Joining Toastmasters in January 2006 was the best New Year's Resolution I have ever kept. While I had information on Toastmasters for over a decade, I never made the leap to visit - let alone join. In part, I was hesitant about what "they" did - how boring or uptight or plain scary the group would be. I wondered if I'd fit in or be able to keep up.

I was gratefully surprised to be welcomed to a warm, caring, funny, engaging, supportive, dynamic, thought-provoking, empowering and empowered extended family. (I can go on, but you need to come see for yourself!) My new extended family offered encouragement, support and guidance as I worked my way through each speech - each focus area - each hiccup and high-five. By July 2006, I stepped up to serve as Vice President, Education & Training for my home club - Suncoast 1667. The dynamic team successfully reached President's Distinguished Status for the 4th year in a row - all "10" stars!

Enthused and excited, in July 2007 I was honored to begin serving as Area 53 Governor - assisting clubs mostly in North West Hillsborough County. As I ventured from my home club, I met many, many new Toastmasters - and discovered that each club had a unique signature spirit, with a special twist to Toastmaster's proven Educational and Leadership Programs.

It is now my privilege to assist Division C's Charismatic, Confident and Committed Leaders as Division C Governor. Our Team seeks to:

1. Strengthen club membership and participation with coordinated Club Coach matching and support.
2. Increase public awareness of Toastmasters Clubs within both our Division and local Areas, through outreach to community calendars, local civic leaders, community groups and media. A designated Division C Public Relations Officer will coordinate efforts to provide a strong presence in our community in all forms of media - print, web, radio and TV. Additionally, our Division C Speaker's Bureau Chair will facilitate matching the wide array of experienced, motivating Toastmasters with powerful stories and messages to these media outlets, as well as prospective audiences of local businesses, Chambers, and other community organizations.
3. Engage and support local leaders through a vibrant, coordinated Division Executive Counsel. This monthly "First Fridays" Counsel will ensure membership involvement, inter-club exchange and leadership development for each club. Our Core Team of Seven Area Governors, alongside the three specialized Division Officers are eager to support this exciting initiative.
4. Personally commit to our growth in Toastmasters, by achieving both Leadership and Educational advancement this year. In turn, we hope by leading through personal commitment, we encourage a redoubling of member achievement for those we serve.

Tara has a Masters of Science in Technology Innovation Management from University of Tampa, a Bachelors in Communications, and two associates degrees, one in Internet Services Technology and one in programming.

She has worked for T. Rowe Price Financial Services for 12 years with 10 years experience in Web Development and Project Management. She also teaches as an adjunct at ITT-Tech in the Game Development program.

Robert Cushing has a background in communications, human performance, training and Health Services Administration. He is certified as a Six Sigma Champion and is working toward a Six Sigma Black Belt. Robert is a charter member of the First Class Presenters at Continental Airlines and in 2008-2009 he will be serving as the VP of Public Relations and Marketing for the Blue Toastmasters Club, and as the newly formed Assistant District C Governor Public Relations and Marketing.

Robert has a Masters of Science in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelors in Communications/ Pre-Law from Washington State University. He has a heritage to live up to in Toastmasters, as his grandfather was a toastmaster. He is passionate about helping people grow and achieve their goals and sees Toastmasters as an excellent way to do that.

I am delighted to serve our new District 47, Division C as Club Coach Chair. Having put extra effort to work with struggling clubs this past year, I understand the special needs and creative energies required to ensure that clubs are not isolated or without means of connecting to assistance.

In my role, I will call on many of you in Division C to put on your coaching/mentoring hat and join the extraordinary service of helping clubs in need. We want every club to thrive, not merely survive. As coaches, we will work with struggling clubs by providing guidance, support and encouragement, and incorporating Toastmasters' proven system for success. Not only will it be a hugely rewarding and personally satisfying experience, but the good that we do as a club coaches will have broad-reaching effects that will enrich all of Toastmasters.

As the Division C Speaker’s Bureau Coordinator, if you are looking for a dynamic, energetic, inspirational speaker ~ or fit that description yourself, I am looking for you.

Prior to joining Toastmasters, I was an Image Consultant speaking to Organizations about “Looking Good – Feel Good”. I had been invited several times to join Toastmasters by my friend who was an Area Governor and later, District Governor. I graciously declined because I thought I didn’t need training to be a speaker. I was born with ability!

Two years later I was working for a real estate agent who was passionate about Toastmasters. After being invited by him to attend a meeting, I joined. How could I say “NO” to my boss?!

My Toastmaster journey began in Lancaster, CA. in 1987 where I earned my 1st Competent Toastmaster (CTM). Later, I transferred to Club 9331 at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA. where I was stretched, fired, and molded. It was there that I diligently achieved the status of the club’s first DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) in November 1999. I currently have 2 CTMs and am working towards Accredited Speaker designation.

I have stayed with Toastmasters and encouraged others to join my pilgrimage because of the weekly experience of speaking and being evaluated. Evaluations are the lifeline of any successful business or organization. Toastmaster evaluations are a built-in coaching benefit that is offered if one is teachable.

I now live in Tampa and have recently joined Carrollwood Toastmasters Club 5083. My favorite topics are evaluations, mentoring, and goal setting. I have a workshop presentation called “Vision to Accomplishment” which is a favorite that includes creating mission statements, writing an action plan, and evaluating the results. To invite me as a speaker or presenter for your organization, please contact me by cell at 813-966-7823, or by email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .