CONFERENCE SESSIONS

Learn about all the sessions being offered this weekend including Keynotes, Workshops and Special Events.

You can learn more about each of our speakers on pages 33-38

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

Opening Session Keynote - 8:00 PM

“From Caterpillar To Chrysalis – A Journey Of Transformation”

Past International President - Deepak Menon, DTM

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022

Workshops

- 12:00 PM

Designing Your Success In 3 Steps

Heather D. Mahoney, DTM

Join Distinguished Toastmaster Heather D. Mahoney, your Partner Navigator, on a journey to rediscover your passions and reset your dreams. A professional speaker and trainer, Heather will lead you through a simple 3-step process to design a roadmap for your journey to the fulfilling life you were meant to live.

Speaking To Secure The Bag

Anastarcia Palacious

Do you love public speaking? Do you have a message deep in your belly that you want to get out to the world? Have you enjoyed transforming audiences only to feel frustrated when your abilities do not translate into dollars at the end of the day? If so, you are not alone. Public speaking is my purpose. It is the thing I am most passionate about and desirous of. Yet, I found myself continuously frustrated by the lack of opportunity to do so in a meaningful way while also being paid. This all changed for me as I discovered the power of coaching, community, and consistently showing up on social media. Toastmasters has revolutionized speaking for nearly a century, so learning the Science of Speaking from “The Secret” teacher Lisa Nichols further enhanced my capacity. Today applying those techniques has helped me grow my social media following and my international network of followers and fellow coaches, many of whose stages I speak on around the virtual world. We have the power to live our public speaking dreams truly and to maximize influence, impact, and income to secure the bag and our happiness. First described in the urban dictionary in 2019, the term “secure the bag” refers to intentional actions designed to increase monetary gain and capitalize on influence. If this sounds like something you are interested in, if this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, if this sounds like a personal call to fulfill all you know you can be, I’d love to see you!

First Impressions Reimagined

Marlene Smith, DTM

First impression, those scary moments when you are starting that important person to person communication connection. Palms sweaty, lump in the throat, butterflies in the stomach moments. Within seconds, the first impression is over. For both business and personal communications, the first impression sets the tone for the entire encounter or meeting. Will the audience listen, be engaged, or screen-out? Did you connect with the audience? Was there communication?

Learn the nuances of the first impression and change those first scary moments into exciting times. Different communication venues demand different first impressions. However, the same formula applies in each conversation. Every presenter, moderator, educator, and communicator gives a first impression. Make it a lasting first impression. Put yourself on the path of a successful outcome with a great first impression. Bring your questions, comments, and queries to this informative, interactive session on First Impressions Reimagined.

Keynote - 6:30 PM

Transforming The Mind: The Connection Between Life & Toastmasters

Accredited Speaker - Forrest Tuff

Are you ready to become a better leader and speaker? This keynote will help you identify limiting beliefs that may hold you back from achieving your goals. Whether you are looking to deliver impactful presentations at work, with organizations, or become a paid professional, this talk is for you.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022

Workshops - 11:00 AM

Leading With Clarity, Confidence & Commitment

Nina Obier, DTM

Has the past couple of years with all the ups & downs have you feeling uncertain?

Are you “busy” focusing on what is going on in the outside world to a fault?

These past couple of years have many of us going into a tailspin, forcing us to reflect on who we are, what we do and how we impact our corner of the world. Imagine what it would feel like to lead with clarity, confidence & commitment in both your personal & professional life. Move from uncertainty by learning to shift your perspective from what you’re doing to who you’re being. Within each area you will learn the strategy, system and solution that will lead to the end goal of having absolute genuineness, complete certainty, marvelous mindset, unshakeable boundaries, and total trust.

MAKE Every Day a Day Worth Celebrating!

Change The World By Speaking Everyone's Language

Dennis Paul

More than 7,100 languages are spoken in the world today.

We may speak the same language. Yet, we do not always understand or accept what is said. Many times, this leads to family disputes, legal battles, or broken relationships in business or in marriage. What if there was a solution? Beginning with you taking the initiative to understand how you communicate. Then, using a process that helps you understand how the other person communicates. This solution exists and is the Science of Messaging. Imagine giving a Toastmaster presentation where your message struck chords. Not a few. But all the chords where one hundred percent of your audiences comprehended? Imagine negotiating, where you read your opponent and then send a clear, readily accepted concept. Or, how about a family relationship where the walls of rejection were removed, and mutual acceptance restored harmony.

This presentation is for four types of personal values. The first, seeks freedom, opportunity and thrives on competition. The second type likes to build relationships, harmony in teamwork and expand their own personal growth. The third is logical, enjoys learning and uses expertise in technology. And the fourth is firmly planted with structure, planning and processes. This leads to the question. “How do all four of these types communicate effectively?” Attend this presentation for the answer and to learn who you are. Then Imagine how humanity would appear if we communicated in one world language. One that would keep the world a diverse and beautiful place.

Workshops - 12:00 PM

Learn How Gratitude Affects Your Bottom Line

Gaia Calcaterra, DTM

This past year has been stressful for many! Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help, not only to shift our mindset but also provide an impactful business strategy. Gratitude can positively affect both health and happiness because as we begin to view the world with a grateful heart, our perspective of the world changes.

In business the simple act of showing appreciation or acknowledging our loyal customers or dedicated employees has an immediate impact, which then compounds over time.

The presentation will cover actionable, and practical strategies that can easily and immediately be implemented in business and directly affect the bottom line.

During The Presentation We Will Explore:

• The Importance of Gratitude & The Science Behind It.

• The Hedonic Baseline.

• Gratitude - A New Way to Look.

• Gratitude In Your Business or Workplace.

• Reactive vs. Proactive.

• Interactive Exercises to Cultivate Gratitude.

Presenter Gaia Calcaterra is the founder of the Gratitude Project and will share her insights about gratitude and the positive effect that it has on entrepreneurs and business.

Rediscover & Explore New Horizons

Carl R. Culmer Jr.

Are you at a crossroad pondering your next career or personal move? Are the responses you are receiving filling you with doubt or courage? Sometimes, we overthink our next move so much that we miss the opportunity to reimagine ourselves beyond our current position. Join us as we discover practical and insightful tools you will need to explore beyond the horizon and arrive at the destination of your reimagined life.

Keynote - 6:30 PM

Deep Dive Accredited Speaker - Joe Grondin

We all have hidden talents deep inside of us that we don’t realize we have. Individually we struggle to find those talents; however, together as toastmasters, we learn to dig deep to uncover and transform those hidden talents so we can become the butterflies we are meant to be. With the help of Joe’s Toastmasters family, he has learned to dig deep to find and transform what talents shine within him. Joe owes a depth of gratitude to Toastmasters because he realizes that he could not have transformed into the butterfly he is now on his own. Joe’s hope is that this keynote will inspire you to dig deep to fly high while starting or continuing your Toastmasters journey.

Laughing Exercise - 8:30 PM

Laughing Yoga

Dr. Maurice Fuller

Let’s Laugh! We can all use more laughter in our lives. Take charge of your well-being and get on the laughter train! Studies have shown that laughter has a number of beneficial effects on our wellbeing. Laughing Yoga is a unique practice and a great tool for improving health and happiness, where anyone can laugh for no reason without relying on humor, jokes, or comedies. Learn to laugh through the tough and challenging times and keeping up a daily laughting practice will help keep you resilient.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

Workshops - 2:00 PM

Rediscover Life’s Humor

Dr.

Toluleke Famuyiwa

Life is the quality that distinguishes a relevant and functional being from a dead person. This means whatever does not make us feel relevant and functional is deadly and should be avoided or eliminated. We allow disagreements, disappointments, and failures to keep us on the ground till we feel emotionally dead. We stay on the ground with clouded reasoning until we make a wrong decision. One wrong decision leads to more wrong decisions and eventually frustration and suicide thoughts. If we do not find a way to get back on our feet quickly we will be in a vicious circle.

To address this problem, polled questions were given to random participants on Linkedin.

Questions such as: How do you respond to a thoughtless and annoying question? Which method do you us e for humor in the workplace? Why do you avoid humor in the workplace? were asked. This session will enable participants to rediscover life's humor by discussing answers to questions mentioned above, discussing relevant case scenarios, and engaging in joke testing sessions using the techniques learned during the session.

Participants will learn how to reimagine and rediscover the funny moments that are in-built in life’s challenges from which they can draw strength in difficult times. Participants will become more aware of the opportunities to laugh at the daily inconsistencies in life instead of acting angrily on impulse. Participants will rediscover their humor roots by imaginatively rethinking and reinterpreting the meaning and essence of life.

Planning Your Pathway

Anna Whistler

PICTURE IT - butterflies fluttering frantically in your stomach, dry scales lining the roof and base of your mouth, and any semblance of water seems too difficult to travel down your stomach. Does this sound familiar? Everyone - regardless of his/her Toastmaster journey, experience with public speaking, or amount of awards - ALL deal with butterflies in the stomach. It's time to talk about it!

Hi - I am Anna Whistler, author and creator of a 10-part inspirational video series called The Epic Zone. Through my Toastmaster Journey, I have not only realized my dream through The Epic Zone, but I am also one speech away from earning my Distinguished Toastmaster Award! Do I still get butterflies every time I step up to the stage? Well, don't we all? Come and find out for yourself how to reignite the excitement of Pathways and Public Speaking, and how to renew your passion for speaking and growth in the Toastmasters Program.

Workshops - 3:00 PM

Build Your Tribe With A Champion Culture

Ellis Mass

How will your club, business, or nonprofit achieve extraordinary results? Studies show again and again that organizations that emphasize building positive, healthy cultures strongly outperform those who do not. This action-oriented workshop will cover the 7 fundamentals of a "championship" culture, and will provide the 5 key actions your organization can start today to get there.

What's Love Got To Do With It?

Dominic M. Thompson

That is the question so many have yet to find the answer to. Come on a journey with me to discover the true essence of love and the role it plays in our daily lives and by extension how it motivates us to act. It is often said by many that “LOVE” makes one do crazy things. Is this truth, myth, or simply an excuse to

Not Be Held Accountable For

our actions?

The Chinese author Han Suyin penned the words “Love Is Many A Splendid Thing” in her book under the same name speaks to the “Spirit” of love in its purest form.

Let’s explore this adventure to determine what love is, how it brings us together as Toastmasters and how we can feed the passion of our love for Toastmasters to keep us engaged for years to come.

So you ask…What’s Love Got To Do With It? And my response is…Join me for a very engaging and interactive session as we unlock the answer together!

Keynote - 8:45PM

“Emerging As A Butterfly”

Past International President - Deepak Menon, DTM

Gold Coast Toastmasters

Celebrating 61 Years of Golden Brilliance

Chartered September 1, 1960

President’s Distinguished Club 2010-2021

Best wishes to the District Leadership Team for a successful conference.

Congratulations to the Conference Co-Chairs

Ernesto Williams, DTM and Antoinette Bailey, DTM

And to all the newly accomplished Distinguished Toastmasters

Gold Coast Toastmasters Officers 2021-2022

Katie Jaramillo, President; Laura Friedman, VPE; Latoria Hillard, VPM; Heather Anstaett, VPPR; Barbara Strasdas, DTM, Treasurer; Yuka Simmons, Secretary; Amanda Aiken, SAA

47 Hall Of Fame

District 47 Executive Leadership

District Director Barbara Strasdas, DTM

Program Quality Director Shakira Taylor, DTM

Club Growth Director Austen Canonica, DTM

Finance Manager Ann Marie McLaughlin

Administration Manager Patty Stevenson, DTM

Public Relations Manager Andre Kelly, DTM

Logistics Manager Roosevelt Jean-Francois, DTM

Imm. Past District Dir. Leonardo Burrows, DTM

Division And Area Directors

(S) Division A Price Polynice, DTM

(D) 10 Pauline Esty

(S) 11 Madeline Ashby

(S) 12 Velton Showell III

(S) 13 Valda Adeyiga

(S) 14 Aura Bencosme

(S) 15 Arunkumar Krishnamoorthy

Division B Lois Margolin, DTM

(D) 20 Diana Rodriguez

(D) 21 Jonathan E. Jean-Francois

(S) 22 Samantha Jones 23

Bernard Campbell 24

Justin Marguriet

25 Nardia Aldridge

(S) Division C Anthony Elie, DTM

(S) 30 Romina Gotzmann 31

Connie Finkelman 32 Amber Lynn Kelley

(S) 33 Andre Noudjo

(D) Division D Valerie Johnson, DTM

(P) 40 Dorrette Keen, DTM 41 Linda Elie 42 Jonathan Knaus 43 Hyon Green

(S) 44 Joan Dalie, DTM

(D) 45 Sherry Meltzer

Division E Sarah Cherres

(S) 50 Lori Bailey, DTM

(S) 51 Eugenio Jaramillo, DTM

52 Richard Crusan

(D) 53 Eduardo Landron

(S) 54 Sebastian Pincetti

55 Sandi Huffman-Hansen, DTM

(P) Division F Juliana Clarke, DTM

(P) 60 Derek Garcia Rolle

(S) 61 Kyle Thompson

(S) 62 Lapeedra Damianos, DTM

(P) 63 Euvunka Paul

(P) Division I Verna Bonaby, DTM

(P) 90 Jecholiah Barnett

(P) 91 Bethshan Jules

(P) 92 Hubert Edwards, DTM

(S) 93 Ancin Munnings, DTM

(P) = President’s Distinguished

(S) = Select Distinguished

(D) = Distinguish

DISTRICT 47 SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Area Director of the Year

Division Director of the Year

Toastmaster of the Year

Nardia Aldridge, DTM - Area 25

Not Presented Yet

Jeanine Kinsey, DTM

District 47 Committee Chairs

Chair ACPDD Leonardo Burrows DTM, IPDD

Advisor Pamela D. Rolle DTM, PDG

Advisor Kristina Kihlberg DTM, PID

Parliamentarian Hieu Huynh, DTM

DLC Chair Maurice Fuller DTM, PDD

Credentials Chair Pamela D. Rolle DTM, PDG

Audit Committee Chair Jennifer Walker, DTM

Realignment Chair

Community Outreach

Kristina Kihlberg DTM, PID

Sheree Thomas, DTM (FL)

Tiffany Roberts, DTM (BAH)

DTM Chair Antoinette Bailey, DTM

Conference Chairs Darren Kennedy, DTM (FL)

Speech Contest Chairs

Deandra Dorsette, DTM (BAH)

Michelle LeWay, DTM (FL)

Kendra Munroe, DTM (BAH)

TLI Chairs Michelle Washington, DTM (FL)

Merla Atus-Pawar (BAH)

Pathways Chair Jane Cabrera

Club Coach Chairs

Paula Barto, DTM (FL)

Mikia Cooper (BAH)

Club Extension Chair Garth Jackson, DTM (BAH)

Member Extension Chairs

Member Retention Chairs

Sunshiner Editor

Technical Support

Technical Support

Barthold Leonidas (FL)

Andrew Albury, DTM (BAH)

Brandon Kinsey, DTM (FL)

Ikysha Beneby, DTM (BAH)

Ernesto Williams, DTM

David Carr, DTM

Sharmaine, Strachan, DTM

Web Master Ramon Sweeting

Assistant Web Master

Jean-Claude Bien-Aime

Web Editor Arlene Preudhomme

Social Media Managers

District Photographers

Shanika Pinder, DTM

Joseph Acenas

John Schneyer DTM (FL)

David King, DTM (BAH)

2020-2021 Golden Gavel Club Awards

The following clubs had all 7 officers trained at both rounds of training, all base camp managers trained by the District Pathways Team, Achieved Smedley or Talk up Toastmasters awards, Conducted 1 Moments of Truth session, Completed a Youth Leadership Program or Speech Craft, had qualified contestants at all Area Contests and were President’s Distinguished Clubs by April 15, 2021.

Grove Gables Toastmasters Excellence In Club Performance

Club Power Speakers

Excellence In Club Performance

First Bahamas Branch Of Toastmasters

Excellence In Club Performance

West Pines Toastmasters Club

Excellence In Club Performance

Nardia joined Club Awesome in September of 2016 and has since served in multiple leadership roles. Since joining Club Awesome, she has gained the confidence needed to serve full-time in the Faculty at Nova Southeastern University, along with serving as an effective leader in her other professional organizations. Dr. Aldridge has since presented at multiple state and national conferences. In September 2018, she presented at her first International Conference in Melbourne, Australia. Without Toastmasters, she would not be where she is today.

Toastmasters

Madeline joined Toastmasters in order to increase her self-confidence After 6 months, she knew that it was not only the perfect platform for her to holistically develop herself, but also to help others. Within two years, she became a Club officer, competed in several contests, held a YLP, and became an Area Director. Thanks to Toastmasters, she has become a better speaker and leader who aids others in finding their voices so they can be heard as well.

Voice Of Champions Club

For years, public speaking was always one of Jecholiah's biggest fears. However, the Toastmasters Program made her into a stronger leader and a person of service before self. In her journey, she served as a Club President and Area Director, and is now the Trade Marketing Coordinator at a renowned Communication Company, Northern Bahamas, The Bahamas. She is thankful to God Almighty for her successes and accomplishments.

Verna Bonaby, DTM has been a member of Toastmasters since 2009. A member of six (6) clubs, she has served in almost every executive role, up to and including President. She is a past Club Coach, Area 92 Director, and Immediate Past Division I Director 2020/2021. The achievement of this Distinguished Toastmaster award under the Pathways Program was just as fulfilling as achieving the first one under the “Legacy” program. She believes that “Learning Never Stops”, and as long as there is something new for her to learn, and in turn share with or teach to others, she will be that “Relentless” Toastmaster. She is employed with the Bahamas Government as Assistant Director of Communications at the Public Hospitals Authority, and serves on the Executive of her Community Neighborhood Watch Program and local Credit Union. DTM Bonaby enjoys reading, dancing and graphic design, and is STILL loving her Toastmasters experience.

Erica’s journey to Toastmasters began in 1998 when a co-worker mentioned it, and after 4 years and a lot of persuasion, she became a member of the Voice of Champions Club. Toastmasters created an environment where her voice could be heard and self-appreciated, where she could feel safe to learn about herself and grow her confidence, and where she could reap rewarding memories as well. Toastmasters is indispensable to her; hence, she has committed herself to spread the benefits of Toastmasters so that others can experience it for themselves

The Toastmasters Club At FAU #2 and have their lives change forever for the better. Her confidence-growing journey continues, and she is enjoying the ride all the way.

Jane is the owner of “Jane Cabrera Coaching,” where she provides customized coaching and training in leadership, communication, transformation and team building. She has been a Toastmaster since August 2018 when she joined to improve her public speaking skills. She is currently serving her second term as the District 47 Pathways Chair, and is also Secretary of her home club, Paul Spiewak Toastmasters. She previously served as President and Vice President of Education of her home club, and was the Area Director for President’s Distinguished Area 14 in 2019-2020.

I am Bernard Campbell and a proud member of the Champion Speakers Toastmasters Club. My goal was to improve my confidence in public speaking and leadership skills. I had the great fortune of Chartering the Champion Speakers club in December 2019 and on June 30, 2021 I completed DTM designation. What I have gotten from toastmasters is priceless. I now have the skill to speak from the stage, share my own personal story and touch people's lives which will allow them to reflect on their own story and force them to connect with me in a meaningful and emotional way. The overall journey as a Toastmaster member has been substantial to the betterment of me and my family’s communication. The communication has also improvIed significantly with individuals within my social circle. My future plan is to become a full time speaker, coach and continue to impact people's lives all around the world.

Austen never thought that he would earn multiple DTM awards, yet here he is. While his first DTM was mostly a personal journey of self-development and an understanding of his communication and leadership style, his second DTM has taught him something new: the importance of patience, persistence, and servant leadership. He looks forward to the next one!

#clerkspeaksquad

Toastmasters #2

Now in her second year as a member of Universal Advanced Toastmasters, Linda started her Toastmasters journey in August 2016 at Palm Beach Toastmasters in Division D. It began accidentally as a refuge after the loss of her father in March 2016, and she completed her first traditional DTM in 9 months. Six months in, she founded #clerkspeaksquad, a closed club at her workplace - The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Palm Beach County at the courthouse in West Palm Beach. Additionally, she has been a member of El Cid Toastmasters and Palm Beach County Toastmasters for short periods. Besides starting a club, she now has earned two DTMs; served as District 47 Public Relations Manager in 2017-2018, Pathways Lead Guide, and Pathways Ambassador for the rollout in District 47; presented at various TLIs; officiated at numerous contests; sat on two DLC committees; and coached El Cid and the Palm Beach County Toastmasters. Today, she mentors young toastmasters and visits other clubs in her travels

A member of Toastmasters International since 2008, Karon Clark is eternally grateful to all who have supported her in her Toastmasters journey. Change is inevitable and being equipped with the right tools in order to face the challenges of the day is part of that journey she has accepted. Karon recognizes her Toastmaster family for the honor of DTM award.

Being labelled as “talkative” and “bossy” in life seemed to be telltale signs that joining Toastmasters in December 2015 was for Orquia. She is presently a member of the Freeport Eagles Toastmasters Club 1425 and the Advanced Communicators and Leaders of The Bahamas Toastmasters Club 7791596. As she excelled in the program, the labels of “talkative” and “bossy” faded and were replaced with “articulate” and “masterful ” For her, the accomplishment of the DTM award is only the beginning of her reaffirmation to serve. Shortly after receiving my DTM in June 2021, she was selected to serve as Area 90, where she lives up to the mantra “SERVE and serve some more!” Even when service has seemed insurmountable, she embraced it as a part of her stretching process and allowed it to catapult you to your greatest self.

My journey in Toastmasters started in 2014 and it has been a non stop learning experience and I love it. I’m originally from Colombia, I’m a book author and motivational speaker. I speak 4 languages and being able to communicate properly has been life changing for me and I owe it to Toastmasters.

CeCe is a former US Marine, author, and TEDx speaker. She joined Toastmasters in 2016 and since then has achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster Award three times. As a member of two clubs, she has served in District 47 as an Area Director and as Club Growth Committee Chair, where she helped 120 other Toastmasters become Distinguished Toastmasters.

CeCe’s life is centered on three core values; God, Family, and Education, the former evidenced with her currently attending Florida International University (FIU) where she is studying Industrial Organizational Psychology, emphasizing in Change Management and Personal Development.

47 rEimaginE

2022 annual virtual ConfErEnCE

Division E Leadership Team

Assistant Division Director Program

Quality: Sandi Huffman-Hansen, DTM

Mentor: Antoinette Fox, DTM

Area 50 Mentor: Sandra Jackson, DTM

Area 51 Mentor: Eugenio Jaramillo, DTM

Area 52 Mentor: Evelyn Benson, DTM

Area 53 Mentor: Kathy Dyke, DTM

Area 54 Mentor: Betty Ortiz-Valdez, DTM

Area 55 Mentor: Sandi Huffman-Hansen

“Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved”. Author Unknown

Thank You Division E

Division E Clubs mEEting DatEs

TUESDAY

Speak Tank

Dade County Toasters

Miami Dade

Florida’s Finest

Key West

Florida Keys

Homestead

WEDNESDAY

MIA Tarmac Speakers

Miami Wynwood

Voice of Champions

Toastmasters En Espanol

South Dade Grove Gables

Coral Gables

West Kendall

Sysco South Florida

Cutler Bay

The Landing

THURSDAY

305 Speaks

Florida Blue

World Fuel

Doral

Electrifying Voices

Miami Beach

Miracle Mile

Miami Advance

FRIDAY

Out-Of-The Box

Brickell

Blue Lagoon

Please see the Toastmasters’ Website for more details.

Henry’s Toastmaster journey started with the old Eddie Rickenbacker Club 1240 in 1997, but his home club is now North Miami Beach Toastmasters Club 3840. After 25 years, he earned his DTM as of April 2021. Thanks to Toastmasters, his shyness reduced, and he has gained greater confidence with his speaking and emerging singing avocation, which is still going after 25 years. As the years have evolved, he has become better at handling small group leadership and coaching others through speech evaluation. He is working on his second DTM and hopes to become an effective trainer who helps medical and social work professionals understand how disability benefits really work.

Blaze Goldsmith has been a personal trainer for 15 years. He has numerous fitness certifications and has been featured multiple times in the IDEA Fitness Journal Magazine. He’s competed in several CrossFit competitions and half marathons across the U.S. Blaze has spoken at schools, prisons and conferences. In Toastmasters he’s currently Area 55 Director. He’s also a Life Coach and host of The BLAZE THE LION PODCAST. His mission is sharing his purpose and helping others align with their purpose to effectively, efficiently, optimally change the world.

My mission is to courageously walk in my purpose and help others align with theirs. That’s how we change the world.

Monique is a Certified Optical Lab Technician who outfitted some of The Bahamas’s most prominent Businessmen & Women with Prescription Glasses in a 10-year career that she truly enjoys. The desire for change and her love of service afforded her employment opportunities at Bahamasair and The Cove at Atlantis, but her passion for fashion is where she found loving success in to become the sole owner of Seductions Clothing Boutique for 9 years. However, after closure due to extensive local road work, she became a 3-year serving Retail Assistant Manager with the BahaMar Hotel. In 2015, she was introduced to the Toastmaster’s Program, and her instant love with it led her to later serve as a Treasurer, VP of Membership & Education, President, Area Director, and coordinator of ‘Speech on the Beach’, ‘Culture Up’, and ‘Caroling in the Courtyard’. She continues to serve as a full-time caretaker to her beloved brother who lost his mobility and communication in a motorcycle accident in 2020.

Eve has a background in the Casino Gaming industry which revolved around predictive analytics and data segmentation for player loyalty clubs and launching and rolling out various casino software and games. She joined Toastmasters at Carnival's Corporate club The Voice of Champions. She is a US Coast Guard Veteran, enjoys doing logic puzzles, and being outdoors with her family and dogs in her spare time.

Luisana is an Assistant to the Elderly Development Director at her workplace and is involved in shaping the services and care offered to lowincome older adults in Miami-Dade through the programs offered there and through her advocacy efforts.

My journey to DTM was imbued with overcoming numerous challenges, a myriad of opportunities for speaking & leadership development, as well the honor of meeting the most incredible confreres. Special thanks go out to Austen Canonica, Eugenio “Gino” Jaramillo, Michelle LeWay, Rosler Oriol, Oris + Gary Martin, & all the countless Toasties who dared me to evolve & become better. “If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down.”

On September 5, 2018, after two years of procrastination, Samantha walked into her first Toastmasters meeting to gain experience for a speaking engagement that she’d booked for later that month. Since then, she continues to gain resources in becoming a greater speaker and leader. Today, she has greater self-confidence, is a better boss to her office staff, and manages delicate situations with her patients. She is a proud member of both Toast of Las Olas and Beacon Point Advanced, both of which are in Division B. She credits the program and her Toastmaster friends for helping her obtain her DTM designation in June 2021.

Bethshan is active in community service and is one of the founding members and Vice President of Mentorship of the ‘Feed the Seed’ program. She believes that if we live the core values of the Toastmasters ProgramIntegrity, Respect, Service and Excellence - then will we bring about change in our communities: “the change we seek begins within so again let us live the life we speak about in Toastmasters.”

Arun initiated his Toastmasters journey in April 2018 where he made DeVry University Toastmaster club his home. Since then, he’s completed the Competent Communicator Manual, earned his Advanced Communicator Bronze Award, and helped his home club earn the President’s Distinguished Club Award when he served as President. He then became Area 15 Director, conducted a Youth Leadership Program (YLP) for ages from 8 to 15, and coached NSU Toastmasters He is currently serving a second term as Area Director for Area 45, having earned his DTM in September 2021

Ann is an educator, financial specialist and servant leader.

She is currently the VP of Education and Membership at Port St. Lucie Speakers, and also serves in her dream job as Associate Dean of Business. She joined Toastmasters in 2013 to improve her public speaking, impromptu and listening skills, and persisted through the difficulties she faced with completing priorities and meeting time commitments. She cherishes having mentored and sponsored members, hosted Youth Leadership Programs, and served as District 47’s Area 40 Director, Finance Manager, & Community Outreach Chair.

Shacoy joined Toastmasters International in 2011 and served as President of the First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters International Club 1600 in 2020-2021. He achieved his DTM on June 30, 2021. His journey to DTMwhile challenging - was extremely rewarding and is one that he recommends to others who want to become better communicators.

BPSU Majestic Marlins

Dr. RoyAnne Neely-Morrison is a seasoned public officer who completed a doctorate degree in education from Barry University. She is a stenographer by profession and has obtained additional professional certifications inclusive of Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), a proficiency skills examination at speeds in excess of 260 words per minute. She has spoken around the country to various organizations and various Christian conferences, both locally and internationally. She is married and has two daughters; however, she has been a mentor and coach to many young persons. She loves traveling, is an avid reader, loves the spoken word, and is a keen sport enthusiast. She rejoined the Toastmasters program in 2014 and has served in various leadership roles and continues to serve. The Latin phrase “Carpe Diem” and the scripture verse taken from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” have been combined and adopted as her mantra. These have been her guiding compass, especially over these past few years of charting through new territories.

Euvunka has been a Toastmaster since April 1st, 2004 thanks to an invitation she accepted from Leonardo Burrows, DTM to join The First Bahamas Law Enforcement Toastmasters Club - now Police Dynamic Enforcers Toastmasters Club #7031743 in Division F, Area 63 Her assigned mentor, Sharmaine Goodman-Davis, DTM, continues to be a resource to her today She is an Immediate Past President’s Distinguished Area 63 Director, and she is currently serving as an Executive officer for 3 Toastmasters Clubs. She is also a Pathways Base Camp Manager Trainer, and is the 2021-2022 Membership Retention Chair for The Bahamas. Presently, she is the Assistant Superintendent of Police for The Royal Bahamas Police Force and is the first female in history to serve as Officerin-Charge of The Royal Bahamas Police Dog Section.

Grove-Gables Toastmasters

Five years ago, I approached Toastmasters because every time I had to deliver a speech in English, it made me nervous (English is my second language). Finally, my mind became blank, and I couldn't continue with it. So I joined Grove-Gables Toastmasters, and three years later, I joined Miami Advanced Toastmasters. In June 2021, I achieved the DTM, thanks to the help of many fellow toastmasters who mentored me and helped me become a better communicator and leader. Despite being VPM, VPE, and Area Director, I always received more than what I gave, and everything I learned I applied in my professional life. I believe I'll be involved with Toastmasters for the rest of my life. Every time I join a meeting, I learn something new from my fellow Toastmasters, making me feel alive!

Aimee has been a Toastmaster since 2011. She joined a few months before she was going to be giving a speech in front of 800 people and wanted to be well-prepared. She never knew she would love the organization so much and stay involved. Overall, she has enjoyed the strengths she has gained from being a Toastmaster.

Roy was born in the glistening New York City and grew into a successful entrepreneur who loves to travel, loves to ride his motorcycle on long and short trips, and loves to help communities by giving back in any way he can. He presently belongs to two Toastmaster Clubs, where he serves as Treasurer of both as well. He’s also serving as President of The Hollywood Lions Club.

As a Family Practice Physician who retired from clinical medicine in 2015, Marlene sought after and found the answer to her need for improving her communication skills in Toastmasters. She begun this journey at Club Outspoken in Coral Springs, Florida in 2017, where she suppressed her fear of public speaking. Then, she moved to Boca Raton in 2018 and joined Sensor Toast and later became President of Sailfish Toastmasters. She also mentored ModMed Toastmasters and served as a Pundit Writer for the Sunshiner last year. Today, she serves as an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the graduate level, a published author, and a professional healthcare presenter, with her knowledge being showcased on http://www.DrMarleneMD.com. She received her DTM Award in 2021, but her personal award of improving her presentation skills gives her the biggest smile.

Alan started Toastmasters when he was in college. In 1998, he met his wife Shelly and brought her into Toastmasters too. They have been married for 22 years, & she encouraged him to continue his Toastmasters journey to his DTM, which he accomplished in 2021 with the support of several clubs & friends in Toastmasters. He is an accomplished speaker & has used it in his job as well.

Vincent’s journey in Toastmasters began while he studied at the College of Bahamas in 1981. He then joined Action for Achievement Club 1095 and became a member of Club 3596 a few years later, which helped him excel in Parliamentary Procedures & speech development. took front and center stage on my journey. After his first year of engaging club leadership, he served as Sergeant-At-Arms and qualified for the Able Toastmasters Award, and even in the face of transferring to the Family Islands and losing Toastmaster records, he stuck to his Toastmasters education. Soon, he joined Club Chickcharney in June 2013, was elected VPE and SergeantAt-Arms, and then President. In 2017, he relocated to Nassau and joined the Achievers of Excellence Club, and later served as VPE of Club Carmichael It was challenging, but just as in earning this DTM Award, he persevered and relished each moment of learning & growth.

#3

Achieving life goals is a process of self-development through time with a clear purpose ahead. When my husband and I joined October,1999, we clearly did not know what was ahead. But it is one decision that we will never regret. We’ve been enriched by the members who have shared their stories with us. Our perspective has been transformed. Set your goals to achieve what may look unachievable now. I celebrate the opportunity I gained by serving in this great organization!

DTM # 3 – Wahoo!!

Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters

Christabel joined Toastmasters in 1995 in Nassau with the Cable Beach West Club. Upon relocating to Great Exuma, she helped charter the first Toastmasters club there, and graciously served several times as Club President. She also held two executive positions with the Ernst T. Strachan Advanced Club of Nassau. DTM Saunders works as a Learning & Development Consultant.

Gelfand Good Morning Toastmasters

Anita has over thirty (30) years of executive leadership experience in local government, forming & coaching executives, strategic plan implementation, organizational change and development, and customer service delivery. She has over fifteen (15) years of leadership in Women’s Ministry and Bible studies, and is a certified coach, trainer, and speaker for the John Maxwell Organization. Anita is a graduate of the University of Florida, South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary, and a graduate of Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government She is a DTM, a past Area 11 Director for Toastmasters International, and is the 3rd Winner of the 2018 Toastmasters International World Public Speaking Contest. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Norman E. Taylor, and their blended family of seven (7) children, fifteen (15) grandchildren, one (great-grandson) and a new Boston Terrier puppy, Trinity (Trinee for short).

William started in Toastmasters in 2003. He has served in all seven club officer roles throughout his tenure. William always says, “If it isn't fun, it isn’t Toastmasters!” William lives by this saying; he even calls himself a Toastaholic!

Toastmasters is my tribe! I love the people it draws and thrive on the stories and lessons they’ve shared with me.

It took 19 years and retirement to obtain my DTM but oh what a wonderful journey it has been!

Shawn Walker is a Certified Motivational Coach, who has developed himself as a Professional Award-Winning Speaker who has always had a strong passion for helping individuals especially the youth. Mainly in part because he has learned a lot of life lessons on his journey into becoming an adult. Mr. Walker also served as the President of the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) for Park Lakes Elementary School, because he desired to show the students and their families the path of educational success. He wanted to show them that their involvement in their child's education was the key to their child succeeding in life. With that strong passion to help the students at his school he was able to increase the parent participation by 50%.