Daytona Beach, FL (July 7, 2025) – The Junior League of Daytona Beach proudly announces the appointment of Veronika “Roni” PeGee as its new President – the first Black woman to hold the position in the League’s 90-year history.

A member of the League since 2014 and an inspiring community leader, PeGee’s path to this role is one she defines by faith and unwavering commitment to service. Her election marks a powerful milestone in the League’s continued mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact.

“My journey to the Junior League of Daytona Beach is deeply personal and rooted in resilience,” said PeGee. “I joined while rebuilding my life as a single mother. I knew I needed to surround myself with strong, purpose-driven women. The League became not only a space for me to give back, but a tribe that stood by me, even through my toughest battle fighting cancer.”

Surviving breast cancer has profoundly shaped PeGee’s leadership style. Now she leads with what she calls “superpower faith” and a servant’s heart.

“Cancer didn’t break me. It deepened my compassion and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.”

That purpose is now helping to shape the Junior League of Daytona Beach with her historic presidency; not just for its symbolism but for the transformation it represents within the League and the greater Daytona Beach community.

“I see myself as a bridge between our history and our future,” she said. “I often wondered if I belonged when I first joined because the women didn’t look like me. But I also knew representation matters, especially in an organization committed to serving the community.”

As president, PeGee has outlined three clear priorities: mission, membership, and sustainability. Her focus is on elevating the League’s mission through impactful programming, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and strengthening the League through strategic partnerships and stewardship.

She also plans to launch several initiatives during her term, including:

  • Scholarship & mentorship programs for young women

  • Expanded leadership training for members

  • A renewed focus on mental well-being and holistic support for women

Looking ahead, PeGee sees the Junior League of Daytona Beach as a powerful catalyst in shaping the city’s future.

“I believe the next generation of women who will shape business and civic and nonprofit leadership will come through our doors,” she said. “We are cultivating leaders who will lift communities, break barriers, and leave a lasting impact.”

As for the legacy PeGee hopes to leave behind, “I want to be remembered for creating space where every woman felt empowered to rise, and for instilling the belief that no challenge is too great when purpose leads the way.”

About Junior League of Daytona Beach:
The Junior League of Daytona Beach is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Established in 1934, the JLDB plays an integral part in the development, improvement, and support of the communities of Volusia and Flagler Counties, and is one of the hundreds of chapters across the world and a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. For more information about the JLDB or how to become a member, visit daytonabeach.jl.org.

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