Page 13 - Voices! - october 2015

JOURNEYS. . .

Spotlight on Success – Leanna Lindquist
By Alexis Mason, DTM
Do you know who. . .
Was born and raised in Montana?
Earned a BSN (Bachelor of Science-Nursing) from Montana State University?
Married a doctor named David in 1977 and moved to rural Oregon City?
Has a daughter Wendi who will defend her dissertation for her PhD in history soon?
Has a son Michael who works in sales?
Has a long history of volunteerism?
• Volunteer of the Year Colton School District
• Volunteer of the Year Oregon Medical Association Alliance
• Toastmaster of the Year 2011-2012, 2014-2015
• Division Governor of the Year 2012-2013
While president of the Oregon Medical Association Alliance (spouses of physician members of the Oregon Medical
Association), created the first statewide prescription drug take back program. On March 13, 2010, 31 collection
sites around the state took in 2 tons of unused and unwanted medications for disposal. It was in anticipation of this
program that our featured member joined Toastmasters June 1, 2009. She joined Marylhurst Toastmasters, her son’s
club. She thought she would be speaking before Rotary and perhaps Chambers of Commerce. That never happened.
She did however speak twice in front of Gil Kerlikowske, President Obama’s Drug Czar. Following Oregon’s successful
Drug Turn In Program, the Drug Enforcement Administration began holding biannual national turn in days.
She retired last year from an almost 40 year career in nursing. Nineteen years were spent as a school nurse and
fourteen years as a recovery room nurse at a surgery center. Our featured Toastmaster volunteered as a candy striper
in high school. That’s when she knew being a nurse was all she ever wanted to do. OK that’s your second real clue that
we are featuring a woman this month. She is temporarily back at work giving flu shots. (By the way, she is working for
a Toastmaster.)
She is working on her third DTM. She served as conference chair, education coordinator, area and division governor,
and public relations officer.
She belongs to 4 clubs. In her words, “one of the best parts of Toastmasters is watching others grow. The friendships
one makes in Toastmasters are the icing on the cake. “
She and her husband recently moved to NW Portland after 26 years in West Linn.
Oh, and a couple more fun factoids about her. She was enormously helpful in the planning and executing of
the World’s Largest Toastmasters Meeting at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Not only that, but she organized the
Toastmasters signage campaign for Tri Met and Max. Who is this super dedicated and creative person? Leanna
Lindquist!! You knew that, didn’t you?
Columnist Alexis Mason, DTM joined Toastmasters in 2000, and has served District 7 in many different roles, including
District Governor in 2006-2007. This year she is a columnist for Voices!, and is responsible for spotlighting Toastmasters
and the amazing lives they lead beyond the club walls. She is co-author of The Inspired Journey: A Woman’s Blueprint
for Spirit-Filled Living (2005), Just an Ordinary Little Dog: Barnaby’s Story (2010), and Launching Your Business: End the
Mystery - 101 Practical Tips (2011)

Volume 2 Issue 4 - OCT 2015 13