The nominees for the 2025-2026 District 66 leadership candidates are presented below. Voting will occur at the annual business meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025. To learn more about the candidates and why they are running for district leadership, please review their biographical information below.
Lynne Claiborne, DTM
Jacquie Harrison, DTM
Candidates for Division Directors
Division A
Tanya White-Deyo
Division B
Carla Davis
Division D
Michelle Willke, DTM
Biographical Information for Each Candidate
Doretha has been a Toastmaster since 2017.
Education
• AA in Computer Science from American National University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from Liberty University
• Toastmasters DTM
Toastmasters Office Held and Terms of Service:
• District 66 Program Quality Director : 7-1-24 – present
• District 66 Club Growth Director: 7-1-23 – 6-30-24
• Division D Director: 7-1-22 – 6-30-23
• Area 33 Director: 7-1-21 – 6-30-22
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
• 2021 First place – International Speech Contest for Area 32 and Division C
• Distinguished Toastmaster 2024
• Distinguished Area 33 Director
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
I am currently an Emergency Manager at the Virginia Department of Transportation. I lead the Emergency Support Function 1. I am responsible for training, motivating, and leading a team. In my Toastmasters role, I am responsible for planning and executing various activities.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
I have experience planning many events. I am the Director of Education at my church and annually plan a scholarship program and reception. As the District 66 Program Quality Director, I am involved in planning COT, the District Conference, and various trainings. On my job, I plan and execute several trainings and different types of meetings. Planned speech contests.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
I have experience as a treasurer and financial secretary for the Faith Chapter of the Young Women Christian League. I am the current treasurer of the organization. I have been the chapter auditor for more than 20 years. In my current job, I am our FEMA Public Assistance Administrator, I am responsible for recovering millions of dollars after a declared disaster. Develop budgets.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
In my current job, I am responsible for developing procedures for the Emergency Support Function Team to help them respond to a disaster and I develop procedures to request reimbursements from FEMA. I developed procedures for different task that falls up under the Program Quality Director and Club Growth Director for Toastmasters District 66.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
I learned that different people look at things differently. You may be saying the same things in other ways. As a leader, you have to evaluate both sides. If you show people that you appreciate them, they will go beyond to help you meet your goals.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
I want to be a District leader to continue to help the District. I started off as an Area Director and worked up to the Program Quality Director. I enjoy helping people grow and would like to continue.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
Building New Clubs, supporting existing clubs, and supporting clubs in achieving distinguished clubs. I would work with the Program Quality Director and Club Growth Director to achieve this and strive to lead the district to distinguish.
Education:
• Doctorate Strategic Leadership, concentration Strategic Foresight, Regent University 2012
• Masters – Theology, Life Christian University 2012
• Bachelor – Theology, Life Christian University 2010
• MBA, concentration in Information Technology, Virginia Commonwealth University
• BA Economics, minor in English – College of William & Mary
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
I have served in roles at the community, church, statewide, and global levels requiring the following soft skills: leadership, collaboration, extensive communication, building influence and social capital, and team building and coaching. I would bring this vigor, passion, accountability, creativity, and success mindset to a district role:
1. I am a long-term substitute teacher at Bell Creek Middle School, where I teach students assigned to the Project Literacy Program.
2. I serve as the Club Growth Director for District 66.
3. I served as the Community Liaison and Program Coordinator for Hope Giver USA, Inc., the Community Development Corporation of Speaking Spirit Ministries International. I coordinated and collaborated with community-based nonprofit organizations, businesses, donors, and local, state, and federal government agencies in this role. This role required extensive teamwork, organization, and communication (presentations and impromptu speaking).
4. As the Manager of Effectiveness and Special Projects for ChildFund International, I led teams in a matrix environment. I coordinated functions, projects, and meetings across 25 country offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and ten (10) alliance members.
5. I organized and managed the monthly meetings for the second-tier leadership team, the Global Operations Leadership Team. I led a seven-member team that organized and hosted a Global Innovation Fair at the Richmond Convention Center in 2018, showcasing nearly 90 innovations in international development from 38 countries. Also, I was the editor for the Annual Country Field Reports for the 25 country offices. These reports were used by the 10 ChildFund Alliance Members in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, Korea, Canada, and Sweden to report to their donors and to share on their websites.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
I have extensive strategic planning experience, and I am a Strategist. I launched a consulting practice focusing on helping social entrepreneurs and education and training organizations build strategic influence, develop and execute strategic plans of varying timeframes and scope, and acquire and manage grant funding. In my previous position with ChildFund, I was a member of the four-member organization-wide Strategy Integration Team. This team coordinated ChildFund’s global five-year strategy. During District 66’s Winter Leadership Institute in December 2023 through February 2024, I led the SWOT initiative (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), that was presented at the in-person and virtual club officer training sessions.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
I have extensive experience in finance, including business planning and growth, revenue generation and diversification, and budget development and management (tracking and fiscal strategies). As an example, in my last position at ChildFund, I assisted the Executive Vice President with developing and managing a budget of $149 million. Currently, I assist nonprofits with developing operation and program budgets and diversify funding to support their strategic directions. I also co-created a methodology for ChildFund’s Global Operations Leadership team to do a quantitative and qualitative analysis of its global footprint. During COVID, I served as the Project Coordinator for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Department of Health’s Virginia Partners in Prayer and Prevention Program in the Office of Health Equity, I served at the front line cultivating the relationship with the four (4) HBCUs and managing the Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Health Disparities $1.5M grants portfolio.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
I have experience in process mapping and developing policies and procedures, individually and as a team member. For example, I have developed procedures for volunteer management for churches (including youth ministry) and nonprofits; policies and procedures for government agencies, e.g., Department of Information Technology and the Governor’s Council for Employment and Training; and policies and procedures for ChildFund, an international nongovernmental organization. During COVID, I developed a Parent Handbook for an after-school program.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
As a Doctor of Strategic Leadership, at my Commissioning Ceremony the day before my graduation ceremony, I took an oath “To do the greatest good.” First, I have a definition of leadership: Leadership is relationship. For me, it is my relationship with God, myself and others. Second, I have a strategy that I execute daily. My faith is important to me and that involves prioritizing my spiritual development and growth, serving others, doing the greatest good, and managing polarities. Third, doing the greatest good and managing polarities requires a positive attitude, “seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty,” and integrative and critical thinking – approaching issues not as either/or (unless of course it involves the wrong thing or something illegal) but both/and. This approach creates synergy and productive tension rather than polarization.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
Since joining Toastmasters I have expanded my network with friendships and mentors that have helped me go to the next level professionally, and personally, and sharpen and develop new skills. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Because I have gained so much from my Toastmasters journey, I want to give back and help District 66 Toastmasters have a greater impact.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
The District’s 5-Year Strategic Plan (2020-2025) mission is: “We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.” Three areas of focus are highlighted in the strategic plan: (1) Club Excellence, (2) Member Achievement, and (3) Awareness, Engagement, and Participation. This past year, I organized and served as a trainer for District 66’s “From Speaker to Trainer” course. In 2021-2022, I completed the Train the Trainer courses and most of the other courses offered in the Marketing and Membership series. I am also an avid reader, and I read each issue of the Toastmaster’s monthly magazine to learn from the experiences of other clubs. I use this information as the Education Chair to help achieve the district’s primary objectives. I am also a lifelong learner and “networker” and would use these social skills to continue adding value to District 66. Further, as a strategic foresight professional, I have a growth mindset and balance evidence-based practices with innovation to help
Lynne has been a Toastmasters member since 2016.
Education:
• Master of Public Administration, Troy State University, October 1998
• Bachelor of Criminology, Saint Leo College, June 1997
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
• VP Membership: July 2017 – June 2018
• VP Education: July 2018 – June 2019
• Club President: July 2019 – June 2020
• Administrative Manager: July 2020 – June 2021
• VP Education: July 2021-June 2022
• VP Education: July 2022-June 2023
• VP Education: July 2023- June 2024
• VP Education: July 2024 – June 2025
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
• Pathways Guide August 15, 2017 to December 5, 2018
• Langley Toastmasters – Coach – Complete – June 30, 2019
• Advanced Leadership – Mentor Complete – December 12, 2020
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
From 2021 to 2024, I was the Commander of Training with the Hampton Sheriff’s Office, this required the planning, coordinating, and facilitating of over 50 different course that were required by all staff. This relates to the importance of being able to communicate with others for the support necessary to accomplish the training requirements for state regulations, the law and accreditations. Toastmasters requires that all members receive training in order to become better leaders and communicators. The effort requires planning, coordinating, facilitating courses, galas, district contest, district conferences, and leadership meetings.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
From 2021 to 2025, as member of the management team with the Hampton Sheriff’s Office, I the strategic planning focused on the agency’s vision, mission, values, goals, strategy, approach, and tactics. These components are the map to the success for any organization. At the end of the year, each manager presents a“Report Out” on their areas of responsible, showing where the agency was, where the agency is now, and where the agency will be in the next year. Without this strategic planning, agencies will not know where they or where they will be in the future.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
Work and Finance: The experince that I have is submitting purchase request with 3 different quotes, and follow the process to ensure the information is correct. Respecting guidelines of what can be purchased, and be mindful of the spending limits. Personal Finance: Never spend more money than what I have allotted based on my finances.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
As the Commander of Training, I have created outlines and Powerpoint Presentations for various courses, to be presented by certificated general instructors with the Depratment of Criminal Justice Services. I have developed procedures to explain the process for newly hired personnel on how to safely escort imates, serve meals, used a TEK84 Contraband Detection Machine, use Mace, how to use ful restraintes when escorting inmates in a vehciles, and various processes for the Training Division.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
As a leader, I have to adjust to those I encounter, as my subordinates. Do not judge before I get to know soemone. Allow people to show you who they are and accept who they are. As a leader, I must listen to understand. I should be prepared to explain the “why” things are needed or must be done. I learned to give people an opportunity to chnage their mind and alwats treat people how I would like to be treated.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
I would like to be a district leader to continue to support the district in accomplishing the the district goals at a more challenging level.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
Build New clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. I will establish a team to target different busiensses or locations for new clubs and members. I will review the club success plans and support the clubs and members by providing educational information to assist in accomlishing their goals. I will support the district leadership’s ideas and put forth 100% effort to achieve the goals.
Additional information about yourself:
I have been in Toastmasers since 2016 and this decision has given me the tools to be more confident speaker and leader. I have over 30 years on law enforcment experince and I enjoy learning and sharing information.
Jacquie has been a member of Toastmasters since 2013, and has earned two DTMs.
Education
• Bachelor in Digital Forensic
• Masters in Cybersecurity
Toastmasters Offices Held:
• Division Director 2018
• Area Director 2016, 2017, 2018, 2024
• Club President 2016, 2023
• Club VP Education 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023
• Club VP Membership 2013, 2014, 2021, 2024
• Club VP PR 2020, 2024
• Club Secretary 2017, 2021
• Club Sergeant at Arms 2024
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
My extensive IT and cybersecurity experience directly enhances your effectiveness as a Toastmasters District leader by strengthening your communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities. As a Project Manager, I simplify complex technical concepts for diverse audiences. My experience in training, problem-solving, and strategic thinking in enterprise asset management translates into guiding clubs, coaching members, and driving district initiatives. Known for making technical topics engaging, I have learned to leverage storytelling and clear messaging to inspire and educate. My ability to mentor, develop, and lead both in IT and Toastmasters ensures that I empower individuals and organizations to grow, adapt, and succeed.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
With extensive experience in strategic planning as a Project Manager, I have successfully navigated complex projects in IT ensuring alignment with organizational goals. I have developed and executed long-term technology strategies, optimizing resources, mitigating risks, and enhancing operational efficiency. My ability to analyze data, forecast trends, and implement scalable solutions has driven improvements in system performance and business processes. In Toastmasters leadership, I apply the same strategic mindset—developing growth initiatives, mentoring leaders, and ensuring clubs achieve sustainability.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
My experience in finance comes from managing budgets, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring cost-effective solutions in both IT project management and Toastmasters leadership. As a Project Manager, my ability to analyze financial data, optimize spending, and align budgets with strategic goals has been instrumental in driving both departmental success and fiscal responsibility.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
Having worked in numerous government-regulated industries, I have become adept at developing clear, concise, and easy-to-follow procedures that ensure compliance while enhancing efficiency.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
A good leader possesses a combination of vision, integrity, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others. They communicate clearly and effectively, ensuring that their team understands the mission and goals. I have learned that leaders sometimes fail but what makes a good leader is how they and the team recover.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
Becoming a Toastmasters leader is an opportunity to enhance essential leadership skills, inspire others, and make a lasting impact on individuals and clubs. Leadership in Toastmasters enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are invaluable in both personal and professional life. It’s also a chance to give back, helping others grow in confidence and skill while strengthening your own abilities. Whether leading a club, area, or district, Toastmasters leadership builds resilience, adaptability, and influence, empowering you to lead effectively in any setting.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
Building and supporting new clubs by identifying opportunities for new clubs, guiding them through the chartering process, & ensuring they have the resources and membership to succeed. Encouraging membership growth & retention by developing strategies to attract & retain members and assisting struggling clubs. Collaborating with businesses, organizations, and communities to increase awareness and attract new members to build new clubs and membership. Working with the District Leadership Team.
Additional information about yourself:
Included in my Project Manager position is Cyber Security Awareness for the organization. Marketing Toastmasters is a lot like teaching people not to click suspicious links—you keep telling them it’s good for them, and they keep avoiding it like it’s radioactive. You say, “Toastmasters builds confidence!” and they respond like you asked them to give a TED Talk tomorrow. Just like with phishing emails, you get creative: catchy slogans, free snacks, maybe a dramatic pause. “Just visit—no speeches required!” is our version of “hover before you click.” And when they finally show up, speak, and realize it’s not scary? Boom. Another one saved—from silence and spam.
Tanya has been a Toastmasters member since 2002.
Education:
• Master of Accounting and Financial Management, Keller Graduate School of Management – 2022
• Masters in Business Administration, Keller Graduate School of Management – 1999
• Bachelor’s Degree, Marketing Communication, Mary Baldwin College – 1995
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
• District 29 Public Relations Manager (2024)
• Area Director (2015-2016)
• Club President (2015-2016, 2022-2023, 2024-2025)
• Club Vice President Education (2014-2015)
• Club Vice President Public Relations (2013-2016 and 2022-2023)
• Treasurer (2010-2011 and 2023-2024)
• Secretary (2015-2016)
• Sargeant-at-Arms (2024)
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
Club Coach (2024-2025), Proficient Toastmaster in Team Collaboration and Dynamic Leader Paths in the Toastmasters Pathways Program; Sponsor of Voices of Mount Pleasant Toastmasters Club (District 29); Districts 66 and 29 TLI Trainer; 1st Place in Evaluation (2024), International Speech (2023), Humorous Speech and Table Topics (2022) Area Contests w/ 2nd Place in Division Evaluation and International Speech Contests. Also received 3rd Placein Humorous Speech in District Contest. Triple Crown Recipient (2024-2025,
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
Working as the Accounting Manager for the Smithsonian iwas similar to Toastmasters and the role of the Division Director since I managed 5 General Ledger and Inventory Accountants supporting 11 Divisions (Magazines, Concessions, Other Concessions, Theaters, Retail Stores, Journeys, Catalogue, Product Development & Licensing, SI Entertainment, and Corporate) to be sure that they were all properly supported by my analysts. With Toastmasters there will be 4 Area Directors supporting 20 clubs to make sure that the needed support from the District is provided to the club leaders and the club members to help the club grow and succeed .
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
As a Business Analyst for inova Health Services, I identified, documented, measured, monitored, and recommended improvement to business processes and management efforts in collaboration with department and system stakeholders across multiple disciplines and levels. I provided expertise through feasibility analysis, technical enhancements, data analysis and reporting. Additionally, I coordinated, directed, led, and managed departmental projects and activities to achieve strategic objectives.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
I have been in finance/accounting since 1994 and am eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant Exam. My post-graduate degrees are in Finance and Accounting and I have been a Financial Analyst Senior for healthcare organizations since 2020. Before 2020, I ran my own bookkeeping firm for small businesses and non-profits for 11 years and worked for companies in Accounting Manager/Supervisor and Financial Analyst roles.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
As the Accounting Manager for the Smithsonian, I worked with my team to produce desk procedures for each of the Divisions in order to allow cross-training between members of the team. In the Jaycees, every project had a specific plan which described exactly how the project was carried out so it could be repeated in future years. Many awards were earned for the content of these written community, individual development and management project plans.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
From previous leadership positions, I have learned that more can be accomplished with a team that feels included in the decision-making. Incorporating the wants and needs of individuals into a group plan brings more success for everyone.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
Having the opportunity to serve as the Division A Director would be an honor, a privilege, and is my responsibility under the Toastmaster promise. Additionally, I feel that I will be able to contribute to the growth and success of the clubs and members in Division A and District 66 with my of experience in the local area with building clubs and leaders in much of the same areas with another organization years ago.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
Having worked on the District 66 training team for nearly a year, it seems that the District has a mission of being successful together. As Division A Director, I would suggest ways that the leaders of the Division could work together to find solutions to make all clubs successful by creating Division, Area, and Club Success Plans in a way to incorporate how each will be able to help the other achieve.
Carloa has been a Toastmasters member since 2016.
Education:
Hampton University UMUGC, BA Business/Human Resources 90 credits (2025)
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
• Secretary 2017
• VPM, 2020-2022
• VPE 2022-2024
• Area Director
• Division B Director
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
2nd place Division B Area Director, Triple Crown
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
I have extensive experience managing large teams and banking districts across the U.S., leading in operational excellence and risk management. My leadership has been recognized with multiple awards for excellence in audits and assessments. These skills directly align with my role as a Toastmaster District leader, enabling me to mentor teams, and drive strategic success.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
I have extensive experience in strategic planning, including developing strategies for line of business solutions at divisional and regional levels. I have successfully designed and implemented strategies to drive operational teams, leading transformative changes that enhance performance excellence across organizations. My ability to create and execute effective plans ensures sustainable success.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
I have a 20-year career in the financial industry, during which I have managed banking locations to drive profitability through strong relationship-building. Additionally, I have been responsible for overseeing cash reserves and ensuring proper management of daily cash flows, maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
I have over 20 years of experience in developing procedures to maintain consistency in overall performance. I have developed a variety of procedures ranging from daily banking performance activities, regulatory and preventative procedures related to building controls to mitigate risk.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
Previous leadership positions have taught me the importance of servant leadership. While it is important to be available for your team it is also important to help the team understand the importance of trust, living values and building cohesiveness in order to overcome obstacles. I have learned that empowering others builds continuity.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
I would love to become a district leader in order to help the district achieve its goals outlined in the success plan. Specifically I have a focus on creating a safe environment for growth and development. As a division director I consistently hear how members are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have a safe space to learn.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
In my opinion it is important to build strong clubs from the beginning. I would like to continue to build on the opportunities uncovered in my most recent role as Division Director. I have learned that it is important to build club strength early on otherwise they will fold. This means having tough conversations around club meeting times, club membership and strategies for continued growth.
Additional information about yourself:
I excel in areas where high levels of organization are required, empowering individuals and teams as well as inspiring others. I have 20 years of banking experience with a high concentration of risk management. As a risk manager the focus is generally on preventative measures by taking a look at the landscape proactively. I will bring a high dedication to upholding Toastmaster values.
Michelle has been a Toastmasters member since 2017.
Education:
|Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science, Minor in Environmental Studies, Virginia Wesleyan University
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
• Area 46 Director (Current, 2024/25)
• Area 42 Director (2023/24)
• Club Coach, Human Services Club (2020–2023)
• President (Current, 2024/25)
• Vice President Education (2020/21, 2021/22, 2023/24)
• Vice President Public Relations (2020/21)
• Treasurer (2017–2020, 2021/22)
• Secretary (2021–2023)
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
• Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) – 2024
• Golden Crown Award – 2019
• Triple Crown Awards – 2018-2025
• Director’s Cup – 2024
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
Leadership & Facilitation:
Trained Facilitator – Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Teach principles of trust, conflict resolution, commitment, accountability, and results, all essential to leading a strong Toastmasters division. Experienced in guiding groups through effective collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making—critical for working with Area Directors and club officers.
Career:
19yrs with HRSD showing dedication and dependability. Strong attention to detail and structured planning, valuable for overseeing multiple clubs, training sessions, and mentorship programs.
DEI Council Member:
Helped shape initiatives promoting inclusivity, and engagement, skills that translate directly into membership retention and club growth in Toastmasters.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
Leading a 10pt Distinguished Club, ensuring goals are met while prioritizing member growth and engagement. Making sure individual members have the resources they need to be successful. As an AD, I supported multiple clubs by assessing needs, assisting with goal setting, and providing resources to help them achieve Distinguished Status. Provided resources on Corporate Club success strategies. In my career, I facilitate strategic planning workshops assisting other work centers in developing action plans for improving team efficiency and effectiveness.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
I have served as Club Treasurer for four separate terms, ensuring responsible financial management, budget planning, and compliance with Toastmasters’ financial policies.
In my professional career, I oversee the procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with Virginia procurement laws. I assist in generating budget proposals, tracking expenditures, and ensuring proper processing of financial transactions. This experience has strengthened my ability to manage budgets efficiently, make data-driven financial decisions, and uphold transparency—skills that are essential in both Toastmasters leadership and strategic planning.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
In my career I am responsible for the preparation and management of sampling equipment used for regulatory compliance and monitoring across municipalities in Virginia. I have assisted in writing standard operating procedures particularly in cleaning processes and equipment assembly to comply with contaminate-free certifications.
As an officer for the past 7 years, I have had the opportunity to learn and implement procedures for Corporate Clubs that have helped us achieve Distinguished status.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
Leadership is about creating a safe space where everyone feels like they belong. When leaders focus on inclusion and equity this fosters an environment where individuals feel valued for their unique contributions. It empowers people to share their ideas, take risks, and grow without fear of judgment or exclusion. In the clubs, we need to do what we can to focus on the individual member. When members are encouraged to grow then the club will naturally grow with them.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
I want to serve as a District leader because it was asked of me. I realize there’s a better response but the truth is that there was a need and someone saw potential in me to fill the role well. That trust means a great deal to me, and I take it seriously. I’ve always given 100% to whatever I do, and I believe this opportunity to serve aligns with my commitment to leadership and personal growth. It may not have been my initial plan, but I am confident in my ability to meet the challenges ahead. I’m motivated by the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow with the District, and I’m eager to put my skills and experience to work for the success of the team.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
I believe the District mission’s major objectives to build a strong network of clubs, supporting the development of leaders, and creating a welcoming environment where members can grow in communication and leadership skills. My goal as the Division D Director would be to connect with my ADs in such a way that I’m empowering them and growing them as leaders. I strongly believe in recognition and celebrating member achievements. I tend to believe that we need to focus on the member and not the points. As a collective group of leaders we can create a culture of inclusion. Let’s celebrate our uniqueness and figure out ways that each member can become successful. Individual successes lead to club successes.
Additional information about yourself:
Thank you for your consideration. I’d like to add that while I didn’t ask to be considered for this role before my nomination I do take it very seriously that someone has faith in me to bring leadership, commitment, and a passion for serving others to this position. I understand the responsibility this role entails, and I am both honored and motivated to step up to the challenge. My goal is to support and uplift every member in Division D, and I am confident that, together, we can achieve great things. Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve.