–submitted by Kevin Hoffman
WDVA Secretary-Designee James Bond shared his journey of discovery and success from growing up in a single-parent family in a poor neighborhood on Madison’s east side to being appointed by Governor Tony Evers in January to lead the WDVA. As he grew up and became more exposed to people of diverse backgrounds, he realized that his circumstances and yearnings were different than many and a source of shame and embarrassment. He dreamed of a successful and “normal” life and set about achieving the life he wanted by joining the Marine Corps and returning to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin.
Today, Secretary-Designee Bond has a proven track record of service to others and has remained true to himself. He is the first Black, openly LGBTQ leader of the WDVA. In addition, he has married and has adopted two boys from foster care to create the stable family he desired as a young person. He is proud that he can represent under-represented constituencies and be able to give back for the assistance his family needed when growing up. His role as leader at WDVA is well-suited in his mission to give back, serve others and inspire.
If you missed our meeting this week, you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/wHL85o3kZJY.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 