Speakers for this event

• Becky Fields, COT Team

  Becky Fields, COT Team

  Secretary Trainer

  Becky has been in Toastmasters for five years and completed three Pathways. She has served as President, VPPR, and her favorite role, Secretary, for the past two years. Becky served as the M-32 area director in 2022-23 and is hoping to complete her DTM by next year.

  Secretary Trainer

• Cynthia Abdon, DTM, Club Officer Training Team

  Cynthia Abdon, DTM, Club Officer Training Team

  Club President Trainer

  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.

  Club President Trainer

• Fatimar Jones, DTM

  Fatimar Jones, DTM

  2023 District Fall Education Summit Co-Chair

  Fatimar Jones is a Distinguished Toastmaster, Division P Director for the 2022-2023 term, and Chairperson of the 2023 District 56 Speech Contests. She is honored to serve as the District 56 Program Quality Training Chair. Fatimar's commitment to Toastmasters is further evident through her active membership in six clubs, where she has held all club officer roles. Fatimar worked in the oil and gas industry for 40 years and retired as a project advisor in 2020. Her expertise in this field shaped her leadership style and ability to inspire others. Family holds a special place in Fatimar's life. She is happily married to Adrian Jones and is the proud mother of four adult sons. With seven grandchildren, she cherishes the joys of family life and the opportunity to pass on her wisdom and values to the next generation. Fatimar indulges in her love for reading in her spare time and stays active in her community through volunteering. Her commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact on society is truly commendable. Please join me in welcoming Fatimar Jones, an individual who embodies the spirit of leadership, communication, and service.

  2023 District Fall Education Summit Co-Chair

• Harold Eaton, DTM, Club Officer Training Team

  Harold Eaton, DTM, Club Officer Training Team

  Treasurer Trainer

  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.

  Treasurer Trainer

• Jocelyn Williams, DTM, CGD, COT Team

  Jocelyn Williams, DTM, CGD, COT Team

  CGD Awards & Recognition

  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.

  CGD Awards & Recognition

• 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

• Mary Craney, DTM, COT Team

  Mary Craney, DTM, COT Team

  SAA Trainer

  Mary Craney is a Distinguished Toastmaster working on her second DTM. Mary is a Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams Memorial.

  SAA Trainer

• Mey Carrizal, COT Team

  Mey Carrizal, COT Team

  VPM Trainer

  Mey Lay Carrizal: Toastmaster since 2018. Offices Held: VP of Membership 2018, VP of Education 2019, President 2020. Contests: International Speech Contest – 2021, District 56, Area O14 – First Place, District 56, Division O – Second Place. Why Toastmasters? I enjoy being a Toastmaster because I can improve my communication, public speaking, and leadership skills in a friendly and safe atmosphere. Toastmasters has helped me better myself and my career while, at the same time, I am having fun, networking, and developing lasting relationships.

  VPM Trainer

• PQD Training TEAM

  PQD Training TEAM

  Club Contest Training

  Club Contest Training

• Roop Roy, DTM, Club Retention Chair, and COT Tech Team

  Roop Roy, DTM, Club Retention Chair, and COT Tech Team

  Tall Tales Speech Contest Chair

  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.

  Tall Tales Speech Contest Chair