Member Spotlights
The “30 Under 30” campaign seeks to build the future of our District and Toastmasters by being intentional in our efforts to attract and retain members in the millennial and Gen-Z demographic. The goals of this campaign are to:
- Spotlight our current members under the age of 30.
- Grow our membership base by at least 30 new members under the age of 30 this program year.
Brooke Devine
Age: 29
Path: Visionary Communication
Club: Toastbest ( corporate club at ArcBest)
Work or School: Relationship Management Specialist at ArcBest
How long in Toastmasters? 1 year
Why did you join Toastmasters?
I initially joined Toastmasters to become more confident in public speaking. When I learned that a corporate club would be forming where I worked, I thought it would be an excellent networking opportunity too, so I joined in on an info session. Once the session ended, I began to see all the additional benefits that being a member would offer. I grabbed an application, and the rest is history.
What do you enjoy most about your club?
One of the best things about ToastBest is the comradery between all of the members. Since we chartered in October 2021, our club has connected many people at our company that may not have worked together outside of the Toastmaster’s environment. Throughout everyone’s speeches, we’ve laughed and we’ve cried. We’ve celebrated each other’s accomplishments, and we’ve supported each other in times of need. We’ve built something strong that extends outside of our weekly meeting, and for that I am so grateful.
Why do you think others should join Toastmasters?
In my experience, the growth opportunities are limitless, and the support from club members is invaluable. Whether someone is looking to improve their public speaking, fine tune their leadership skills, or maybe just network with people in their community or workplace, I would at least encourage them to find a meeting and attend as a guest.
Sabrina Nabinger
Age: 27
Path: Strategic Relationships
Club: Healthmasters
Work or School: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How long in Toastmasters? 3 years
Why did you join Toastmasters?
I joined Toastmasters to improve my communication skills. This was necessary to succeed at my job. I was looking for more opportunities to overcome my anxiety triggered by public speaking.
What do you enjoy most about your club?
My club is great at providing words of affirmation to all members while supporting speaking improvement through constructive feedback. I have learned so much from my fellow Healthmasters.
Why do you think others should join Toastmasters?
Toastmasters is an incredibly supportive community. If you strive to improve upon your personal and professional goals, Toastmasters is for you!
Sydney Sykes
Age: 25
Path: Presentation Mastery
Club: A-OK Toastmasters
Work or School: University of Mississippi
How long in Toastmasters? More than 1.5 years
Why did you join Toastmasters?
My mentors encouraged me to join Toastmasters to improve my presentation, communication, and interview skills.
What do you enjoy most about your club? My club is very welcoming, excellent in construction critique, and understanding all of its members as humans.
Why do you think others should join Toastmasters? Joining Toastmasters would allow you to improve your impromptu leadership skills; and finding and entering the correct club, such as A-OK, would boost your confidence.
Basha Moncur
Age: 24
Path: Presentation Mastery
Club: Speakers-N-Action
Work or School: Electrical Engineering Major at The University of Arkansas
How long in Toastmasters? 1.5 years
Why did you join Toastmasters?
I had a desire to develop my oratory skills and impromptu speaking ability.
What do you enjoy most about your club? I enjoy the air of fellowship and care that my club exudes. Every meeting feels like spending time with people that I’ve known forever while developing as an orator!
Why do you think others should join Toastmasters? It is such a beautiful and safe space to grow as a speaker, thinker, and person in general. If you’re thinking about it, I highly suggest visiting or joining a Toastmasters club as soon as you can!
Lindsey Grill
Age: 25
Club: Bluff City Toastmasters
Work or School: Training & Development Manager at Power & Tel
How long in Toastmasters? 9 months
Why did you join Toastmasters?
As someone who is early on in my career, I wanted to better my public speaking and my ability to lead at work. I am a Training & Development Manager and spend a lot of time speaking to large groups of people. Toastmasters has helped me to feel more comfortable and confident in my public speaking and my job!
What do you enjoy most about your club? That we love to laugh and have fun together!
Why do you think others should join Toastmasters? I think people should join Toastmasters to enhance the speaking and presentation skills they have and make connections with other professionals. It helps to have feedback from people with different professional backgrounds and different experiences!
Megan Clark
Age: 29
Path: Leadership Development
Club: Confident Communicators
Work or School: UAMS College of Medicine
How long in Toastmasters? 1.5 years
Why did you join Toastmasters?
I wanted to improve my confidence in public speaking and in being on the spot.
What do you enjoy most about your club? Our club is a fun group of people with a relaxed, humorous vibe. We laugh, we celebrate, we learn, and we make each other better. Our club is a safe space for us to learn and practice.
Why do you think others should join Toastmasters? People should be flocking to Toastmasters to become more efficient and effective communicators.