Jennifer Jones makes history through nomination as first woman RI president
Jennifer E Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated Rotary International’s president for 2022–23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organisation’s 115-year history.
She will officially become president-nominee on October 1 if no other candidates challenge her.
Jennifer says she sees Rotary’s Action Plan as a catalyst for increasing Rotary’s impact.
“As we reflect upon our new strategic priorities, we could have never envisioned that our ability to adapt would become our North Star during what is inarguably the most profound time in recent history,” she said in her vision statement. “Silver linings rise out of the most challenging circumstances. Using metric-driven goals, I will harness this historic landscape to innovate, educate and communicate opportunities that reflect today’s reality.”
As the first woman to be nominated RI president, Jennifer understands how important it is to follow through on Rotary’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement. “I believe that diversity, equity and inclusion … begins at the top and for us to realise growth in female membership and members under the age of 40 — these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership,” she said. “I will champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family.”
Jennifer is founder and president of Media Street Productions Inc, an award-winning media company in Windsor. She was chair of the board of governors of the University of Windsor and chair of the Windsor-
Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has been recognised for her service with the YMCA Peace Medallion, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and Wayne State University’s Peacemaker of the Year Award, a first for a Canadian. She holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD).
A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jennifer has been a Rotary member since 1997 and has served Rotary as RI vice-president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator and district governor. She played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort by serving as chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group. She is the co-chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee which aims to raise $150 million for polio eradication efforts.
Jennifer recently led the successful #RotaryResponds telethon, which raised critical funds for Covid-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000. She has also received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. She and her husband, Nick Krayacich, are members of The Rotary Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, Paul Harris Society and the Bequest Society.
© Rotary.org
