Embracing Leadership and Diversity: My Journey as VPPR at Toastmasters International

Back in May 2024, I decided to join a Toastmasters International club in Houston Texas. Being one of the most multicultural cities in the United States, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in a community that is not only diverse but also supportive. This diversity is one of the many aspects that make Toastmasters International a fulfilling experience.

Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive learning environment where members can develop their communication and leadership abilities. The program offers a variety of educational tracks called “Pathways” that members can choose based on their personal or professional goals, my choice was Innovating Planning. This pathway is more than just curriculum, it is a roadmap to becoming a more effective communicator and a leader.

From the moment I joined, I was welcomed into an environment that encourages personal growth and at the same time fosters a deep sense of connection and camaraderie among the members.

?In one of my first assignments “The Ice Breaker,” I had the chance to share my own story – who I am as a person, my cultural background, and my aspirations. My journey continued through the officer's elections, where I was honored to be nominated and elected as a Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR) of my club Pensadores de Houston. This role has challenged and inspired me equally.

Holding an office position within Toastmasters is no small feat; it comes with responsibilities that closely mirror those in the corporate world. As a VPPR, I have had the chance to sharpen my leadership skills, particularly in the areas of communication, strategic planning, and team collaboration.

To me, one of the most exciting aspects of this role is the opportunity to represent the Latino community within Toastmasters International. I take this responsibility seriously and I am proud to use my skills and abilities to make sure that our community's voice is heard. One of my goals is to connect with fellow members, share our stories, and highlight the contributions of the Latino community to the broader Toastmasters mission.

My role as a VPPR has also allowed me to bridge professional experience with my passion for public speaking and leadership. Whether it is managing public relations initiatives, engaging with the local community, or promoting our club’s events on social networks, I have found that the skills I developed throughout my career are directly applicable, and I constantly refine them and improve them through this experience.

So far, I have learned that Toastmaster's leadership is not just about guiding others, it is also about continuous self-improvement and learning from those around you. The organization is well-known for helping individuals overcome their fear of public speaking, improve their presentation skills, and build confidence.

My journey with Toastmasters has been transformative, both personally and professionally. It has reinforced the importance of excellent communication at all levels, and the impact of effective leadership. I am overly excited to continue developing myself in my chosen pathway and to further contribute to the success of our club and the Toastmasters community.