Leadership

Email: pqd@foundersdistrict.org

Service:

• Founder’s District Program Quality Director, 2023-2024
• Founder’s District Area C2 Director, 2021-2022
• Founder’s District Public Relations Manager, 1/2019-6/2020
• Founder’s District Division G Governor, 2010-2011
• Founder’s District Area G1 Governor, 2009-2010

Member of:

• 2K Communicators
• Club 407
• OC Project Masters Toastmasters Club
• Pastime Pursuits

Jeanne Cassidy joined Toastmasters in January 1992 after literally being pulled by her elbow into the company’s demonstration meeting. As a Coast Guard Reservist, full-time Logistics Engineering Manager, master’s program candidate and mother of four, weekly lunch meetings were the only time available for Toastmasters. It wasn’t until 2006 when she completed her military career, that she could devote more time to Toastmasters.

The Distinguished Toastmasters (DTMs) she met in those years inspired her to improve her presentation skills and work toward learning and practicing alternative (non-military) leadership styles.

Jeanne earned three DTMs in three different Toastmasters education programs; served as a President’s Distinguished Area Director (twice), President’s Distinguished Division Director, Conference Chair, Club Sponsor Chair, Contest Chair at all levels, Contest Chief Judge, contest judge, all functionary roles at various contests and the District’s Public Relations Manager. She received the District Director’s award from Founder’s District in 2016 for outstanding service and exceptional leadership.

Toastmasters has given Jeanne a license to laugh, the confidence to pursue her goals with joy and the excitement to share her experiences with others who want to transform their lives. As an adult educator, she works with students to become comfortable with computer skills and professional programs. She also volunteers for service dog organizations: Guide Dogs for the Blind and Pets for Vets.

Email: PQD@foundersdistrict.org

Service:

• 7/2023 – 6/2024 Area Director, District F
• 7/2021 – 7/2022 VP Membership, Smedley Chapter One
• 7/2020 – 6/2021 Division Director, District F
• 7/2020 – 6/2021 VP Membership, Smedley Chapter One
• 7/2019 – 6/2020 VP Education, Smedley Chapter One
• 1/2018 – 6/2018 Sargent At Arms, Smedley Chapter One
• 7/2017 – 6/2018 Club President, Smedley Chapter One
• 7/2016 – 6/2017 VP PR, Smedley Chapter One

Member of:

• Aliso Viejo Toastmasters Club
• Smedley Chapter One

My work experience spans over 10 years in business leadership and management, where I’ve had the privilege of leading diverse teams comprising individuals from varied backgrounds, professions, and cultures. This exposure has honed my interpersonal and leadership skills, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation within teams.

As I aspire to take on a district leadership role, my goal is clear: to serve, contribute to the perpetual fulfillment of the missions of both Toastmasters International and the District, and to empower members to reach their full potential. This commitment is underpinned by a steadfast dedication to upholding the Toastmasters Promise, ensuring that the core values and principles that define the Toastmasters experience are upheld and advanced throughout my tenure.

In addition to my leadership journey and commitment to Toastmasters, my Toastmasters journey has been punctuated by multiple contest victories, showcasing my dedication to excellence in communication and leadership. Notable achievements include clinching the 1st place in the Division in Romania in 2014, securing the 3rd Place in District 63 for the Evaluation Contest in 2015, emerging as the 1st Place Winner in the
Founders District Table Topics Contest in 2017 and achieving the 3rd place in the Founders District International Speech Contest in 2018.

Beyond the accolades, I’ve also dedicated my time to mentor a multitude of new members, contributing to the growth and development of the Toastmasters community. As a perpetual student of life, I bring a continuous learning mindset to every aspect of my personal and professional endeavors. On a personal note, I am a proud husband to Laura and a devoted father to William Mark.

Email: CGD@foundersdistrict.org

Service:

• North Division Director 2023-present.
• Division A Director 2022-23
• Area A5 Area Director 2021-22, SD Area.
• Club Coach to NAAAP-OC 2022-23, no credit received.
• Club Coach Christian Century Club 100 2022. Successful.
• Christian Century Club 100 VPPR/M July 2022-Mar 2023
• HB Rise & Shine Toastmasters Club 179 President May 2021-23, VPM July 2021-June 2022
• Club Coach Club 179 Aug 2020-June 2021, Successful. Club Achieved Presidents Distinguished first time in 11 years.
• Crystal Clear President/VPPR March 2023-Present
• All Nations Toastmasters VPPR January 2021-January 2023. VPE June 2022-January 2023.
• TEAM LEAD Division A Zoom Orientation Clinic April-June 2020 (start of the Pandemic).
• Divine Light Toastmasters VPPR Feb-Dec 2020. Club Achieved Magnificent 5 (5 DCPS by Oct 31st 2020.)

April Braswell have been an active and enthusiastic member of Toastmasters since joining in September 2019.

She served as the North Division Director for two terms, 2022-2024, choosing to deepen her District experience and further cultivate relationships and emerging leaders before raising her hand to be considered to serve in the Trio. She’s aimed to visit most of her Division Clubs and also to be the local “boots on the ground” to visit in-person clubs on behalf of her outside of area based Division Director colleagues, Central and South Divisions.

She was thrilled to be honored as Division Director of the Year in September 2023 for her teamwork within the District, not exclusively in her Division. It was a Team honor to all the Division Directors. In 2023-2024, North Division achieved Select Distinguished.

April emerged thriving, dynamic, and resilient from two cancers, inspiring audiences from the US, Europe, South Africa, Central and South America, Asian, and Oceania. She continues to be passionate about the opportunities Toastmasters offers to all. She has the vision to massively grow new clubs and brand-new members during the centennial of Toastmasters International in the District where it all began.

Email: arnielynnbengo@gmail.com

Email: lashapi@yahoo.com

Service:

• Founder’s District Finance Manager, 2023-2024
• Founder’s District Director, 2019-2020
• Founder’s District Program Quality Director, 2018-2019
• Founder’s District Club Growth Director, 2017-2018

Email: kathyhughes3@gmail.com

Service:

• Founder’s District Director, 2023-2024
• Founder’s District Program Quality Director, 2022-2023
• Founder’s District Club Growth Director, 2021-2022
• Founder’s District Club Extension Chair 2020-2021
• Founder’s District Finance Manager 2019-2020
• Founder’s District Conference Chair 2018-2019

The personal reward of serving Toastmasters International and Founder’s District is important to me and motivates me to continue my learning growth path as an individual and as a leader. More importantly, in a District leader capacity it increases my ability to reach and inspire members, new and existing, to discover the value in Toastmasters and to pursue their own path to Toastmasters leadership.