distinguished toastmaster ceremony

November 9, 2019

DistinguishedToastmaster

Ceremony

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Jamie PickeringDistrict Director

Welcome to the Second Annual District 25 Summit. Our theme “Platinum Level You” was inspired by this year’s District Focus, Celebrating You, Seventy Years Strong!

Toastmasters is not a program that you enter one side and in six weeks you exit stamped as a Certified Presenter. Complete with standard issue lectern and mouse pointer. Toastmasters is a program where you try, you stumble, you lean on fellow Toastmasters, you try again, and you become a better you.

The Summit is the perfect place to become a better you. There are education sessions all aimed at giving you tools to immediately take back to your club. There are networking opportunities to increase your circle of support for all things Toastmasters and beyond. And there are opportunities to celebrate; specifically, as we recognize our 2019 Fall DTM recipients in an inspiring ceremony!

However you choose to become a better you today make sure to celebrate as I will be Celebrating You, Seventy Years Strong!

Welcome

2019 Summit Committee

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Dignitary Parade

Welcome and InspirationBobby Madera, Toastmaster

Dinner

Keynote SpeakerVioletta Rios

“The Beginning of theRest of Your Journey”

Intermission

Distinguished Toastmaster CeremonyNinfa Flewitt

DTM Ceremony Manager

Announcements

Closing RemarksJamie Pickering, District Director

Adjournment

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Keynote Talent

Violetta RiosThe Beginning of the Rest of Your Journey

Earning the Distinguished Toastmaster Award has been considered the end of a member’s learning journey. A whole new chapter of the Toastmasters experience begins after earning the top award in our organization. The way you use the skills you’ve earned throughout your path is key to begin the next part of your journey.

Violetta is a member of District 113 in Mexico and currently serves as the Region Advisor for Region 3.

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Home Club Name and Number: MidCities Achievers #7694

Date you joined Toastmasters: October 2012

Occupation: Team Advisor, American AirlinesHighlights of your career: Have met many wonderful people along my journey.

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? Chaired the Spring Area 65 Speech contest held April 7, 2017.What did you learn? Organization and communication are essential

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? Confidence and comfort with public speaking has grown tremendously.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Make an outline of what achievements are needed to reach DTM for both communication and leadership requirements. Understand life events will impact your progress. Since I joined TM, my mother passed from cancer, my three sons started college, I went through a divorce and sold our family home of 26 years. Throughout this journey, I had my goals even though reaching DTM took longer than expected.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? Become a professional speaker and writer addressing healing from marital infidelity.

Kathryn “Kate” Barlow

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Sara Beall

Home Club Name and Number: Arlington Nooners Toastmasters #7415

Date you joined Toastmasters: September 1997

Occupation: Veterinarian

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? My High Performance Leadership project was to create the tools for Club Contest Chairs and the Club Contest Toastmasters to confidently lead Contest participants in Club Contests. My mission was to provide the structure so that Club Contests are fun and easy for everyone. What did you learn? I learned to listen to the different perspectives of my team members. I learned project management skills which helped to finally finish my HPL project.

How has your Toastmasters Membership affected your life? Now I am much more confident in social situations. I listen better instead of focusing on what I am going to say in response. I have learned many things from listening to speeches, so I can talk knowledgeably about many subjects. I have learned the importance of mentoring.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? The best way to grow is to step out of your comfort zone.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? My goal as VP Education of Arlington Nooners Toastmasters Club is to make Arlington Nooners the best club possible and to share what we do with other clubs.

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Susan Weisz Carson

Home Club Name and Number: Southlake Club #4987

Date you joined Toastmasters: December 2014

Occupation: Life coach

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? My HPL project was chairing a local area contest. What did you learn? I learned that leadership is really about your relationship with yourself– communicating with, understanding and leading yourself. It is only then that you can excel at communicating and leading others. I learned more about myself — how I lead and communicate.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? I have not only developed better communication and leadership skills, just ask my husband! But more importantly I have developed some of the most special relationships of my life!

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Find your niche in toastmasters - some of us want to just learn how to speak, others to perfect how we communicate or lead. And some of us want a safe, supportive place to evolve into our best selves. Toastmasters can do all of the above!

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? My goal is to give back - I have gained so much from Toastmasters. First as an area director, and now as the club retention chair, I have had the opportunity to give back at the district level - to help others gain what I have gained.

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Timothy D. Fields

Home Club Name and Number: Lakeside Club #3692


Occupation: WFM Analyst

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? Mentoring Matters Training

What did you learn? I learned the importance of mentoring within my personal life and the impact it has on others. Mentoring is the bridge one crosses to the full meaning of growth and development

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? My participation in Toastmasters has taught me to embrace my weaknesses along with my strengths as they coexist to make me a better leader.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Trust the process.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? To share my experience and continue serving the District in any capacity needed to further the goals of Toastmasters International.

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Home Club Name and Number: ACH Renaissance #3214758


Occupation: Executive Assistant

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? My HPL consisted of mobilizing volunteers and leading them for my church’s involvement with the CarePortal program. This program sought to connect local churches with families in need, who were in danger of being separated. CPS or another agency would upload needs into the system, which I would receive, and then I would contact volunteers to help meet the need, which often consisted of beds. What did you learn? Leading volunteers is always a tricky thing. I learned how to motivate and get very different types of people to work together.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? Toastmasters participation has kept me busy! I would say Toastmasters has help give me confidence in myself - my ability to speak and lead outside of a club environment.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to step outside the cradle of Toastmasters into the world. Don’t be afraid to use what you’ve learned in all arenas - church, work, school, politics - use the confidence and skills you gain to let your voice be heard wherever you go.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? My next goal is to enjoy the Pathways journey, possibly toward another DTM.

Elizabeth Gray

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Home Club Name and Number: Highway to Excellence #3332446

Date you joined Toastmasters: June 2016

Occupation: IT Manager

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? Global Tosca sharing

What did you learn? I learned to create and manage global teams and be a good resource to the team.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? I used to be afraid to speak in public, but now I have gotten over the fear and feel comfortable to speak in public.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? This is an amazing family, please be a part of it and help yourself be a better version of you.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? I will be working towards my pathways journey now

Priya Karnik

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Date you joined Toastmasters: July 2010

Occupation: CPA

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? I organized a church picnic in memory of my late Church Elder, Chuck White.

What did you learn? People WILL come out to a picnic when it’s near 100 degrees! I also learned to pre-plan more and people are willing to give a lot of energy and time into something they believe in.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? I am a more confident speaker, communicator and leader

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Set a goal and make a roadmap to completion. Stick to the roadmap, adjust as necessary.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? Not sure. Working on that.

Wendy Knutson

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Home Club Name and Number: Denton Toastmasters Club #3055

Date you joined Toastmasters: June 2009

Occupation: Author, Editor, Communication CoachHighlights of your career: Since joining Toastmasters, I have published 3 new books, including a book on leadership I would have never been able to write without the people I’ve met and the lessons I’ve learned through my association with this organization.

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? My HPL was my year of service as Club Growth Director.What did you learn? Mostly that I had a lot to learn. I learned how to work better in a team environment. I learned how to delegate better. As someone who is self-employed these skills get no practice in my professional life. The lessons learned were invaluable.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? Toastmasters has provided me with a network of friends, mentors, and coaches I would never have found otherwise. The positive affects are almost beyond description,

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Work the program. Get into Pathways if you haven’t yet. Step up into leadership in some form. Accept the challenges that come from unexpected places and people.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? I plan to continue writing and working to expand my coaching and speaking opportunities.

Robi Ley

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Home Club Name and Number: Smiling Stars #6619708

Date you joined Toastmasters: April 2001

Occupation: Senior ManagerHighlights of your career: Solution-driven Project Management Professional with a strong servant leader attitude.

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? Building a QA CoE. QA CoE is where our experience, leadership, best practices, research, and support come together with one goal in mind – to deliver the highest possible level of service and quality in the industry.

What did you learn? A servant leadership attitude goes a long way.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? Helped me Speak Up !!! Create and Deliver crisp presentations at work and communities. Establish two new TM Clubs - DIC in Chicago, Smiling Stars in Dallas

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? SignUp and Volunteer. Do you want to Limit your Growth or Grow your Limits?

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? Use my skills to grow professionally and personally, coach others to achieve their goals, and sign up for a role at the next meeting!

Kaleem A. Momin

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Home Club Name and Number: ACH Renaissance #3214758

Date you joined Toastmasters: August 2009

Occupation: Manager in IT

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? I led a tiger team to develop our fall event that is now known as the Summit. I chose 7 to 12 Toastmasters, of varying experiences, to come together in one giant brainstorming event to shape what District 25’s fall even would be. My vision was to hold an event meaningful to our members that would further their education and provide opportunities for them to grow and shine. That vision has grown from the first Summit to this year - I can’t wait to see where it goes next year! What did you learn? You may think you know the end results and the best solution, but you’re wrong.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? I credit my current job and significant jump in pay to Toastmasters. Because of table topics the interviewers got to know the real me, not the nervous trying to answers all questions right me.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? The Toastmasters program makes you a better you - whatever that means for you. You want to be motivational speaker, a dynamic leader, a great story teller - what ever your goals are, you can learn and practice them here.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? I’m already working on my next DTM in Pathways.

Jamie Pickering

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Date you joined Toastmasters: January 2011

Occupation: Real Estate Broker

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? Partnered with professionals who serve women in the process of divorce and presented a panel discussion with very valuable content.

What did you learn? Despite fantastic (and FREE) content, we found that women getting divorced are not looking for group settings and we needed to find another way to deliver the content to our intended audience.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? Not only have my communication skills dramatically improved, I have the best friends and supportive community I could ever ask for.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Be consistent, and serve in leadership.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? To be determined.

Nicole Smith Woodard

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Home Club Name and Number: MidCities Achievers #7694


Occupation: Network Development Manager

Highlights of your career: In health insurance industry for ten years.

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? My high performance leadership project included a management project dedicating and managing specialty contracts for high performing providers.What did you learn? What I learned is teamwork will always help you and others achieve excellence. Also, being a collaborative leader will lead you to positivity!

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? Toastmasters has transformed the way I think and feel about myself as a leader. I am not afraid to take on a new role or challenge. Toastmasters has given me a new strength.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Believe in yourself and know that you will never have time, but if you make the time, you will achieve a new form of confidence and personal growth.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? To achieve my next DTM under the Pathways program.

Amanda Rae Vasquez

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Home Club Name and Number: Leaders-Speakers of Tomorrow #1879279

Date you joined Toastmasters: February 2012

Occupation: IT Project ManagerHighlights of your career: I rode the technology wave from card sorters and keypunch machines to the latest in web technology. The key to success has been being able to communicate with others in a way that is meaningful to them. Toastmasters enabled me to hone skills that allowed me to wrap up a successful professional career. Now in retirement, I leverage the same skills to serve a new set of clients, non-profit organizations.

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? The Area Contest or ‘How to teach an old dog new tricks.’ What did you learn? 1) Don’t wait until the end to give feedback. Positive feedback generates enthusiasm and creativity. 2) You don’t have to solve all the problems yourself. 3) Projects are meant to be FUN! If something does not go according to plan you are the only one who will notice.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? I talk a lot slower. People find ME interesting when I listen intently to them.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? 1) Practice listening more. 2) No one else knows you are nervous unless you tell them. 3) Don’t be afraid to pause.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? Grow the Toastmaster skill that is hardest for me personally. LISTENING.

Donna Leigh Young

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Home Club Name and Number: Keller Communicators Club #621025


Occupation: Technology Architect

What was your High Performance Leadership Project or Pathways DTM Project? Chair for area speech contest. It was around spring break time, and all the previously committed volunteers backed out, so I had to step in.

What did you learn? Even if your back-up plan has back-up plan, something can still go wrong.

How has your Toastmasters participation affected your life? It was the cause of my divorce, but it also provided me with the communication skills to negotiate a better divorce settlement.

What advice would you give to other Toastmasters? Stick with the 80/20 rule. If you get 80% of value out of an experience, there is no need to dwell on the other 20%.

Now that you have achieved your DTM, what is your next goal? Going to weekly Toastmasters meetings is the same ritual as going to gym for me. As long as I am healthy enough to work out daily, I will attend the meetings.

James Zhang

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Jamie PickeringDistrict Director

Chris RaneriProgram Quality Director

Thad MantaroPublic Relations

Manager

Bobby MaderaClub Growth Director

Melissa AvalosAdministration

Manager

Larry CoreFinanceManager

Robi LeyImmediate Past

District Director

Leadership Team

Ninfa FlewittDivision A

Director

Timothy Fields Division BDirector

Jen RomaszewskiDivision C

Director

Chuck Mencke Division D

Director

Kelley Kukreja Division EDirector

Susan Thompson Division FDirector

Amanda VasquezDivision G

Director

Division Directors

distinguished toastmaster ceremony

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