We sit with Donna Jones- Simmons —the co‑founder and architect of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women—to trace how a simple idea became a movement that documents excellence, accelerates careers, and reframes what leadership looks like across Canada. From five published books (with a sixth on the way) to fireside chats and biennial galas, Donna shows how visibility plus documentation turns into promotions, board seats, and public recognition.
We dig into her work at ACCES Employment, where speed mentoring connects newcomers directly to employers and the Speak English Cafe demystifies workplace language, idioms, and nuance. The results are tangible: faster hiring, stronger integration, and higher confidence. Donna also shares selection criteria for honourees—community leadership, impact with Black girls and women, and a track record of service—while explaining why archiving stories matters as much as awarding medals. When achievements are searchable and shareable, opportunity grows.
The conversation tackles tokenism head‑on. Donna’s approach is practical: lead with your business value, advocate for yourself, and turn identity debates into outcomes. She outlines mentoring tactics that build self‑advocacy, how to reframe tough questions without losing your voice, and why staying on topic earns respect. You’ll hear personal lessons on balance (including a legendary two‑graduations‑in‑one‑day story), the power of seizing hard opportunities, and what’s next: a trades symposium, continuing fireside chats, and Donna’s milestone as the first Black president of the Rotary Club of Toronto in 115 years.
If you care about mentorship, newcomer employment, inclusive leadership, and the future of Black excellence in Canada, this conversation is a masterclass in building systems that last. Listen, share with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a review to help more people find these stories.
Like and follow Donna Jones- Simmons on:
Facebook: 100ABC Women www.facebook.com/100abcwomen
Instagram: @100_abcwomen www.instagram.com/100_abcwomen
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.