District Leadership Directory

Click on an individual to read their Biography and send them a secure email.
You can filter the list by clicking on a category or a letter of the Alphabet as well.

Photo of Ernesto Gongora DTM
Ernesto Gongora, DTM
Speech Contest Chair

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).

Photo of Sharmaine Goodman-Davis DTM
Sharmaine Goodman-Davis, DTM
TLI

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.

Photo of Olethea Gardiner-Miller DTM
Olethea Gardiner-Miller, DTM
Member Extension (BAH)

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.

Categories: Club Growth Team
Photo of Blaze Goldsmith DTM
Blaze Goldsmith, DTM
Club Extension (U.S)

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.

Categories: Club Growth Team
Photo of Claudette Grant DTM
Claudette Grant, DTM
Area 22 Director

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.

Photo of Martin Grant
Martin Grant
Area 24 Director

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.

Photo of Susan George
Susan George
Area 91 Director

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.