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Distinguished Toastmaster Lois Margolin has been an officer in at least one of her clubs since she joined in 2012. She is currently a member of 2 hybrid clubs and 1 true in-person club. She the Treasurer of Outspoken Toastmasters and Club Powerspeakers. Lois has sponsored 131 Toastmasters.
Regarding the District, Lois was the District Finance Manager (3 times) the District Contest Chair for Florida and Technical Support Co-Chair in 2019 when we went virtual, the BLAZING B Division Director, Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director! Lois felt it was important to serve in each role before becoming District 47s District Director.
On a professional level, Lois is a CPA and her company is cleverly labeled Lois Margolin, LLC. Lois is a part time CFO for multiple companies. Lois Margolin, LLC allows you to do what you do best, manage your business and make money. In addition, Lois has a bookkeeping company that manages the daily accounting activity.
Lois loves Toastmaster’s because it provides her the opportunity to mentor people and help them discover their inner light. She believes there is nothing more rewarding than helping people find their confidence and voice. Toastmasters makes her heart sing.
Price Polynice DTM, is a two-time Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) with a diverse background in business and public speaking. He has been a proud member of Toastmasters International for 11 years. Price has dedicated himself to developing his leadership skills, serving in various club-level, area-level, division-level and district-level roles, including Area Director, Division Director, and District Club Retention Chair. He is currently a member of three clubs.
Price is a proud veteran of the United States Navy and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Executive Certificate in Project Management. He is also a TEDx Speaker Coach and Workshop Coach, sharing his expertise and knowledge to empower others. He is a sought-after workshop presenter, who shares his insights and expertise on a wide range of topics. His passion is to be of service to others, helping them to achieve their goals and make a positive impact.
Ancin Munnings is a Senior Coordinator of IT Operations by profession. A Toastmaster since 2012, Ancin did not seek out Toastmasters at all! After graduating from Government High his former boss and now fellow Toastmaster invited him to attend a meeting of The First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600 but declined due to seeing it as not being “his kind of thing” at that time being an introvert. However, five years later the offer came to him again to visit Club 1600 and he accepted it discovering that this is what is needed to “get him out of his shell”. Since joining Toastmasters, he has climbed the ladder of leadership serving in all club officer positions (Sergeant at Arms to President), serving as the Area 93 Director, serving as the Club Retention Chairman (for The Bahamas), he is currently the Division I Director of District 47 and was elected as the Club Growth Director of District 47 (2023-2024). Ancin obtained the coveted Distinguished Toastmaster designation (the highest education award in Toastmasters) in 2020. Ancin credits Toastmasters for finding his path in life and the myriad of experiences and mentorship along his journey shaped him into the professional that he is today being a leader and not a follower. He states, “Being a leader is the most responsible, yet most rewarding role anyone could have, for that reason, it is not an easy task to become one and it is even more difficult to maintain the role. If you wish to become a good leader you must be an effective communicator with a no excuses, only adjustments mindset”. He is an avid reader, and sports enthusiast, and loves to travel.
Christine Cajuste join Toastmasters in 2019 and is a member of Club Power Speakers and Toastmasters of Tamarac.
She is an Accountant by trade and currently works in Municipal Government. With over thirty years in her profession. Christine is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a master’s in business administration from Florida Atlantic University.
Christine is a follower of Christ. A favorite verse being “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” She is a mother, and her hobbies include reading (for its entertainment value), walking and light gaming (Sudoku being the game of choice for the moment).
The main aim of joining Toastmasters was to improve extemporaneous and Public Speaking skills, however, having discovered the Toastmasters have so much more to offer. Christine boasts that Toastmasters is by far the best investment she has ever made and will be a Toastmaster for life.
Andrea Robinson is an Assistant Managing Editor at Law360, a New York City-based international legal publication. She also is an award-winning journalist and media relations consultant with more than three decades of experience.
Andrea joined Toastmasters International 13 years ago, after avoiding the organization for several years. After joining, she embraced the concepts and purposes of Toastmasters. She achieved her Distinguished Toastmaster achievement in 2020.
Andrea has served in District 47 as Division A Director and as Area Director. She is known for lending a hand to clubs in need by offering suggestions on how to engage members and tips for reaching out to their surrounding community. She also served as the editor of the Sunshiner during the leadership of District Governor Anthony “Tony” Longley.
In her professional life, Andrea appears as a contributor to the local ABC affiliate, WPLG Channel-10. For two decades she served as writer and editor at The Miami Herald, where she specialized in urban affairs reporting.
Her other organizational involvements include memberships in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., NAACP, the National Association of Black Journalists, South Florida Black Journalists, and Public Relations Society of America. In her spare time, she enjoys singing at the Universal Truth Center for Better Living in Miami Gardens.
Susan Vineta, DTM, a member of Toastmasters International since 2015, currently serving as the District 47, Southeast Florida and Bahamas Administrative Manager. She is a member of Daybreak, Sunrise, and Art of Speaking Toastmasters. Last year, she served as District 47 Club Extension Co-Chair. She received recognition as the 2023 Super Nova for Division A and as 2021-2022 Area 15 Director a Select Distinguished Area received the Division A Area Director of the Year award.
Professionally, Dr. Susan, a wellness entrepreneur, serves her practice members as founder of Better Energy Everyday, a concierge practice serving clients on-site with chiropractic care, nutritional consults
and lifestyle modifications providing strategies for optimized health.
Dr. Susan, passionate about the environment, chiropractic, and human rights, frequents Florida’s and the U.S. Capital’s policymakers advocating for betterment. As a professional volunteer, who loves to give back to the community, Dr. Susan gives of her time to several organizations aligned with her passions.
Currently, she is collaborating to manifest her vision of creating a sustainable healing center within Peace on Earth Ecovillage. Dr. Susan’s mission is to provide a sanctuary with access to world-class healers for residents and guests to be educated and guided to peace, love, joy, and better energy every day.
Austen is a proud member of The Toastmasters Club at FAU since 2015. Along the way to becoming the first Distinguished Toastmaster in his club’s history, Austen has served all club officer roles plus District positions such as Area Director, Division Director, Club Growth Director, Program Quality Director, and District Director, all in District 47—Southeast Florida and The Islands of The Bahamas. Austen has thoroughly enjoyed volunteering in his Toastmasters tenure, with a special emphasis on supporting college/university clubs and empowering young leaders and communicators to find their voice and make an impact today.
Professionally Austen is a Marketing Director and an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Florida Atlantic University. Academically, Austen has earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) double-majoring in Management and Marketing with an emphasis in Leadership, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) specializing in Marketing, and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Leadership & Research Methodology. Austen will soon earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Marketing. Historically, Austen hails from an Italian-American family in New York and has been a happy resident of Southeast Florida since 1997. Personally Austen loves baseball, food, good company, reading, music, health and wellness, and learning.
Brandon Kinsey joined Toastmasters for a single month in 2007 before his work schedule changed. But let’s be honest, who really wants to attend a meeting at 7AM on Fridays? He came back in 2010 as a charter member of Outspoken Toastmasters, who meets at a much more reasonable time of Noon, where he still remains active to this day. He has served with District 47 for many years, at various times serving as District Webmaster, District Sound Engineer, Area Director, and District Pathways Chair. He earned his DTM in 2018.
When he’s not at Toastmasters he volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America, helping to mentor the next generation in leadership and service. He earned his Eagle Scout in 2004, and encourages the youth he mentors to do the same.
To support his Toastmasters and Boy Scout hobbies, Brandon is the Support Manager for IT Fusion. He earned his Bachelor’s in IT Business Management from Western Governor’s University in 2016. He now spends his days solving problems and looking for solutions, and occasionally asking clients to “turn it off and back on again.”
He currently serves as the District Parliamentarian where he helps educate and promote the use of Robert’s Rules.
Distinguished Toastmaster, Jeanine Kinsey has been a member of Toastmasters since August 2006. She has served in several club officer roles and district roles since then including District Treasurer, Conference Chair, District Webmaster, Division Governor, Lieutenant Governor Marketing, Lieutenant Governor Education & Training and Distinguished District Director. She has earned two DTMs in the traditional path and is now working on her first Pathways DTM. She was a co-founder of her current club, Outspoken Toastmasters in 2010 and currently serves as the VP Education.
She is President of an IT Consulting Company, web designer, consultant and speaker and enjoys sharing her stories of living “Blind Sighted” with her audiences.
She has been married to Matt Kinsey for 34 years, has 2 adult children Brandon and Erin, and 2 grandchildren; Michael and Ayden. She is also very active in her church and in the Boy Scouts and enjoys hiking, camping, cycling and reading in her spare time.
Andre Noudjo has been a dedicated member of Toastmasters since 2016. Joining Toastmasters to improve his communication skills, he quickly discovered a community of caring individuals
driven to help others. Andre is always excited to share the valuable benefits he has gained from Toastmasters and eagerly serves others.
As a former Area Director, Andre actively contributed to the success of the clubs and the Division goals. He has welcomed the challenges and thrived on transforming his Toastmasters journey
into a cherished treasure. Andre's commitment to being a servant leader has led him to serve as the Annual Conference Co-Chair, from July 2022 to June 2023 and as the Club Retention Co-Chair from July 2021 to June 2022 for District 47. Andre's leadership extends beyond Toastmasters into his professional role as a college instructor. He is a passionate Toastmaster, dedicated educator, and accomplished professional who continues to make significant contributions to the Toastmasters community and beyond. Excited to serve as your Logistics Manager during the Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
DTM Antionette Fox joined Toastmasters October 1, 1999 and has served in many roles.
Area Governor & Division Governor of the Year for District 47
Division I – 2003/2004, Evaluator of the Year for the Bahamas for the year 2002-2003.
She is a Past President’s Distinguished District Governor achieving the rank of #5 in the World for District 47 out of 91 Districts
In 2018 because of her past performances and experience, she was called again to serve as District Director 2018/2019
She has served Toastmasters International in 2010/2011 as the first Region Advisor of Marketing for Region VIII, consisting of 7 Districts and during its rebranding phase as one of Toastmasters International first Brand Ambassador 2011/20012
After serving as District Governor she went back in the line up to serve her club Action for Achievement Club 1095 as its President for the 2009/2010 year, where she led the Club to Presidents Distinguished.
She is a Member of Transitions Mentoring Program, a group that Mentors young people throughout the Bahamas to transition in the different areas of life.
Antionette is a Business Analyst in the Managing Director’s Office of CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank and she holds a Management degree, an Accounting degree, the Certified Administrative Professional Certification, the Human Resources Manager Certification and a Certification in Hospitality Management. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and is currently pursuing her Masters in Management with Finance with 3 courses remaining.
Antionette has attained 8 Distinguished Toastmaster Awards
Antionette served as Region I Advisor 2022-2023 for the 2nd time where she assists Districts 7, 15, 39 & 57 located in Washington, California, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and Oregon.
She is the proud mother of 2 beautiful daughters, Shakell Rolle and Ciarrah Newbold, son-in-law Guido Rolle and 2 handsome grandboys Johnathan and Judah.
Barbara Strasdas is a 23-year member of Toastmasters International. When she earned her Distinguished Toastmaster award in 2011, she was as proud and excited as when she received her CPA license. She now holds 4 DTM awards.
In her toastmaster journey she has had the opportunity to serve in many leadership roles: 2020-2021 District 47 Director, 2019-2020 Finance Manager,
Division Director, 2 years as Area Governor, and Chair of 5 District committees, as well as 25+ club officer positions.
She has also received these accolades: 2009 and 2014 Division D Outstanding Toastmaster, and 2023 Area 42 Super Nova.
In her professional life, her career path has been as a CPA in industry. Her creation of the mentorship program with the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year has shown her how reaching out to the community youth will impact our future generation. She has proudly worked with 10 Youth Of the Year candidates – five of those winning the county title.
Her community involvement includes 2- time Chair of the FICPA Women’s Leadership Committee, Chair & Treasurer of the Palm Beach County FICPA Chapter and Board Treasurer of the Boys & Girls Club of Riviera Beach.
TM Russchellea Bain started her toastmasters journey October 2018. She knew to become more confident in public speaking this was something she had to do. Her home club is Cable Revolutionaries and the positions of 2019/2020 VPPR, 2020/2021 VPE and 2021/2022 President.
The First Breakfast Toastmasters Club of the Bahamas is where she is a dual member and was the 2021/2022 VPPR. TM Bain is the immediate past Area 62 Director with the area finishing at Select Distinguished and Division F Director 2022/2023. She is also a member if the Pinewood trendsetters and is the incoming VPPR. Using the acronym R.I.S.E., the toastmasters core values Integrity, respect, service & excellence is applied to her life
TM Bain also believes that the youths are the future and is a District Manager in The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP). Within YEP she was 2nd place Mentor of the Year, 2019, nominee for Assistant District Manager of the year 2021 and recently winning District Manager of the Year 2022. She’s also a Certified Youth Leader under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture and a National Youth Leader nominee 2019.
TM Bain puts God first in all she does. She is a member of Global Worship Center where she is the Assistant Leader of the Alter Ministry.
She loves her son with all that is in her and she believes in empowering others as she empowers herself.
CeCe Espeut is a former US Marine, author, and two-time TEDx speaker. She joined Toastmasters in 2016 and since then has achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster Award four times. CeCe is a member of four clubs. CeCe has served in District 47 as an Area Director and as Club Growth Committee Chair, where she helped 200+ Toastmasters achieve their Distinguished Toastmasters award.
CeCe’s life is centered on three core values; God, Family, and Education.
CeCe currently attends Florida International University (FIU) where she is studying Industrial Organizational Psychology with an emphasis in Change Management and Personal Development.
CeCe is a keynote speaker at leadership conferences around the world where she speaks about Imposter Syndrome, Storytelling, and 2nd Chances. On the surface, these topics may not seem to be related but in actuality, they all deal with the stories we tell ourselves and our beliefs.
With an unyielding passion for excellence, Yvette embraced the opportunity to nurture and
enhance her public speaking skills when she joined Cable Beach West Toastmasters Club 6796
in 1988 and served in various club leadership roles. Due to an advancement in her educational
studies and a new family, her life took a different path. Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas,
Yvette rejoined Toastmasters, Healing Communicators Club 7178 in December 2020.
Since renewing her commitment to Toastmasters, Yvette has served as Treasurer and Secretary
in Healing Communicators Club 7178. She is the Vice President Membership Elect. She also
served as Treasurer of the East Central Archdeaconry Club 7717904. She is an Area 22 Director,
2022 – 2023. Yvette has conducted numerous Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) trainings
and facilitations during the 2022 – 2023 Toastmasters year.
Yvette has worked in the financial services industry for more than 32 years. She holds a
bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance along with numerous certifications and diplomas. She
presently works in Management at a leading International Wealth Management Company.
She is an active member of St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Nassau Bahamas. She, along with her
husband David, are the proud parents of one daughter, Daisha Sara Elize.
Her favorite quote is “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”.
Shakira Taylor is an International Transformation Trainer & Coach | Author | UFBL (Universal Foundation for Better Living) Licensed Teacher. A graduate for Florida International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Marketing. She earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Shakira holds a Masters Certificate in Metaphysical Studies from Johnnie Colemon Theological Seminary where she currently teaches adults practical tools in creating better living.
Shakira joined Toastmasters International in January 2010. Since that time, she served in numerous clubs, Area, Division and District positions – her favorite being any position that allows her to mentor and fan the flame of success and empowerment in other Toastmasters. She is the 2021-2022 Past District Director for District 47.
Shakira believes “our real work is about mastering ourselves, not other things,” she explains. “I believe that within the habits, labels, and experiences we have, lay the gifts we must share with the world. My purpose is simply this “to encourage transformation and inspire the divine connection in myself and others.”
She is married to DEEP Transformation Coach and Senior Minister of Universal Truth Center for Better Living in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Dr. Maurice Fuller is a member of Universal Toastmasters, Universal Advanced Toastmasters and Toastmasters Everywhere in Brazil. He has achieved 3 Distinguished Toastmaster designations. He has sponsored, mentored, and coached numerous clubs. In District 47. At the District level he served as past Distinguished Area Governor to Division E Area 51 and as a past Club Coach Chair for District 47 and as a President’s Distinguished Division Director in 2018.
At the International Level he represented District 47 as a Content Pilot Liaison; working on developing the Revitalized Education Curriculum now renamed Pathways which we are now working with today.
Maurice is a Past District Director for District 47 and under his leadership earned the Distinguished District Award for the year 2018-2019. He was also Awarded District Director of the year for region 8 at the International Convention in summer 2019. In 2022 he received a Presidential Citation from Toastmasters International in recognition of outstanding achievement toward the goals and ideals of Toastmasters International.
Throughout his Toastmasters’ career he has presented many workshops to the District, Divisions, Areas, Clubs and TLIs.
He recently retired as a Clinical Pharmacist.. He is an ordained Inter-spiritual Minister, A certified Inter-spiritual Counselor, a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and an Certified Advanced Jack Canfield Success Principles Trainer.
He is passionate about helping people to feel alive, grounded, and purposeful through art, the practice of mindfulness and meditation. He has presented retreats, workshops and classes on Spiritual and Mindfulness Practices exploring ways of translating mindfulness teachings and spiritual practices in an urban, lay context, and supporting others in the practice of awakening.
He is an ambassador for Toastmasters wherever he goes and truly exemplifies the Toastmaster core values.
Sew Balgobin (Vejay) is a Microsoft Certified System Engineer, who is the owner of VJ Network Solutions, where he provides computer support and services. He was Division A Shooting Star in 2020-2021 term, he has earned his Triple Crown award in 2022 and is now the Immediate Past Division A Director. Vejay became a Distinguished Toastmaster within three years as a member of Toastmasters International which will propel him to the next level of leadership. As a business owner Vejay is an active member of the Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce where he networks with other professionals to expand his business.
Vejay believes that preparation is the key for everything you do in life. He said that if you are prepared, then you are one step ahead of the game. Vejay is always willing to take on leadership roles in his personal and professional life. His motto is “Leadership with results.”
Rhonda Sternberg joined toastmasters July 2017 and is a member of both Chamber Voices and Outspoken Toastmasters. She is currently serving as the President of Chamber Voices.
She is an attorney with an estate planning practice and a CPA with a tax practice both in Coral Springs Florida. When not working, she likes to spend time with family and friends, and her fur baby puppy Lily.
Rosena Duncanson, DTM is a passionate writer, mentor, life coach and first time published poetry author of Memories of a Misguided Rose. Rosena has attained many professional accolades and takes part in both civic and professional development organizations.
Rosena Duncanson is a Senior Manager at a professional services organization. She obtained her Bachelors of Science degree with a focus in Computer Science from Tennessee State University and a Masters of Business Administration with a Speciality in Cybersecurity from St. Thomas University. As a leader in Risk Advisory, she holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designations with over fifteen(15) years of professional experience.
She has served at both the club and District Level. She is the Immediate Past President of Healing Communicators Toastmasters Club and recently earned the Distinguished Toastmaster Designation. She has also served in the past as Area Director and is the past District 47 Speech Contest Co-Chair.
She embraces her passion for youth development and helping others, through mentoring and coordinating various volunteer initiatives including coordinating Toastmasters’ Youth Leadership Programs and a read aloud program initiated with a local primary school to promote literacy in The Bahamas.
Thomas Long has been a member of the Port St. Lucie Speakers Toastmasters club since October 2011 and is currently enrolled in the Innovative Planning and Leadership Development paths. He has served in various leadership roles within the Port St. Lucie Speakers club, including as a Past President. Thomas has helped with both in person and virtual speech contests and was a member of the Toastmasters District 47 audit committee for the 2020 – 2021 Toastmasters year.
Distinguished Toastmaster Michelle LeWay has been in Toastmasters since January 2014 & just earned her 2nd DTM. She has fulfilled multiple roles in her home District of 47 – Area Director, Division Director, District Contest Chair, Club Mentor, Club Coach and has organized and run over 15 Youth Leadership Programs in South Florida. She has held numerous club officer roles & has been involved in over 175 speech contests in her Toastmasters career. Michelle has been honored twice with the Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year award. Her grown-up job is as a Procurement Specialist for Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, but her background in theatre, clowning & circus arts helps keeps the balance between her adult side & her inner child. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Michelle found a crazy, beloved family in the Toastmasters & loves to help others achieve things that they didn’t think were possible.
Mikia S. Cooper’s journey with Healing Communicators Toastmasters Club 7178 began in January 2013, sparking her passion for effective communication and leadership. Rising through the ranks, she made a lasting impact on the club’s history. Influenced by her father’s leadership, Mikia held various roles within the club, including Vice President of Membership and Vice President of Education. As club president in 2015-2016, she led with vision and collaboration, propelling the club to new heights. Her presidency coincided with the birth of her daughter, showcasing her dedication. Beyond the club, Mikia served as an Area Director, inspiring growth and excellence in multiple clubs, and as Assistant Club Growth for Division F, expanding the organization’s reach. Alongside her Toastmasters involvement, Mikia is a Partner in her law firm, Twenty Twenty & Associates, practicing family law, real estate, and more. She is also a Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer, upholding ethical standards. Mikia’s achievements extend beyond her professional life as she cherishes her relationship with her daughter and enjoys exploring the beauty of the family islands. Through her leadership, legal expertise, and commitment to growth, Mikia inspires others to strive for greatness and leaves a lasting impact.
Betsy Robinson, DTM joined Toastmasters September, 2008 as a charter member of her company’s corporate club (NCCI Toastmasters). She jumped on board and has been a member 4 other clubs. She is currently a member of three clubs-two of which are in District 47-one being her beloved corporate club. She has held various leadership roles: Sergeant at Arms, Secretary, Vice President of Membership (twice), Vice President of Education, Club President, Division C Area 30 President’s Distinguished Director (2021-2022), Club Coach (twice) and Pathways Trainer. Betsy was awarded Division C Outstanding Club Member (2021). Betsy earned her Distinguished Toastmaster designation July, 2022. She is actively working on obtaining her second Distinguished Toastmaster designation.
Betsy joined NCCI Holdings in March, 2006 as an underwriting analyst. As a subject matter expert, she assists teammates as they determine eligibility for workers compensation in the residual market for 22 US states. Betsy researches inquiries regarding application status, classification of businesses operations, outstanding debt and non-compliance, and program rules.
Her hobbies include traveling with her husband, Steve, playing Mah Jong with her friends, and chillaxing when the opportunity arises.
Toastmaster Linda Clarke is a native of Grand Bahama, Bahamas. She moved to New Providence in 2014.
An avid learner, Linda holds an LLM in International Finance & Banking Law from the University of Liverpool, an LLB (Hons) from the University of Huddersfield and a Project Management Certification from International Business Training Association. She is employed at Gateway Ascendancy Ltd as a Real Estate Owned Manager.
Linda joined the Toastmasters program in December 2020 as a member of Healing Communicators Club 7178 based in Nassau. She later joined Sunrise Toastmasters Club 7376003 based in Sunrise, FL. Since becoming a Toastmaster, Linda has held leadership roles at the club and district levels including Sergeant-at-Arms, Treasurer, Area Director, and Club Coach. She was awarded Toastmaster of the Year 2021/2022 for Healing Communicators. This program year, Linda serves as the Vice President Education for Sunrise Toastmasters and Vice President Public Relations for Healing Communicators.
Recreationally, Linda is a passionate long-distance runner, TEDx Speaker-Coach and travel enthusiast, to name a few. She shares her journey of being a dedicated marathoner and run coach on her website http://www.run-naturally.com
Linda is the proud mother of a nine-year-old son, London.
As a member of Toastmasters, she has held various club officers’ roles in her home club Police Dynamic Enforcers. She held the office of Area Director for Area 63 2021-2022.
Since joining the Toastmaster’s program in 2005, Ms. King stated that it was always a learning experience. However, in 2015 she acquired a newfound commitment. It was not simply a means to develop her oral communication, BUT she found the program tremendously enhanced her leadership skills.
Her mantra is that – failure is a pathway to success.
TM Michelle Washington has been a member of Toastmasters International since December 2012. She has been an officer in at least one of her clubs since 2013. She is currently Vice President Education of Out-of-the Box Toastmasters Club and a member of Universal Advanced Toastmasters Club. Michelle has also served as a District 47 Area Director, TLI Manager and Administration Manager.
Michelle loves Toastmasters, because it provides her the opportunity to learn continuously while helping to inspire and mentor others.
Michelle has spent over two decades in the IT Industry at the Miami International Airport. She works individually and collectively to create network solutions for the Miami Dade Aviation Department and its tenants.
Outside of her work life, Michelle serves in various organizations throughout the South Florida community. She is especially committed to her church organization where she serves as a licensed teacher for the Universal Foundation for Better Living.
Dear to Michelle’s heart is family. Her husband Richard and her three beautiful daughters, Richelle, Rianna and Mikayla, make her look forward to waking up every day.
Cool, calm and collective are the perfect words to describe DTM Michelle Washington. Her motto: “I will let nothing and no one can disturb my peace.”
Ernesto Gongora, DTM, joined Toastmasters in November of 2004. He has served in all Club officer roles (some more than once). He is currently member of 2 Toastmasters Clubs: The First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600 and Cable Revolutionaries Toastmasters Club.
He served as Area 81 Governor in 2011-2012 and founded Cable Revolutionaries Toastmasters Club, currently his home Club. He is a Telecommunications Engineer and works for Cable Bahamas Ltd. in the Cable Bahamas Business Solutions department as a Senior Commercial Support Engineer dedicated to
the Business Telephone Systems’ design implementation and maintenance.
He is married to the love of his life, Irma, and is the father of 11-year-old twins Oscar and Victoria. His hobbies include: treasure hunting, sky diving, yachting, casino gambling and day dreaming (Not necessarily in that order).
Aura Bencosme is a Florida and New York State Certified School Psychologist. She worked with the New York City Public Schools for 5 years. In 1994, she joined Miami Dade County Public Schools primarily in special programs for at-risk youth. She is a Mental Wellness sponsor at one of her school sites, and a member of the Threat Assessment Team at the Educational Alternative Outreach Program- Miami Dade County Public Schools. Aura served as the special area representative on the Dade Association of School Psychologists board during the 2021-2022 school year. Also, she served as Secretary for the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council at the Educational Alternative Outreach Program- Miami Dade County Public Schools during the 2021-2022 school year.
She has been a Toastmaster since November 2015, being a charter member of West Pines Toastmasters Club and Peel Bilingual Spanish Club based in Canada. She is a member of Miramar Dynamic Toastmasters Club, Broward College Toastmasters Club, Sunrise Toastmasters Club, and Peel Bilingual Spanish Club.
Sharmaine Goodman-Davis attended her first Toastmasters meeting in September 2000 as a result of a flyer inviting people to attend a Toastmasters meeting. She had seen a sign posted that invited interested persons to visit the Club; namely the Bahamas Baptist Community College Club #9477. She was “hooked” after the very first meeting! Within three years, TM Goodman-Davis had served as the Club’s VP Public Relations, the Vice President-Education and Club President!
During the 2008/2009 Toastmasters year, TM Goodman-Davis served as Area 85 Governor; under the leadership of DTM Pamela D. Rolle. It was during this time that Sharmaine was introduced to leadership on a larger scale. Her Mentor (then Division Governor) DTM Pamela Rolle guided her throughout the year, which allowed her to end the 2008/2009 year successfully as a President Distinguished Area Governor.
Over the years, TM Goodman-Davis has attended numerous meetings, competed in contests, attended Conferences, and made many friends during her time as a Toastmaster. She looks forward to many more years to come.
Sharmaine is a proud Mom of one daughter; TM Diamonde Davis; District 47’s SHOOTING STAR 2022. She looks forward to mentoring TM Diamonde Davis in her quest to attain her DTM status.
Steven Harwood, DTM is a Toastmaster for over 15 years. He a Charter Member of Zhong-Mei (Chinese-Eng.) Bilingual Toastmasters in NYC, Co-Founder and incoming VP Membership, of Broward Bilingual (Span.-Eng) Toastmasters Club (“Florida’s first Bilingual Toastmasters Club”), Charter Member and incoming President of Bilingual Toastmasters (French-Eng.) du Grand Toronto, Charter member of Peel Bilingual Toastmasters (Span.-Eng) in Toronto, and incoming VP Membership for Good Morning Gelfand
Toastmasters. In District 47 Steve has served as Area Director, District 47 Chair for Club Expansion, was Div. B’s 2012 Outstanding Toastmaster, and was Runner-Up in Div. B’s 2017 International Speech
Contest. Fluent in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin and with knowledge of Hindi, Steve is an international entrepreneur, President of Latin Nexus, LLC, where he helps companies expand their global footprint in international markets. In his corporate life, Steve held posts with major US and European healthcare companies as Regional Director Asia/Pacific, Regional Director Latin America, and as an expatriate based in India and Taiwan. Steve is also a former Adjunct Professor of International Business in the MBA program of the State Univ. of New York at Binghamton.
Arlene Preudhomme has been a member of Toastmasters Intermational for the past five years. Her home club is West Pines Toastmasters. She has served as a club officer for 4 years: once as Club President, once as Club Treasurer and twice as Club VPE. She also served as District 47’s Finance Manager during 2021-2022 and District 47’s Web Editor and Division A’s PQD during 2020-2021. She has served as Chief Judge and Co-Chair of various Area Contests. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and mother of 2 teenage sons and 1 adult daughter outside of Toastmasters.
Catherine McManus is an Assistant General Counsel with twelve years’ experience in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. She is assigned to the Appellate Division, and previously worked in the Complex Business Litigation Division. Catherine was honored to receive the G.E.M. (Going the Extra Mile) in 2018, and has earned recognition for her volunteer work on the Circuit’s law library fundraisers. She is currently a board member of the Miami-Dade Bar Association. Catherine is active on the Miami-Dade Bar’s Appellate Courts Committee, and serves as a Board member of the Florida Trial Court Staff Attorney Association, representing both the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court and the Third District Court of Appeal.
Catherine graduated from William Mitchell College of Law, and was part of the school’s Moot Court team. She earned her undergraduate degree from Florida International University on a full tennis scholarship. She recently completed her LLM in taxation (online) at Boston University.
Catherine has been active in the Miami Dade Toastmasters since 2017. She held the positions of Treasurer, Acting Vice-President of Membership, Vice-President of Education, and President. From 2021-2022, she was the Area 53 Director. In her club, she served as a mentor to new Toastmasters, and is currently a mentor. At the 2021-2022 Hall of Fame Celebration, she received the tremendous honor of being selected as the Division E Most Outstanding Area Director; District 47 Distinguished Area 53 Director; and the overall Area Director of the Year for District 47.
Founder of Florida International University’s Debate Team and Captain of the Women’s Division I Tennis team, she still has a wicked backhand.
Juliana became a Toastmaster in 2014. Her involvement in Toastmasters has added to her leadership and communication skills. She served as the Division F Director for Toastmasters International, District 47
(2020-2021). Her previous positions also include Division F Area 63 Director, Club President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Treasurer, and Secretary. Juliana achieved her Distinguished Toastmaster award in July 2020 which is the highest individual honor for the Toastmasters program.
Andrew joined Toastmasters in 2012 and earned Distinguished Toastmasters accreditation in 2016, 2020, and 2023. He has been a lecturer, author, and coach. He is currently a member of 5 clubs. A Founding / Charter member of Online Presenters started in 2017. The club remains the largest Virtual Club. He has served as a President (Distinguished Club President); Other club leadership roles include (VPE, VPPR, and Secretary), an Area (Select Distinguished), and Division (President Distinguished) Director. He was a member of the D47 Trio as the Club Growth Director (receiving a TI award for his performance. He has also served in these roles at the District level: Parliamentarian, DTM Manager, and Chair of the Corporate Committee. He has helped two clubs become distinguished as a Club Coach and served as a club mentor (for a newly created coach two times). At the same time, Club Growth Director, more than 18 clubs were chartered. He served in the role of chair for numerous TLIs and speech contests. During 2022, he served as a VPE (2), a club President, and Co-chair of DTM Management for the District in 2021-2022. He was the chief judge for District 48 in 2022. He has been a practicing Emergency Physician for the last 43 years. He married his wife, Judith, with two grown children, Michael and Suzanne. Both are married with children, Elinor and Madaline (Michael) and August (Suzanne). He enjoys technology, photography, music, travel, and family. He is committed to the Pathway Education Program.
When often asked “why did I join Toastmasters”, my response is always a quick-witted “I talk a lot but I want to be able to speak well”, while elaborating on all the professional benefits I thought an organization such as this would provide. But becoming a part of this organization in 2018, I received much more than expected.
Throughout my journey within the programme, I gravitated to the leadership path, focusing my innate skills of organization and attention to detail to working behind the scenes and assisting my Club as well as other clubs within the District wherever I could. Coupled with a great support system and mentoring team, I allowed those skills to be brought to the forefront and stepped fully into leadership positions while serving on the executive board of my home Club of Freeport Eagles Club 1425, as well as my dual Club of Advanced Communicators and Leaders of the Bahamas 7791596.
When given the position of power, one must be prepared to serve, and that is what I continue to do. During the 2022-2023 Toastmasters year, I served as the Area 90 Director, sharing the wisdom of what I gleaned from those that went before me, while empowering those leaders that are to follow.
After receiving the highest educational award of Distinguished Toastmaster, I am pleased to be able to truly embody the motto of Toastmasters International – “where leaders are made”. John Wooden states “the most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example” and with so much more to garner from this programme, I will remain dedicated and committed to serving as an exemplary Distinguished Toastmaster while being that stepping stone for my fellow Toastmasters to create their own legacies.
Blaze Goldsmith has been a Toastmaster since 2019. He has spoken at schools, prisons and conferences.
In Toastmasters he served as Area Director, Division Director and is now VP of Membership at his home Toastmasters club. Blaze has competed as well, from CrossFit competitions to numerous half marathons to even speech contests. He’s also a Life Coach and loves the process and progress he’s seen in his clients. His mission is sharing his purpose and helping others align with their purpose to change the world effectively, efficiently, and optimally.
Ray-Don Poitier is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in the fields of Electronics and Electrical disciplines. Born in the Bahamas, he has dedicated over 20 years to the engineering industry, gaining extensive
experience as a technician. Recently, he embarked on a significant career shift and entered the insurance industry, where he currently excels as a Financial Services Representative.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ray-Don has also made significant contributions to the Toastmasters organization. With over 11 years of active involvement, he
has honed his public speaking and leadership skills, serving as a past Area Director and taking on various roles at the club level. Currently, Ray-Don holds the esteemed position of Club President at the First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600, where he guides and inspires fellow members on their journey towards self-improvement.
Beyond his professional and Toastmasters pursuits, Ray-Don is a devoted husband and father. His strong commitment to his family and his personal values is evident in his daily life. He lives by the mantra, “No man ever achieved greatness by leaving the job undone,” which encapsulates his relentless drive to complete tasks to the best of his abilities and achieve exceptional results.
With his extensive experience, versatile skill set, and unwavering dedication, Ray-Don Poitier continues to make a positive impact in both his professional and personal spheres, inspiring others to strive for greatness and leave no job unfinished.
Dr. Maurice Fuller is a member of Universal Toastmasters, Universal Advanced Toastmasters and Toastmasters Everywhere in Brazil. He has achieved 3 Distinguished Toastmaster designations. He has sponsored, mentored, and coached numerous clubs. In District 47. At the District level he served as past Distinguished Area Governor to Division E Area 51 and as a past Club Coach Chair for District 47 and as a President’s Distinguished Division Director in 2018.
At the International Level he represented District 47 as a Content Pilot Liaison; working on developing the Revitalized Education Curriculum now renamed Pathways which we are now working with today.
Maurice is a Past District Director for District 47 and under his leadership earned the Distinguished District Award for the year 2018-2019. He was also Awarded District Director of the year for region 8 at the International Convention in summer 2019. In 2022 he received a Presidential Citation from Toastmasters International in recognition of outstanding achievement toward the goals and ideals of Toastmasters International.
Throughout his Toastmasters’ career he has presented many workshops to the District, Divisions, Areas, Clubs and TLIs.
He recently retired as a Clinical Pharmacist.. He is an ordained Inter-spiritual Minister, A certified Inter-spiritual Counselor, a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and an Certified Advanced Jack Canfield Success Principles Trainer.
He is passionate about helping people to feel alive, grounded, and purposeful through art, the practice of mindfulness and meditation. He has presented retreats, workshops and classes on Spiritual and Mindfulness Practices exploring ways of translating mindfulness teachings and spiritual practices in an urban, lay context, and supporting others in the practice of awakening.
He is an ambassador for Toastmasters wherever he goes and truly exemplifies the Toastmaster core values.
Distinguished Toastmaster Nick Smith is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, web php and javascript programmer (with a spackling of python), hobbyist videographer (have mirrorless will
travel), hobbyist video editor (have Premiere won’t travel) and a swell guy.
His passion is living a satisfying life, with satisfying levels of self improvement, being part of movements/events that are “something big” and learning new things while taking time to leisurely enjoy the good things in life. He enjoys good times with good friends and a good episode of Star Trek or Stargate.
He is a proud member of the Plantation Club and is a past Select Distinguished Area B23 Director. He has acted as the Technology Director during the 2019 and 2023 Spring District 47 Conferences.
To pay the bills, Nick is IT Director of Digital Power Solutions, a leading lead-conversion solutions provider for PowerSports, Recreational Vehicles and Marine dealers. His professional experience includes radio broadcasting, sales, graphic design/typesetting, project management, network and systems IT management and remote computer systems service.
Nick resides in Plantation, Florida and is originally from a small town in the Western Southern Tier of New York.
Meet Jeannie Cintrón, a passionate learner and dedicated professional. In 2018, she joined Plantation Toastmasters upon moving from Puerto Rico. With over two decades of experience in promotions, advertising, and marketing, she has also excelled in managing social media platforms.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, for the past fifteen years she has immersed herself in Higher Education, continuously sharpening her creative skills. Whether crafting captivating brochures or designing eye-catching marketing pieces, she breathes life into every creative endeavor.
Toastmasters has played a significant role in her personal growth, as she has taken on various leadership positions such as President, VP of Education, VP of Public Relations, and Secretary over her five-year journey. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, she recently embarked on a new venture with her business, BizEdge Marketing. This endeavor allows her to unleash her artistic imagination and empowers her to help small businesses thrive. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to personal growth, creativity, and helping others succeed.
When Jeannie is not working, one of her greatest passions is planning her next trip! She eagerly dives into research, learning about the places she will be visiting, and anticipates new adventures while embracing her deep love for traveling. Jeannie candidly embodies the spirit of an enthusiastic adventurer. She constantly yearns to explore new horizons and dreams of a future where she can embark on more frequent journeys. She enthusiastically looks forward to discovering and learning about new cultures.
Derek Garcia Rolle joined Toastmasters in 2016 with Pinnacle Seekers Toastmasters Club where he is currently serving as Vice President Education. He believes wholeheartedly that the more you serve the more you grow.
He is a 2-time President’s Distinguished Club President, a President’s Distinguished Area Director and a Select Distinguished Division Director. To date the highlight of his journey is being club sponsor and Charter President of Leading Voices Toastmasters Club.
He can truly say that he constantly proves Mahatma Gandhi’s quote to be true. He finds himself time and time again when he loses himself in the service of others.
Jacquelle E. Sconiers is a native South Floridian and member of Toastmasters 305 Speaks. Having matriculated from the Miami Dade County school system from New World School of the Arts, she returned to the system after receiving her BBA and MPA from Florida International University, to serve as a professional educator with the Alternative and Adult Education populations of the district for over 23 years; positively impacting the lives of youth in detention. Her efforts in her field have garnered her the accomplishment of earning the 2009 District Teacher of the Year for the MDCPS district. In her capacity as an educator, she not only serves in the classroom teaching several subjects, but also as a Professional Development Liaison designing engaging workshops for her colleagues, EESAC Chair, and Union Steward.
Aside from her dedication to her students and colleagues, Ms. Sconiers is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. where she serves in several leadership capacities of both organizations, and Vice-Chairman of the Women Involved in Service to Humanity Foundation, Incorporated (W.I.S.H Foundation, Inc.) where she presides as the program chairman. Aside from working as an educator, she has a furbaby Nightwing, owns and manages 93 Degrees LLC, an event rental company and attends Nova Southeastern University in pursuit of a Doctor of Educational Leadership with a focus Urban Education as she studies the Impacts of Policy on Educator Morale.
Born in the city of Nassau on the island of New Providence, L. Robert Knowles is the first child of Patricia Camille Coakley-Gomez and 2nd son of Robert L. Knowles Sr.
Received his primary education from Palmdale Primary School from 1988-1993, and moved on to D. W. Davis Secondary where he graduated in 1999 with credit and his diploma.
In 2003, Robert joined the ranks of the RBPF where he served the public diligently with integrity, respect and courage. He was posted at several police divisions, such as T.P.U, Exuma and Ragged Island, Western, and Cable Beach. He is currently attached to the Neighborhood Policing Unit in the Community Policing Services.
Robert is a proud father of one energetic 10 year old son.
Robert received his bachelor’s of arts degree in clinical psychology from the college of the Bahamas (University) in 2015. He was promoted to Corporal in 2017. Became a certified National Youth Leader in the Bahamas in 2019.
Joined Toastmasters in 2016 with Pinnacle Seekers. Loved the program so much he had to join several other clubs , where he served nearly all executive positions (SAA, Secretary, VPPR, VPM and president). Immediate past PRM for District 47 2022-2023. Currently, Division F PRM for 2023-2024.
John Schneyer, DTM, has been a Toastmaster for 14 years. John has completed 27 Competent
Communication Manuals, 14 Competent Leadership Manuals, 12 Advanced Communication Manuals,
and been awarded Distinguished Toastmaster twice. John was the Area Governor of the year in 2010-
2011.
John is a quality improvement manager focusing on continuous improvement in his professional life and
in Toastmasters. John starts an engagement by asking, “What do you want to accomplish?”
John has been the District 47 lead photographer for several years. He has had his work published and
has won awards. John likes to get up at 4:30am to take pictures well before the sun rises.
Having recently moved from Boca Raton to Port St. Lucie, John is looking to join a Toastmasters club that
meets in person and to find new venues for his photography.
Frankie Davis has been an active member of Toastmasters since June 2013. She is a member of Miami Gardens Toastmasters, formerly known as the Fountain Toastmasters Club, where she joined as a charter member. Frankie has served her club as President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Secretary, Sergeant at Arms, and Treasurer.
During 2022- 2023 Toastmasters year Frankie served District 47 as an Area Director. She also served as a Club Coach for Sunrise Toastmasters Club and helped teens build effective communication skills by serving as a Youth Leadership Coordinator. Additionally, Frankie was elected to serve District 47 as Division A Director for 2023-2024.
Frankie has been a Real Estate professional for more than twenty years. She is also a Financial Educator and enjoys teaching and helping others learn the value of financial literacy.
Frankie is committed to a journey of lifelong learning and enjoys sharing what she knows with others. She believes in moving forward and never allowing fear to “We hold her back. One of her favorite quotes was spoken by Eleanor Roosevelt, gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.”
Beverly is a Retired Registered Nurse and is now in the Health Coaching arena. She’s married with three adult daughters. She joined Weston area toastmasters 4 years ago to be a better speaker. She has held the roles of Sargent At Arms, President, and most recently Vice President of Education and Treasurer for the Weston area Toastmasters Club. She is passionate about preventative health and personal growth.
Beverly credits Toastmasters on her growth in leadership, communication and public speaking skills.
Lauren Patrick is a business consultant focused on healthcare companies. She is passionate about helping businesses grow, scale and solve complex challenges.
Her consulting experience includes 10+ years at the global firm Capgemini Consulting and several years as an independent consultant. Her Fortune 500 clients have included: General Motors, Ford, Boeing, Roche/Genentech, Gap and Farmers.
She holds a BA from Yale and an MBA from Northwestern. She is also a Certified Medical Revenue Manager, Certified Physician Practice Manager and Certified Healthcare Business Consultant.
Jupshy graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in March 2011 and started working at Baptist Health of South Florida as an entry-level registered nurse. When Jupshy graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Nova Southeastern University in 2016, she joined Florida International University (FIU) as a Research Nurse for the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort. As part of her job, she conducts research, assesses research participants, gathers data, and manages databases. She also performs phlebotomy work. In 2018, she joined the Miami Chapter of the Haitian American Nurses Association (HANA), which provides community health screenings and education. She has been actively involved in advocacy efforts during her time at HANA, helping to educate and inform her community about healthcare issues. Her Toastmasters journey began in 2020, and she served as club president from 2021 to 2022. Jupshy won the Shooting Start Award. She has been able to use the communication and leadership skills she’s learned through Toastmasters to further her advocacy efforts. She has also helped bring positive change in her community. She continues to be an active member of HANA and Toastmasters and is passionate about helping others and making a difference.
Dr. Toluleke Famuyiwa is a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, Mentor, Speaker, and the CEO of Solution Illuminators LLC. As a member of Toastmasters International, he is an advance communicator bronze and advance leadership bronze. He does mastermind, workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching, aiding personal and professional growth. He teaches on Leadership and self-development in Nigeria, US, and outside. He has the testimonies of moving individual, team, and organization in the desired direction to reach their goals.
His growth-oriented outlook on life and passion for helping others reach their goals led him to join the John Maxwell Team. Prior to joining the team, he mentored students as a Jump Start Peer Educator, Peer Mentor at the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry and Peer Educator trainer with Youth AIDS Health STI’s Awareness Campaign (YAHSAC) in Nigeria. He taught at Florida Atlantic University, Broward College, Frederick Community College, and Gateway College Community College at various levels. He holds a Master of Science Degree and PhD Degree in Biology from Florida Atlantic University. He was a postdoctoral researcher at University of Miami and currently a postdoctoral researcher at National Institute of Health (NIH).
I was born Cheryl Nazima Alli in a small country in South America called Guyana.
I migrated to the United States about 3 decades ago, most of my life in the USA has been in South Florida.
I have a daughter who is the light of my life, she inspires me to do the best that I can and to love life the way that she does!
I love the outdoors and enjoy riding my bike, going to the beach, kayaking and hanging out with my friends.
I joined Broward College Toastmasters Club 3 years ago and have missed only one meeting because it was impossible to join from the air.
I enjoy being toastmaster; I feel that I have become a better and more competent speaker than I was 3 years ago. I would like to acquire my DTM status one day soon.
Ana Paula Harwood is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a Doctorate degree; she’s been in Oncology for last 15 years at Sylvester Cancer Center. She is originally from Brazil. Ana has been involved with Nurse Practitioner causes for quite a few years, starting at Sylvester Cancer Center with the Nurse Practitioner Council, then, Uhealth Council where she had a role of secretary. She was appointed by the Miami Dade Nurse Practitioner Council (MDNPC) to be the secretary and more recently as Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN) secretary.
Ana has been a member of Good Morning Gelfand Toastmaster Club for many years, however, for the last three years has shown commitment and being part of the Executive Board where she’s been a board member in almost all roles, except Treasurer and VP Membership.
Ana is passionate about helping others, spending time with family and friends. She’s married to Steven Harwood, and has a dog named Dya.
Christine Campbell wears many hats – she’s an accomplished author, motivational speaker, columnist, podcaster, and entrepreneur. She is a Toastmasters activist and at one time belonged to eight groups, attending weekly in all of them. Currently, she is the Division B Director 2024. She is the Co-Sponsor of Superior Speakers Advanced Toastmasters Club, and also the founder of Owners2Owners Online Business Networking Group.
With over 45 years in marketing, promotions, and public relations under her belt; she strongly believes that giving back to society is a great way to succeed in life. Her day job is working with gold and silver bullion coins and collectibles. She recently published her 2nd Edition of “Newby 101” that can be purchased on Amazon (in which eighty percent focuses on self-development). She is finishing her second book titled “Live your P.U.R.P.O.S.E.” which offers tips on how to make the most out of life.
Christine is happily married to John – her best friend and soulmate. They were married on 11-11-11. They have a large, blended family consisting of eight kids with their respective spouses along with sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her personal quote is : “Set Yourself Free, Live in the present, Dream for the future, and Experience the Magic of New Beginnings!”
Tim is an Ohio native and a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He spent over two decades in the banking industry in the Midwest including senior positions at Fifth Third Bank, PNC, and Bank of America before moving to Fort Lauderdale almost 10 years ago. He is the founder and Co-Owner of Umbrella Credit Services, a leader in the credit repair industry. Tim is a member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, New River Business Exchange, a founding member of the Oakland Park Business Association and a member of the Wilton Manors Business Association where he served as President for 3 years. In his spare time, Tim line dances and 2-steps which he has done so for the past 30 years. Tim attributes much of his success in business to Toastmasters and tells everyone, “Try it, you might like it”. Tim is an avid student of the Law of Attraction and follows Abraham Hicks among other new thought leaders. He’s continues to strive to be his very best and believes that life is all about the journey, not the destination. Tim currently lives in Oakland Park and enjoys his down time with family and friends.
Toastmaster Claudette Renee Grant, began her Toastmasters International journey in 2014 after completing the Toastmasters Speech Craft program at her church in Atlanta, GA. Since that time, she has been an active member of several clubs, has chartered one club, led two Youth Leadership Programs, and served as a club coach. She earned the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award in 2019, following the traditional program. She is currently working toward her second DTM following the Pathways educational program, where she has completed the Innovative Planning path, and is completing Strategic Partnerships as her second path.
Toastmaster Grant’s knowledge and experience was gained through service and participation with Region 8, Districts 14 and 44, in the State of Georgia. Recently she relocated to South Florida, with her husband, Toastmaster Martin Grant. As a couple, they have embraced Toastmasters International and look forward to serving together, making District 47 their home.
Toastmaster Grant is from Connecticut. She attended college at Northeastern University in Boston, MA and holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College. She is a member of the Association for Talent and Development (ATD), and the ATD South Florida chapter. She is also a certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) facilitator.
Ricardo Parsons joined NCCI Toastmasters in 2014, a corportate club in Boca Raton. He has held offices including VP Membership, VP Education,
President and Club Coach. He has served in area and district contests as well as TLI facilitator.
In addition he served as the 2022-2023 Florida Member Extension Chair for the District 47 Club Growth office.
He is currently a member of NCCI Toastmasters, Delray Newsmakers and Boca Raton Advanced Toastmasters clubs.
He is currently serving as Area 23 Director for Division B and Vice President of Education for Delray Newsmakers Club.
Martin is a Trinidadian, Canadian, American who attended the University of Illinois at Chicago earning his Bachelor’s degree in Management, Information Sciences, and Marketing. Martin spent over 30 years as a technology developer and he also focused on the human development life cycle thru consulting and management roles with companies like Sears Canada, Sears Roebuck, Kraft General Foods, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Citibank. Martin has taken several companies from mom-and-pop to full fledge corporations with one company experiencing exponential growth expansion.
Martin’s experiences include being a founder of the International Black Sumit (IBS), a transformation organization dedicated to altering the “Listening of Blacks and African Americans” worldwide and was selected to serve as IBS 2nd International Summit CEO; a level II Professional Certified Scrum Master; Certified Life Coach; project manager; and marine boat Captain.
Within Toastmasters, Martin has completed the Effective Coaching path, led a successful Youth Leadership Program, and he is working towards his Distinguished Toastmaster designation.
Martin currently lives with his wife Claudette Grant, DTM in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Kay enjoys guiding and coaching others to crush goals, complete projects, and {re}discover a passion for their mission and purpose! It has been a great joy for Kay to find a home in Toastmasters since 2018, when she joined her home club! Kay co-owns a small consulting company and lives in Boca Raton, Florida.
Quote: “I’m not a teacher, but an awakener.” ~ Robert Frost (1874-1963)
Goal: Division C – Challenge us to be the Crowning place “Where Leaders Are Made”.
Gary is a leader/member of the GO team (Gary & Oris 19 years married). We have 4 adult children and 8 grandchildren. As an active member of Boca Raton Community Church since 1980, Gary is ordained as a Chaplain and has mentored men and women for 40+ years in retirement & recovery communities, prisons and public/private schools.
Gary enjoys communion with God and others in quiet moments (TAG time) and those He surrounds me with to receive and be a blessing. Love practicing healthy habits like: workouts, puzzles, reading, singing/speaking publicly and especially loving those in need. I especially enjoy allowing unplanned margin time to “interrupt” us with the opportunity they are to grow each of us in loving kindness and service.
Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Roxanne joined Toastmasters at the start of a Global Pandemic as her training ground toward realizing her dream of being a professional keynote speaker on both live stages and the virtual platform.
She has held office at the club level every year since her first year as a toastmaster until serving as an Area Director for Area 33 in Division C last year. She enjoyed it so much, she came back for more.
Roxanne takes pride in her heritage which roots spread far and wide to parts including Scotland, Portugal, India and the Ivory Coast culminating in the West Indies. She is married to her best friend, is a proud mother of a remarkable young man with a family of his own, a grandmother of three.
She continues on her journey of realizing her vision of being a professional speaker, trainer, storyteller, and online-learning content creator.
Lucas enjoys getting out of his comfort zone and diving into new challenges whether that is in extreme sports, dancing, or leadership opportunities. When he found The Toastmasters Club at FAU he knew it was the perfect place to do just that. Now he enjoys helping new members find their courage and meet their goals whatever they may be. Lucas is an Air Force veteran, Research Engineer at The Pennsylvania State University, father, and a Senior in Mechanical engineering at F.A.U.
I joined Toastmasters because I wanted to help someone I loved. Today after twelve years that goal hasn’t changed, but my horizons have expanded and there are more people that I can reach and help.
Over the years many people have coached and encouraged me and now I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to do the same for others.
Toastmasters has impacted both my personal and professional life. My husband has joined me on this journey because he saw the way it positively impacted my ability to communicate.
Olunwa loves learning and growing as a leader, and loves to help others understand that leadership skills can and should be learned.
Olunwa joined Club Power Speakers in 2020 and has served respectively as Secretary (2020-2021 ) and President ( 2021-2022) in the Club.
Olunwa is a physician by profession and the mother of four young adults.
Quote: Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying “ I will try again tomorrow”.——–Mary Anne Radmacher.
2023 marks the fortieth year of my professional career in the real estate and construction industries. As part of my elevator speech, “…I have built over $1.0 billion in construction and the same volume in real estate transactions all over the world…” The two largest companies of employment are IBM and Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Inc. Currently own my own construction company, Caliber Contracting, Inc., and as a Broker Associate with RE/MAX of Stuart.
After completing the Dale Carnegie Course at the expense of IBM in the late eighties, Dale Carnegie suggested joining Toastmasters International. After attending two meetings in Poughkeepsie, New York, I was transferred to San Jose, California. It was not until I reinvented myself in 2010 that I finally join Palm City Orators.
John achieved his Distinguished Toastmaster (“DTM”) award on May 10, 2016. He served as an Area Governor in the 2012-2013 fiscal year. “Yes,” over ten years ago, when they still called the position Area Governor. Why return to leadership now?” Because I have been blessed by what Toastmasters International has done for me; feel the need to give back; changing the trajectory of the club for the future.
Barbara Strasdas is a 23-year member of Toastmasters International. When she earned her Distinguished Toastmaster award in 2011, she was as proud and excited as when she received her CPA license. She now holds 4 DTM awards.
In her toastmaster journey she has had the opportunity to serve in many leadership roles: 2020-2021 District 47 Director, 2019-2020 Finance Manager,
Division Director, 2 years as Area Governor, and Chair of 5 District committees, as well as 25+ club officer positions.
She has also received these accolades: 2009 and 2014 Division D Outstanding Toastmaster, and 2023 Area 42 Super Nova.
In her professional life, her career path has been as a CPA in industry. Her creation of the mentorship program with the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year has shown her how reaching out to the community youth will impact our future generation. She has proudly worked with 10 Youth Of the Year candidates – five of those winning the county title.
Her community involvement includes 2- time Chair of the FICPA Women’s Leadership Committee, Chair & Treasurer of the Palm Beach County FICPA Chapter and Board Treasurer of the Boys & Girls Club of Riviera Beach.
Marilyn Bieber has been a member of Toastmasters for five years and is currently a member of Sunset Speakers Toastmasters
During her tenure as a Toastmaster, Marilyn has served in a variety of club roles including Vice-President Public Relations, Vice President Membership, and club President. Marilyn served on the District 47 Club Growth Committee for the 2021-2022 term.
Marilyn joined Toastmasters to take her speaking skills to a higher level and establish a gateway to sharing her life experience with others. She is a life-long learner with degrees in Mass Communications and Media & Communications Psychology, both of which have paid off, if not in increased wealth, in an immense amount of personal satisfaction.
In her professional life, Marilyn works in the nonprofit space for an organization that accredits and provides capacity building resources to nonprofits serving Palm Beach County. Her position allows her to flex many skills honed as a Toastmaster.
In her free time, Marilyn enjoys DIY home improvement projects and loves to travel internationally when possible. She is the proud mom of adult daughter, Patience, and grandmom to Bodhi.
Laura Friedman joined Toastmasters January 1st, 2016, so she has been a toastmaster for almost eight years.
She has held an officer position in her club, Gold Coast Toastmasters, every year since she joined the organization. She has held most officer positions including Treasurer twice, VP Education twice and President of her club for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Laura has completed most of the speeches she is required to give to earn her DTM and is now focusing on completing her service to District 47.
She is currently an Area 43 Director for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Laura graduated from the University of Florida and is a CPA. She has been working in Corporate America for 40 years. She has a vast amount of experience in accounting, finance and taxation.
Hello Fellow Toastmasters! My name is Lona Fink. I am passionate about connecting everyone to the people and resources needed to achieve their objectives, both professionally and personally. For over 27 years, my focus has been on building and maintaining close relationships with my customers, partners, internal teams, and fellow Toastmasters. My goal is to have everyone feel supported, included, and valued.
As the President of a new club that was struggling to get off the ground, I have gone through many of the growing pains and understand the model needed for success. I would not have been able to do any of this without the immense support of Michelle LeWay, our Club Mentor, who guided me throughout the process. We re-kicked off the UKG Build Toastmasters Club in late October 2023. I’m pleased to announce that we made Select Distinguished this year by achieving seven of our goals!
I am excited to begin my journey as an Area Director to help other Toastmasters Clubs drive retention and growth, with a focus on achieving their Distinguished Goals. Additionally, I serve as a Yoodli Ambassador for District 47 and am focused on ensuring every Toastmaster understands the value this amazing tool.
Troy Rand considers himself a lifelong learner and strongly believes in a growth mindset. One of his goals is to inspire others to overcome obstacles by sharing his personal story of overcoming adversity.
He earned his masters and PhD in biomechanics and motor control from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and moved to South Florida after graduating. He currently lives in Lake Worth Beach Florida with his wife and two boys.
Troy has a passion for health and fitness and believes in pushing the boundaries physically to build both physical and mental resilience. He has completed over 20 marathons and ultramarathons, a half- and full-distance Ironman triathlon, multiple obstacle course races, as well as competed in powerlifting and CrossFit competitions.
He currently runs a health and fitness business where he coaches individuals in fitness and nutrition. He also does event production, setting up and operating triathlons and running races across South Florida.
Troy started Toastmasters to help facilitate his goal of inspiring others and has discovered a whole world of opportunities within Toastmasters to learn and grow. He aspires to help others grow within their Toastmasters journey.
Kathy Dyke, DTM x 2 joined toastmasters July 1, 2002. She completed a BA degree in professional business management and is co-owner, director of a distribution company.
Over the years she has been involved in volunteer organizations, both in church and with her high school alumni Association and enjoys a healthy mix of family and social responsibilities.
In 2008-2009 and 2020-2021 Kathy was the division e outstanding member. Most recently she was awarded the 2022-2023 division e distinguished toastmaster super nova club award.
Kathy has held numerous club officer positions and was area governor (area director) 2008-2009.
She was on the audit committee (two years), district youth leadership team, and a pathways guide. In 2021-2022 she was the area 53 director mentor and in 2022-2023 an area 54 council member.
Kathy is a member of three clubs – West Kendall Toastmasters, Miami Advanced Toastmasters and dade County Toasters.
Kathy is very honored and excited to be the division e director 2023-2024 and believes that ‘as a team we can achieve’.
Nearly 30 years construction experience currently engaged in estimating, project management, and performing business development for a fast-growing, specialty contractor in Miami, Florida. Miriam is an active member of the Miami Chapter of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) serving as its Secretary and the South Florida Project Management Institute (PMI). Miriam currently serves as Vice President of Education for the Out-of-the-Box Toastmasters and SFL PMI Toastmasters. Miriam holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction, and Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Project Management and Sustainable Management from Seminole State College of Florida and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) part-time through Florida Gulf Coast University. Miriam enjoys attending Becoming an Outdoor Woman Weekend Workshops throughout the country, escaping in her little Runaway camper enjoying Florida’s state parks, spending time with her husband and her two corgi boys, and enjoys chatting daily with her daughter, an over-the-road, national dry van driver. As Area E50 Director, Miriam hopes to facilitate better communication between the District and Area 50 Toastmasters Clubs and wants all members to enthusiastically participate while bettering their communication and leadership skills.
Sarah serves as the Marketing and Communications Manager for Health Choice Network (HCN), a nationwide collaboration among health centers and partners. Sarah joined HCN in January 2021. Her duties as the Marketing and Communications Manager include overseeing the development and implementation of marketing strategies and creating new content to ensure the community at large can have a pulse on the organization. In addition, she develops all marketing and social media materials for corporate events and activities and works internally with all departments to develop and implement campaigns to promote the services provided at HCN.
Sarah has a B.S. degree in Mass Media and Communications from Florida State University and an M.S. degree in Marketing from Florida International University. She is a member of Toastmasters International and is also has her Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 200 certification.
Ankita Chaturvedi is currently the Vice President Membership of Blue Lagoon Toastmasters and has held various other positions like President, Vice President Education, Vice President Public Relations, etc. in the past. She has been a member since 2018 and is in process of completing her 4th Pathway. She is a Data Analytics professional, a voracious reader, and an enthusiastic traveler when time permits.
Lukas Calafell joined Toastmasters for many of the reasons others join it — to improve communication skills and speak with confidence. In July 2019, Lukas joined his first club, Coral Gables Toastmasters and remains a member today.
Within Coral Gables Toastmasters, Lukas has served as VP Public Relations, and Club President. He is curfrently finishing his second term as Club President.
Lukas was also a member of the online club, Online Presenters.
Lukas served District 47 in different capacities throughout his Toastmasters journey. He served as a Pathways Trainer for District 47 from 2020-2021. In addition, he served the Florida Keys Toastmasters Club as their Club Coach from 2021-2022, supporting them to become recognized within the Distinguished Club Program.
Lukas’ journey in the Pathways Educational program has led him to complete the Innovative Planning Path and he is currently on Level 5 in the Strategic Relationships Path.
An area of interest for Lukas is helping others learn how to leverage the tools and features available in the club website hosting platform, FreeToastHost to make club websites accessible and easy to use.
Lukas is excited and motivated to serve as the 2023-2024 Area 54 Director.
Although a native of Indiana, I moved to the Florida Keys in 1982. I took a sabbatical from ICU nursing to raise and homeschool our four girls and later returned to my medical career as a private health and weight loss coach. My husband, Ken, continues to develop new techniques for growing and planting coral. Therefore, we both travel frequently to islands to impart these techniques to help others restore their coral reefs. While developing our side e-commerce business, I found a need to improve my presentation skills which led me to Toastmasters in 2010. I am enjoying the journey of my personal growth as well as experiencing joy in seeing others blossom in their skills. I believe we each possess tremendous potential. Together, as a group, we have the opportunity to nurture, enlighten, encourage, and support each other to become better versions of ourselves as we walk out the purposes of our lives.
Denison Balfour, is the last of seven, born to Roderick and Estelle Simms, in Nassau. She grew up with Holy Trinity Anglican Church and St. John’s College just steps away.
The Assistant Manager at the Industry Training Department, Ministry of Tourism boasts of a 40 year career and firmly believes in exceeding customer expectations.
She is a 2007 College of The Bahamas graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Tourism Management and is completing an MBA with specialty in Leadership and Innovation at Edinburgh Napier University.
Denison joined Healing Communicators Club 7178 in 2007 as a sponge. This exposure increased her passion for leadership. She has served in several leadership roles at various clubs, and as Area 80 Governor 2009/2010. A Distinguished Toastmaster from 2010, she is active in two clubs and assists many others. In April 2023, she was elected Division F Director, with administrative responsibility for 20 clubs in The Bahamas.
Denison never hesitates to accept personal, spiritual, and professional development. She also accepts responsibility for preparing others to lead the way, leaving a legacy.
Isaiah 40:31 and Whitney Houston’s I Look To You, inspire her daily. However, she considers her most important roles as a wife and mother of one adult.
Most people have a special place in their heart for music of some sort. For Tesha, it’s no different as music has been her life since she stems from a musically inclined family. As a 16-year Music Educator, she nurtured the talent of youths on all islands where she worked and was instrumental in exposing them to performances in notable arenas including Disney World and extensively throughout the Bahama Islands.
Tesha is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Florida Memorial University with a B.S. Degree in Music Education. She was honored as one of FMU’s 40 Under 40 Alumni Awardees in 2021. Tesha is an author, the Founder of Klass Act Mentoring Program & Co-founder of Girls With a Purpose Mentoring Program.
Tesha joined Toastmasters in October 2020 to help her get rid of the jitterbugs during impromptu speaking. She was awarded as Pinnacle Seekers’ Shooting Star 2021. Tesha is a member of Leading Voices where she was awarded the Level-Up Award 2021-2022, achieved Triple Crown 2022-2023, and served as VPE 2022-2023 for a 10/10 President’s Distinguished team finish. She is the President Elect 2023-2024.
Outside of work and Toastmasters, you may find Tesha -the wife of one husband -the mother of one daughter, lounging on the beach, hopping on a flight, watching the sunset from her backyard, or encouraging the girls and women she meets to be the best version of themselves.
Eleasha Knowles joined toastmasters in September 2019. Since then, she has immersed herself into the program and flourished into a confident communicator and an outstanding leader in her community. Eleasha has achieved many accolades in the Toastmasters program including earning the club’s shooting star award and becoming District 47’s Evaluation Speech Contest Champion in April 2021.
She is a visionary who brings great creativity, resourcefulness and an overall spirit of valor and enthusiasm to all pursuits. She promotes service and leadership with excellence to make intentional impact in the lives of others. She diligently served her Toastmasters club as Sergeant at Arms during the 2022 to 2023 Toastmasters year. She is excited to serve as Secretary for the year 2023 to 2024.
Influenced by her mother’s love for teaching and her experiences as a middle child Ms. Anastasia Smith decided to pursue a career in education.
She is the mother of 2 but motherly to many. She is a student of University of the West Indies where she studies Early Childhood Development and Family Studies. She is the Deputy Chairperson of The Universal Children’s Day Committee an Assistant District Manager for the Youth Empowerment Program and a Mentor for the MissFIT Girls Organization. Her influence in the lives of children have not only been granted through these organizations but also through her church Life Changes Ministries International where she is a Children’s Ministry Worker and First Step Academy which has employed her in varying capacities over the past 20 years.
She is a strong believer that “In order to be heard, you must speak”. It is this belief that has led her to joining Toastmasters International where she most recently served President of her club of Dynamic Persuaders Toastmasters Club #1200778. This belief also led her to start Be Becoming, which is life enrichment platform for youth geared toward mentorship and career assistance.
She is an Educator by profession and has many pursuits yet, she would count it as a major achievement to be remembered as someone that has lived a life first pleasing to God but secondly, that has left a positive impact on the next generation.
Kareem Willdream (Will Dream) was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. He says that he was born with a pencil in his hand, despite how painful that may sound.
His Dad was a Welder, Builder, Certified diver, inventor and even released an album with 4 songs… it didn’t sound good.
His Mom is a nurse, speaker, counsellor, minister and author.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, so a child from these two must be mixed up like conch salad.
Kareem is an Artist, Engineer (almost), Toastmaster, Youth leader and the First of his name.
His life’s purpose is to use art to help people find and refine their true selves.
The way this is achieved might vary, but the goal is to bring ideas to life and die empty, after giving all he has to give.
Kareem will dream… will you?
Wence Martin joined Toastmasters about 19 years ago. One of the reasons for joining Toastmasters was to improve his personal communications and public speaking skills and as well as to overcome a speech impediment. He enhanced his leadership skills by serving in numerous executive positions in his home club (Healing Communicators) as well as other clubs locally such as Pinnacle Seekers, Club Cousteau and internationally such as TCI Toastmasters Club (District 81). He has won numerous evaluation, table topics, and humorous speech contests and now assists as a training judge, parliamentarian, mentor and personal coach to many Toastmasters in multiple districts. He served as an Area Governor (President’s Distinguished Area) and District 47 Contest Chair. He received the Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) designation in 2011.
Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Martin received undergraduate degrees in Business, Economics from the College of The Bahamas, and Holborn College, London. He has a terminal law degree from the University of London, a Certificate of Legal Education from Eugene Dupuch Law School, a Master of Laws from Oxford Brookes University and he is currently pursuing a doctorate in law & economic policy. He has also studied digital law and technology at Lyon Catholic University, France and numerous graduate certificates in AML-Compliance, International Taxation, International Trust Management, and International Relations/Diplomacy from various institution.
DTM Martin is an adjunct law faculty member at the University of The Bahamas Law School. As a seasoned corporate and commercial attorney, he provides legal solutions and advice on a myriad of compliance, legal, regulatory & tax issues.
He also organises free legal aid clinics that cater to civil society, charities, etc. His hobbies include astronomy, backyard farming, reading, tennis, traveling.
Samuel Williams Jr. was born on the tiny island of New Providence Bahamas but grew up in nation’s second capital, Freeport Grand Bahama, Bahamas. He is the seventh child nine children born Shirley and Samuel Williams. He is married to Colette Williams DTM for thirty one years and the father of three beautiful daughters and two handsome and energetic grandsons. He obtained his formal education at St. Vincent de Paul Primary and Hawksbill High School where he graduated in the class of 1984. After graduation he founded a welding company called L&A industrial were he work as a pipe welder , he also received his certification in Train the trainer at Wrenn Handling , Barloworld Handling LP in Tampa Florida, and later pursuit his passion to became a heavy equipment operator . In 1986 he got the job of his dream as a heavy equipment operator with the Freeport harbor company where he worked for 19 years . He is currently employed with Five star shipping as the trucking coordinator manger. He aspires to one day become a motivational speaker. In his leisure time he enjoys bible study, doing small building projects around the home , listening to old school music and football with the 49ers being his favorite team.
My name is Susan George, and I am a passionate teacher who finds great joy in the art of teaching. I firmly believe that being a teacher means being a part of a transformative process, where minds are shaped, and lives are changed. Teaching has always been a magical experience for me, and this enchantment has driven me to seek further personal and professional growth. Being a teacher and mother of three, I had to strive to have a self-motivated and enthusiastic approach to life. These qualities have allowed me to pursue my dreams and face challenges head-on. As I became aware of my own potential, I realized the importance of continuous growth and improvement.
In 2017, I embarked on a journey with Toastmasters International to develop my leadership and communication skills, and it has been an incredible voyage of self-discovery and empowerment. Through active participation in various club roles, I embraced responsibility and honed my organizational skills. I had the privilege of serving as the President, VPE (Vice President of Education) twice, and Secretary in my club, each experience adding a unique layer to my personal and professional growth. These roles taught me the value of accountability, teamwork, and effective communication, shaping me into a well-rounded individual.
These experiences gained during my tenure in Toastmasters have empowered me to take on a new challenge: becoming an Area Director. This position allows me to extend my impact beyond the boundaries of my club and influence a larger community of Toastmasters. I am determined to utilize my skills and knowledge to create a positive and transformative environment for fellow members. Through my role, I aspire to create a space where members feel motivated, inspired, and empowered to unleash their full potential.
Andin Edwards is a Radiological Technologist, Sonographer, Adult Trainer, and Certified Professional Coach. Through her experience in the healthcare field, Andin knows first-hand what a stress-filled, yet exciting career, demands of people. This background combined with her involvement in Toastmasters has enhanced her abilities in leading, mentoring, and coaching others as they strive to accomplish their personal and professional goals. Whether they desire career advancement, work-life balance, leadership skills, or doing public speaking, Andin has witnessed the bold positive changes her clients and her fellow-toastmasters are willing to make to improve themselves and their environment.
Working as a Certified Coach and as a mentor and leader in the Toastmasters Organization, Andin is committed to her clients’ growth and development. She is always ready to support, guide and champion them as they strive to achieve their goals.
Andin is a life-long learner who believes that there is always more room for growth. She wholeheartedly believes, The Toastmasters Organization provides a world class education program with many opportunities to become effective communicators and leaders.
Andin began her toastmaster’s journey in October 1998 and received the Distinguished Toastmasters Award, the highest Award in the Toastmasters, in 2015.
Personal Quote: “Be authentic, own your inner image”
I, Ramon Sweeting worked in the IT Industry for 30+ Years with different roles as IT Tech, , IT Help Desk, as far as Support for Networking, Hardware, Installations, and cabling. My passion is learning how things work and how to fix them.
During my school life, I was an average and above average student. I was not afforded the luxury of higher education right away like most of my peers. And I learned that hard work is the key to every man’s success.
I loved my technical classes in high school like electrical, technical drawing, and carpentry. I decided to go into a technical course after working hours when I studied electronics. That’s course opened the doors for me in the technical world, Life has always been a challenge for me therefore I embrace and learn from challenges that come my way.
I am active in Diocese & Church media ministries; I try to learn as much as I can although I think I pass the age to go back to school but never too old to learn.
Other than Toastmasters, I’m apart of the Diocese & Church Media Team, I assist several churches with Tech consulting and assisting ministries when requested.
I’m an asset to all organizations because I do some research to understand what we are doing and better able to think outside the box. “There are more ways to skin a cat”.
I have recently passed My Scrum Master certification and am looking forward to passing my CAPM soon.
You are never too old to learn because you never know what challenges will come in front of you in this fast-paced world.
