rotary Club, she has served as former Chair of ACCES Employment and as a board member with organizations including SKETCH and Delta Family Resource Centre. Through formal and informal mentorship, she has supported more than 100 individuals, many of whom now lead as CEOs, lawyers and entrepreneurs.

Recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential Black People from 2022 to 2024, Jones-Simmonds has received numerous honours, including the Brilliant Minded Women’s Global Lifetime Achievement Award, the AfroGlobal Lifetime Achievement Award and Dame-Knight of the Order of St. Stanislas with Crown in 2024.

As she looks ahead, Jones-Simmonds hopes her work leaves a clear message for the next generation.

“I want young Black Canadians to see that leadership is possible, that giving back matters, and that our community deserves to be visible, valued and fully engaged in shaping Canada’s future,” she said.