Speakers for this event

• Alison Nissen, DTM, Education Summit Trainer

  Alison Nissen, DTM, Education Summit Trainer

  Quality Club Meetings

  Club meetings are the premier venue for acknowledgment and achievement in the Toastmasters program, a place for members to practice skills and receive feedback and recognition. Meetings shape relationships, morale, and directly impact member retention. This session will advance a shared understanding of what a quality club meeting looks like and assist club officers in developing strategies for delivering great meetings.

  Quality Club Meetings

• Angela Tornes, DTM, PDD, Education Summit Trainer

  Angela Tornes, DTM, PDD, Education Summit Trainer

  Sergeant at Arms (SAA) Trainer

  Angela C. Tornes is a 2015-2016 Past District 43 Director serving Arkansas, Western Tennessee, and Central Mississippi within Toastmasters International.  As an inspirational speaker, Angela has more than 15 years of public speaking skills and a heart of servant leadership within her community.  Angela earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Science in Business Leadership from Belhaven University. She joined Toastmasters in 2006 and has been recognized by Toastmasters International as a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), third awarded.  Tornes enjoys volunteering with Dress for Success Metro Jackson and Dress for Success Houston, the American Cancer Society, and Mary Kay in her spare time. Angela is passionate about helping others through involvement in the community.  Angela is the mother of Kerria and Demarcus and a proud Nana to McKenzie, her granddaughter.

  Sergeant at Arms (SAA) Trainer

• Basma Al Kakoun, DTM

  Basma Al Kakoun, DTM

  2023 District Fall Education Summit Co-Chair

  2023 District Fall Education Summit Co-Chair

• Charlene Burroughs, DTM, RA, Education Summit Guest Speaker

  Charlene Burroughs, DTM, RA, Education Summit Guest Speaker

  Are You Still on a Mission?

  Why did you join Toastmasters? Were you hoping to improve your ability to speak in public? Perhaps you wanted to overcome shyness? Did you think Toastmasters would help you improve your leadership skills? Let’s refocus on your mission. Think back to why you joined and ask yourself, “Am I working on what I wanted to accomplish?” Come to this session to reignite and redirect yourself. Leave ready to get back on your mission.

  Are You Still on a Mission?

• Cynthia Abdon, DTM, Education Summit Trainer

  Cynthia Abdon, DTM, Education Summit Trainer

  Member Engagement and Retention

  Cynthia Stephanie Abdon, DTM, is a long-time Toastmaster. Outside of Toastmasters, she has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA). She was a business strategy consultant, project manager, intelligence analyst, and tax advisor in companies belonging to engineering, high- tech, oil and gas, and oilfield services. She is currently concentrating on international VAT taxes. In Toastmasters, her past district roles included: Toastmasters Pathways Ambassador, Public Relations Officer, TLI Chair, Realignment Chair, and other district chair roles. She was a Past Distinguished Area Governor and Past President’s Distinguished Division M Governor --“Division Governor of the Year Awardee 2013-2014”. In recent years, she served as District 56 Speechcraft Chair and Club Officer Trainer. She currently serves as Area R64 Director and a Club Officer Trainer. She is currently a member of three clubs: Deerwood Toastmasters, Master Evaluators (where she was Past President), and her home club, C&F (Current and Future) Leaders Club, an advanced President’s Distinguished Club (9 years in a row since inception), which she founded and sponsored in 2014, calling it “The Leaders’ Ship. She created the One-Day-5-Hour Speechcraft and the C&F Valentine and Fall DTM-a-Thons that served both her club (C&F), and other clubs for seven years, contributing at least 10 DTMs per year to District 56. Beliefs: She strongly believes in Toastmaster's values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. Passion: Help other Toastmasters as a District 56 Trainer using the prescribed training materials and sharing years of experience as a leader and Toastmaster.

  Member Engagement and Retention

• Eddie Merla, DTM, PDG, Education Summit Trainer

  Eddie Merla, DTM, PDG, Education Summit Trainer

  Enhancing Evaluations

  This training teaches club officers the importance of quality feedback and using evaluation criteria based on objectives from manuals, as well as providing steps to effective coaching in an evaluation. Eddie Merla, DTM, PDG, is the founder and owner of Duende Project Management Services, a project management training, coaching, and consulting services provider. Eddie is a professional speaker and trainer on project management, leadership, and communications topics. He also co-authors the book: “Communicate, Lead, and Transform.” Eddie has been honored to personally evaluate five World Champions of Public Speaking at one event. He is also one of the founders of the Master Evaluators Toastmasters Club, an advanced club that focuses on the art of evaluations. Eddie has also achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, the highest educational award that can be earned by an individual Toastmaster, three times. He is a Past District Governor for District 56, serving the district from 2008-2009.

  Enhancing Evaluations

• Elly Hard, DTM, Education Summit Trainer

  Elly Hard, DTM, Education Summit Trainer

  Prospective Member Engagement

  New members are exciting; they supply fresh ideas, energy, and potential while helping shape and strengthen the club. In this session, club officers will discuss approaches to converting prospective members using the Prospective Member Journey.

  Prospective Member Engagement

• Harold Eaton, DTM, Education Summit

  Harold Eaton, DTM, Education Summit

  Club Success Plan

  Harold joined Toastmasters for the first time in 1982 with Nooners Toastmasters in Greenway Plaza. After 32 years busy with work and family, he came back to Toastmasters with Houston Galleria Project Management Toastmasters in 2014 and has also joined Health Wealth and Happiness Toastmasters. Harold is an engineer who moved to IT in the mid-'80s when personal computers were introduced. Harold says he has repeatedly found the benefits of connections with others based on communication.

  Club Success Plan

• Jennifer Nelson, DTM

  Jennifer Nelson, DTM

  2023 District Fall Education Summit Co-Chair

  Jennifer Nelson, DTM, Division O Director, is honored and excited to serve on the PQD Team! In District 56, Jennifer has held all club officer roles and a variety of District Committee Chairs, multiple times as Area and Division Director. With lessons learned from every experience! It is essential in every role to have direction, know the responsibilities, and see how each person is supported! Let's have FUN as we Learn and Grow with each other!  Let’s have the BEST year ever!

  2023 District Fall Education Summit Co-Chair

• Jo A. Idoux, DTM, PDD, Education Summit Trainer

  Jo A. Idoux, DTM, PDD, Education Summit Trainer

  Your Leadership Path - Oh the Places You Will Go!

  Your Leadership Path-Oh the Places You Will Go! Facilitated by: District Leadership Chair Jo Idoux, DTM, PDD, and Past International Director Pamela McCown, DTM In this interactive session, you will hear about the benefits of going beyond your club. Discover your path to the leadership opportunities that will enhance your Toastmasters learning experience.

  Your Leadership Path - Oh the Places You Will Go!

• Jocelyn Williams, DTM, CGD, Education Summit Trainer

  Jocelyn Williams, DTM, CGD, Education Summit Trainer

  Marketing Prospective Members

  Marketing: the initial ”conversation” with prospective members. Marketing drives prospective members to get curious, check out the scene, and decide whether the club culture fits. We are driven communicators; this is our opportunity to show what we offer. In this session, club officers will examine prospective member motivation, craft corresponding marketing messages, and identify communication channels, tools, and resources that support club marketing efforts. Jocelyn V. Williams, DTM Jocelyn is honored to serve as the 2023-2024 Club Growth Director and is excited to join others in “Engaging the CORE of Toastmasters in District 56!” When Jocelyn joined Toastmasters in 2003, her focus was on her skills development. She quickly expanded her focus to helping others achieve their communication and leadership goals. Jocelyn has served in multiple club officer roles: President, VPE, VPM, VPPR, Secretary, Treasurer, and SAA. At the District-level, Jocelyn has also served as an Area and Division leader. In Club Growth, she has served as a Club Coach, Club Sponsor, Club Mentor, Retention Co-Chair - Community Clubs, and Club Mentor Facilitator. She enjoys helping training participants experience “aha moments” and preparing them to serve in their roles confidently. Jocelyn was Select Distinguished Area N20 Governor 2004-2005, President's Distinguished Division N Governor 2005-2006, and Division Governor of the Year 2005-2006.

  Marketing Prospective Members

• Joshua Saenz, COT Team

  Joshua Saenz, COT Team

  SAA Trainer

  Joshua Saenz joined the ChampionX Toastmasters club in 2018 (formerly called Nalco Champion Toastmasters) and is still going strong. He's served as a Sergeant At Arms, Club President twice, and Vice President of Education. Currently the Sergeant At Arms-elect for the incoming club year and looking forward to it. Being a member of Toastmasters has allowed Joshua to come out of his shell as a public speaker and leader and network with other great professionals within his company and the Houston area.  He is happy to say that he has completed the Dynamic Leadership pathway and is close to finishing the Effective Coaching pathway. Joshua also serves as a Club Coach. He is thrilled to be a part of the Club Officer Training team.

  SAA Trainer

• Kathryn Kest, DTM, PDD, Education Summit Trainer

  Kathryn Kest, DTM, PDD, Education Summit Trainer

  Creating a Quality Club

  This training teaches club officers about the importance of the member experience, the Toastmasters brand, Moments of Truth and the Distinguished Club Program.

  Creating a Quality Club

• Keith Romaine, DTM

  Keith Romaine, DTM

  Speech Contest Training Co-Chair

  Distinguished Toastmaster Keith Romaine is a charter member of Sugar Speakers Toastmasters and Missouri City Toastmasters clubs. Keith previously served as Division M Director and was the Contest Chair for the 2020 District 56 Conference Speech Contest. He has competed at the District level in Humorous and International Speech Contests. He has been retired since 2016 and spends his time serving in Toastmasters, gardening, and playing pickleball.

  Speech Contest Training Co-Chair

• Marcia Hudgens, DTM, PDDG, Education Summit Trainer

  Marcia Hudgens, DTM, PDDG, Education Summit Trainer

  Building a Healthy Team

  This training teaches club officers the traits of a healthy team, how to identify behavioral styles, and how to build trust. Marcia has been in Toastmasters for over 20 years. She has served District 56 as District Governor, Lt. Gov Education & Training, Lt. Gov Marketing, Treasurer, Division Director, and Area Director. She has served in all club officer positions and continues to accept vacated roles. Marcia believes teamwork brings more ideas and makes our success easier.

  Building a Healthy Team

• Maria Pollard, DTM

  Maria Pollard, DTM

  Speech Contest Training Co-Chair

  Toastmasters member since 2012. Currently a member of both the Diamond and Missouri City Toastmasters clubs. I was one of the club mentors for the MC club and decided to become a member afterward! Fun and positive environment with great, experienced people. Continue learning something at every meeting.

  Speech Contest Training Co-Chair

• Mark Vine, COT Team

  Mark Vine, COT Team

  VPE Trainer

  I joined Deerwood Toastmasters in 2021 and I have not looked back since. During my short time with the club, I have served as SSA, VPE and I am now the President elect for this coming year for which I very excited. I cannot believe the progress in have made during this time, Toastmasters has provided me with a safe space not only in terms of structuring and making speeches, but also improved my listening and feedback skills; all of which are very important to becoming an effective leader and communicator. TM has also been a fantastic opportunity to broaden my network outside of my usual circle of personal/professional friends/colleagues and make a bunch of new ‘mates’ through the club and getting involved with other district activities - everyone's super friendly and welcoming!

  VPE Trainer

• Pamela McCown, DTM, PID, Education Summit Trainer

  Pamela McCown, DTM, PID, Education Summit Trainer

  Your Leadership Path - Oh the Places You Will Go!

  Your Leadership Path-Oh the Places You Will Go! Facilitated by: District Leadership Chair Jo Idoux, DTM, PDD, and Past International Director Pamela McCown, DTM In this interactive session, you will hear about the benefits of going beyond your club. Discover your path to the leadership opportunities that will enhance your Toastmasters learning experience.

  Your Leadership Path - Oh the Places You Will Go!

• Pamela Williams, DTM, Pathways Chair, and COT Team

  Pamela Williams, DTM, Pathways Chair, and COT Team

  Vice President Education (VPE) Trainer

  Distinguished Toastmaster, Pamela Williams, has enjoyed every learning, teaching and mentoring experience that she has had as a Toastmaster for 16 years. She has a been a proud member of the Presidents Distinguished Club - Clear Lake Communicators for the entire time. Pamela is currently the VP Education and has served in every officer role in the club. She loves sharing what she has learned with others. As a Pathways Guide, she assisted several clubs with initially learning the Pathways program. She has earned 2 DTMs (one in the Legacy Program and one in Pathways). Pamela has also served the District as a Distinguished Division Governor once & a Distinguished Area Governor twice. Her business experience includes being an Accountant, a Corporate Training Consultant & a Self-Development Coach. The skills and knowledge that she has gained along the way enable her to make her courses fun and informative. She looks forward to sharing and learning with the participants.

  Vice President Education (VPE) Trainer

• Pooja Doshi, COT Team

  Pooja Doshi, COT Team

  VPM Trainer

  Experienced Supervisor with a demonstrated history of working in the oil & energy industry. Skilled in consolidation, Financial Accounting, Volume Accounting, Invoicing, Microsoft Excel, and Communication. Strong accounting professional with a CPA License from the Texas Board of Public Accountancy.

  VPM Trainer

• Roop Roy, DTM, Education Summit Trainer

  Roop Roy, DTM, Education Summit Trainer

  Effective Meetings

  Roop Roy, DTM, has been a Toastmaster for ten years and considers himself a Toastmaster for life. He has served in every club officer position and has been Area and Division Director. He is serving as the District 56 Club Retention Chair this year.

  Effective Meetings

• Sheryle H. Warren, DTM, PDDD, Education Summit Trainer

  Sheryle H. Warren, DTM, PDDD, Education Summit Trainer

  Building on Achievement for Continued Success

  Sheryle H. Warren, past Distinguished District Director, has been a toastmaster since 2014. She has earned her CC and CL awards quickly and is now working with focus to accomplish advanced educational awards. Sheryle takes pride in Toastmasters, and invites others into the Toastmasters International membership experience. She maximizes the Toastmasters experience by using it as an iron sharpening tool for interpersonal communications. She is honored to be a servant-leader as Club President Liberated Toastmasters 2015-2016, Vice President Education Dining Out Toastmasters 2015-2016, Q-53 Area Director 2015-2016, and 2016-2017 Division Q Director. Watch her shine!

  Building on Achievement for Continued Success

• Steve Jones, DTM, COT Team

  Steve Jones, DTM, COT Team

  Club President Trainer

  Steve Jones, DTM, is a Dining Out Toastmasters (DOT) member and has served as a DOT officer since 2016. He recently completed a term of service to District 56 as Division N Director (2019-20) and previously as Area Director in Division Q (2015-16). He joined Dining Out Toastmasters 2015 to enjoy the Advanced Club experience in the Premier Leadership Club in Southeast Texas... let's say "The World"! Steve is a certified executive coach (ICF) and has worked at UTHealth since 1993 and is currently serving the university as a Sr. Program Manager in the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging.

  Club President Trainer

• Terrie Green, DTM, COT Team

  Terrie Green, DTM, COT Team

  Treasurer Trainer

  Distinguished Toastmaster Terrie Lynn Green: Terrie Green is a 2004 Charter member of Determined to Master Speaking and a member of the Dining Out Toastmasters Club. During her membership at DTMS, she has won several Speech competitions in Humorous, International, and Tall Tales.  Terrie Green served as Area Q-55 Governor and received recognition from Toastmasters International as a certified Mentor and Coach. In the service year of 2018-2019, Terrie received The Toastmaster of the Year award for recognition of exceptional leadership and devoted service as the District Logistics Manager. She currently holds the position of President and Vice President of Education of DTMS, encouraging the members to step out of their comfort zones to reach their goals. The skills she has learned as a speaker she has taught to the high school students at Sterling High School, where she graduated from using the Educational Program set up by Toastmasters International.

  Treasurer Trainer

• Zenia Shipp, DTM, New Member and Pathways Orientation Chair, and COT Team

  Zenia Shipp, DTM, New Member and Pathways Orientation Chair, and COT Team

  VPPR Trainer

  Distinguished Toastmaster, Zenia Shipp, is the New Member & Pathways Orientation Chair. She joined Toastmasters in 2014. Zenia has served her clubs in all club officer roles for the past nine years. She has also served as DCP Chair, Area Director, TLI Trainer and Club Growth Chair in District 56. Zenia is the 2017-2018 President’s Distinguished Area P4 Director and Spring 2020 Club Vice President Public Relations of the Year Award Recipient.

  VPPR Trainer