Officers List

President:
David Osborn
VP of Education:

VP of Membership:
Erika Strawn
VP of Public Relations:
Sheri Faulkner, CC
Secretary:
Olga Sanchez
Sergeant-at-Arms:
Lubyann Hausmann
Member:
Briana Lewis
Heidi Sun

Helpful Links

	TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
	FOUNDER'S DISTRICT

Michael Varma earned his Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, an accomplishment earned by fewer than one percent of the more than 260,000 Toastmasters International members worldwide.

Daniel Rex, Executive Director of Toastmasters International, presents Michael Varma his DTM award.

“The Distinguished Toastmaster designation is given only to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and communication skills and have used these skills to mentor others in their self-development efforts,” said Daniel Rex, Executive Director of Toastmasters International. “Michael has met all of our rigorous requirements to become a Distinguished Toastmaster. I congratulate him for achieving this honor.”

To earn the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, a member must demonstrate excellence in public speaking in many formats, including multiple presentations, mentoring up-and-coming speakers and helping newly chartered clubs. To become a Distinguished Toastmaster, Varma gave more than 40 public presentations in his club and in the community, and also performed 27 leadership projects.

Varma also received the inaugural Founder’s District Governor’s Citation for “extraordinary public relations" last August for his work to promote Toastmasters International’s 85th anniversary, revamping the Toastmasters Founder’s district’s Web site and his involvement in more than 180 Toastmasters events.

“Michael’s Distinguished Toastmaster designation is indicative of what he brings to every project,” said Maira Pineda, Past Founder’s District Governor. “He communicates clearly in small group meetings, when he’s giving presentations at our leadership conferences and during training workshops. He sets a wonderful example for all who want to be clear and concise and enhance their ability to listen and evaluate objectively.”

Earning the Distinguished Toastmasters award typically requires five to eight years of service to the organization. Varma has been a member of Toastmasters for six years and is the author of a dozen books including "Tasteful Toasts", a pocket-book that helps you speak like a seasoned professional and recite the perfect toast for any occasion or event.

Miss California believes everyone can improve their communication skills and states directly, “Toastmasters is an excellent place to start.”

Miss California 2010

Arianna Afsar, Miss California 2010; a Miss America Beauty Pageant 2011 Top 10 finalist and an American Idol 8 semi-finalist, believes the more we are able to express ourselves, the more our own beauty shines.

“You become more beautiful when you use your brain and express your thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner,” she says.

“I have to make an immediate connection with my audience and that takes confidence. I gained that through practice and through what I learned in Toastmasters.”

The five-foot-two, 20-year-old brown-eyed spitfire has passion for competition – and for helping others. She is the Goodwill Ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network on behalf of the Miss America Beauty Pageant. Her charity of choice is Helping Hands for America’s Seniors.

“Going into a room I know I have something to offer,” she says. “And, yes, we all can donate money, but volunteering time is most precious, especially with our seniors.”

The bubbly California native who has German and Bangladeshi roots says she notices that Americans often forget to take care of their seniors. She recalls at age 13 being the only person to visit her grandmother in a San Jose nursing home. “I started a high school club to visit a nursing home once a month. I believe we made a difference.”

Afsar knows you can make a difference, too. There are 24 hours per day, 168 hours per week and more than 700 hours in a month and knows you can spare one hour every month to make a senior’s day.

When you join the BergenMeisters Toastmasters club lunch, you might meet Arianna Afsar as she practices her platform presentation and calls you to action.