D56 DTM Program

EventAgenda

Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 8:30 p.m. | Hotel Derek | Bravo Room

Celebrating the Distinguished Toastmaster Award

Welcome

Sharla Ozen, DTM | District Director

Ceremony Emcee

Donna Fossmeyer, DTM | DTM Committee Chair

Procession of Distinguished Toastmasters

Opening Remarks - Why Celebrate DTMs?

Presentation of Awards

Acknowledgements

Adjournment

Honorees

Akinlolu Isaac Oni, DTM

Anh Jorgensen, DTM

Cynthia Stephanie Abdon, DTM

Elizabeth Ruiz, DTM

Elly Hard, DTM

Jorge Gonzalez, DTM

Kent Biggs, DTM

Samantha Traylor, DTM

Acknowledgements

2023-2024 District 56 Executive Officers

District Director

Sharla Ozen, DTM

Program Quality Director

Elizabeth Ruiz, DTM

Club Growth Director

Jocelyn V. Williams, DTM

Administration Manager

Diane Nino, DTM

Finance Manager

Latonia Jones, DTM

Public Relations Manager

Andrea Tantillo, DTM

Immediate Past District Director

Chandra Munagavalasa, DTM

Conference Co-Chairs

Terrie Green, DTM and Rae Ann George, DTM

DTM Committee Chair

Donna Fossmeyer, DTM

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Friday, May 3, 2024 | 10 A.M.

Akinlolu Isaac Oni, DTM

Southwest Project Management

I am an Oil, Gas and Mining industries Engineering Projects Executive with work experience across Africa, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the US. I have not met any Toastmaster who joined the TI so they may become a DTM, and I am no exception. I am a self-motivated Toastmaster driven by a clear sense of purpose, which is “to use my gifts to help others.” This award holds a special place in my heart because, leadership, as we know, is not a one-person show. It is a collaborative journey where each step is guided by the values, core guiding principles, and the wisdom to push every initiative through my now famous “Knowledge-Focus-Commitment” (K-F-C) pipeline. I am humbled by the privilege to keep catalyzing the growth of our people in the areas of leadership and communication, and I am grateful for the platform that this award has provided to further amplify my vision of an amazing future! I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my wife and jewel of priceless value, Toastmaster Flora Oni, who continues to let me further my personal development vision; and to the many senior leaders within D56 who remain my Chief Encouragement Officers.

When did you get your DTM? July 14th, 2023. What and who inspired you to get your DTM? I came from a background where English is a second language. The DTM journey gave me a path to enhance my public speaking and leadership ability. Little did I know, this whole journey would engrain in me the four core values of TM - integrity, respect, service, & excellence, which helps me become a better person myself. That's my inspiration. How do you intend to share the benefits of your DTM journey with others? Inside TM, I helped other TMs gain understanding and direction throughout their journey. I helped spread the benefit of TM by encouraging future DTMs to host Speechcraft events. I helped them connect with a group of single mom virtual assistants who can deeply benefit from TM skills for their public speaking and leadership skills. To me, this is a perfect example of how TM can help change the lives of others and the generation to come. Outside of TM, I lead different groups in my community, one of which is my congregation. I also attend different international speaking events to make a difference in the life of others. I believe, together, we can make a lasting impact on individuals and communities and thanks to the skills learned at TM, it enables me to do just that. What number DTM is this for you? This is my 1st and I am excited to use the skills I learned from TM to make a positive impact in real life scenarios.

Woodlands Toastmasters Club

Cynthia Stephanie Abdon, DTM

C & F Leaders Club

When did you get your DTM? March 14, 2024, and earlier. What and who inspired you to get your DTM? Toastmasters and its DTM Program inspired me. My DTM journey is my Toastmasters journey through time, which has made me a product of the old and the new school. My DTM journey “Made Me a Better Me”– as a Leader, Communicator, and Person; now, with advanced skills that make me more effective in leading, training, motivating, delegating, coaching, developing leaders, planning, problem-solving, team building, and other skills required in any organization; domestically, and internationally. How do you intend to share the benefits of your DTM journey with others? I intend to share the benefits of my enriching, challenging, inspirational, and rewarding DTM journey with aspiring and future leaders by “sharing lessons learned” through training, mentoring, and supporting them on their way to DTM. Helping future DTMs was the main reason 2014 I founded the C&F Leaders Club, an advanced club with district leaders as members. For years, C&F has been “The Leaders’ Ship,” the “Go-To-For-DTM Help” for aspiring DTMs (including members) who participated in its DTM-a-Thons and One-Day, 5-Hour Speechcrafts, “for DTM credit” What number DTM is this for you? My Fourth DTM. Congratulations, Fellow DTM Graduates! Thank you, District 56!

Elizabeth Ruiz, DTM

Greenway Plaza Toastmasters

When did you get your DTM? December 11, 2023. What and who inspired you to get your DTM? The DTM journey keeps me strategically focused on growing in Pathways and serving others and our District. The benefits of a DTM, such as enhanced leadership skills, improved public speaking abilities, and a deeper understanding of the Toastmasters program, inspired me to work towards this goal. Learning and growing while earning the highest educational award in Toastmasters is genuinely inspiring. How do you intend to share the benefits of your DTM journey with others? I intend to share the benefits of a DTM journey with others through speeches, training programs, and networking to empower others to find their voice, hone their skills, and achieve their goals. I envision creating a supportive community where individuals feel encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and embrace their unique strengths. Together, we can continue to elevate the standard of public speaking and leadership worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike. What number DTM is this for you? This is my fifth DTM.

When did you get your DTM? March 20, 2024. What and who inspired you to get your DTM? My 27 years of uninterrupted membership naturally leads to another DTM. How do you intend to share the benefits of your DTM journey with others? I am branching out toward the Houston StoryTellers Guild and Tejas Storytellers Association. I am also interested in continuing to teach ESL classes. What number DTM is this for you? Fourth DTM.

When did you get your DTM? I got it on Jan 20th, 2024. What and who inspired you to get your DTM? I started my journey at Katy Toastmasters, where several members are DTMs. I decided to work hard to get my DTM. It was a long journey with ups and downs, but I could achieve it with discipline and help from many fellow Toastmasters. I was not alone. How do you intend to share the benefits of your DTM journey with others? I started sharing my journey with some members, encouraging them to look for that goal. I explained the different steps we needed to take and the difficulties I faced. I have been sharing my experience, which could help others facilitate the journey. I received much help from others (Linda Goldberg, Jody White, Troy Rocket, Jonathan Goodwin, Andy Paultanis, Sally Boyd, Deirdre Clay, Chandra Munagavalasa, Deepak Sharma, and many others). What number DTM is this for you? My first DTM.

Elizabeth Smith, DTM Storytellers Elly Hard, DTM

Katy Toastmasters Club Jorge Gonzalez, DTM

When did you get your DTM? September 24, 2023. What and who inspired you to get your DTM? Toastmasters profoundly changed not only my personal life, but my professional life and career. I then realized along my journey to DTM, that having a DTM mentor experienced in navigating the DTM requirements and processes is extremely helpful. I want to thank Tamesia Garner who became my very effective DTM mentor. I also greatly appreciate Pamela McCown for her constant, positive spirit of encouragement during the club mentor and sponsor processes as well as David Bell for guiding me as a club coach. How do you intend to share the benefits of your DTM journey with others? I continue to be a coach and mentor to several clubs and individuals. Paying it forward and seeing individuals and clubs grow through pathways participation, Distinguished Club Program, and Distinguished Toastmaster certification really makes a difference at the club level and in individual lives. That is what matters to me most, making that difference! What number DTM is this for you? 1st.

When did you get your DTM? I completed my DTM on 1/24/2024. What and who inspired you to get your DTM? Javier Florez. How do you intend to share the benefits of your DTM journey with others? I intend to share the benefits of my DTM by encouraging others to consistently show up, support and serve clubs, Districts, and fellow Toastmasters. Show up to as many club meetings and District events as your schedule allows. Provide support by filling meeting roles whenever possible. Serve as a club or District leader when called upon to do so. Help other Toastmasters in their journey of learning to lead with excellence. What number DTM is this for you? This is my 3rd DTM.

Samantha Traylor, DTM

Phillips 66 Global Toastmasters

The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award represents the highest level of leadership and educational achievements in Toastmasters.