Rotary International President
Jennifer E. Jones
President 2022-23
Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland
Ontario, Canada
Jones 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 recognized 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. Jones holds a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.).
As the first woman to be elected president, Jones 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 realize growth in female membership and members under the age of forty — these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership,” Jones said. “I will champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family.”
Jones 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 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. She also led the successful #RotaryResponds telethon in 2020, which raised critical funds for COVID-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000 people.
Jones 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.
Presidential initiatives 2022-23
Diversity is one of Rotary’s longstanding core values and greatest strengths. Jones knows there is more to be done to ensure that Rotary’s culture exemplifies our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Rotary, with input and guidance from the DEI Task Force, has strengthened our commitment to DEI, resulting in a greater focus on celebrating every individual’s contribution, advancing equity, and creating a more welcoming and inclusive culture.
During the 2022-23 year, Jones encourages each of us to do our part to ensure Rotary is a welcoming and inclusive community by:
- Learning more about DEI in Rotary, including understanding definitions and how to celebrate and respect our differences.
- Determining why DEI matters to our club and community and how using DEI principles can help our club grow and become stronger.
- Raising awareness of DEI, including creating a DEI committee in your club that reflects the demographics of your community.
- Taking action on DEI in our club and community for instance educating yourself about underrepresented groups in your community in order to become a more knowledgeable and effective advocate for DEI.
- Learn more and take action by reading the DEI presidential brochure.
Jones will also continue RI President Shekhar Mehta’s Girls Empowerment initiative, recognizing that empowered girls become empowered women. Share your Girls Empowerment projects on Showcase.