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COVER STORY
My greatest Aha moment so far on my healthcare professional for thirty-two years.
Toastmasters journey has been the realization I believe Toastmasters has helped me define
that done appropriately, the Toastmasters goals, set goals, and step up to reach those
program can help me reach my full potential. goals. The knowledge and growth gained in
I started understanding this through working Toastmasters has helped me to find my voice
with my first mentor. I learned from that and share my talents with others.
experience that a mentor can give a mentee a
lot of tools to succeed. A mentor can truly boost
the mentee’s confidence, help them elevate their
existing skill sets, and empower the mentee
to strive toward excellence. I am incredibly
passionate about mentorship. I believe that
we gain from others to give to others, thereby
we all grow and become the best Toastmasters
we can be on our individual and collective
journeys.
Gwen and her 93-year old mother, Fay Avington
What do you do outside of Toastmasters—
hobbies, interests, etc. You’ve been in Toastmasters since 2019.
My hobbies outside of Toastmasters are What are some of the highlights of your
hiking, fishing, and writing for research in the career so far?
areas of Epilepsy and Effective Communication. In reflection, the highlights of my Toastmaster
I am an Apostolic Pentecostal Minister. I enjoy career have been many. After gaining a firm
helping other people, especially through my foundation as a Club member, I worked in Club
ministry work. leadership as the Vice President of Education.
It was a real education for me to understand
How does Toastmasters enhance your work the intimate details of the Toastmasters
career? Educational Program. In the same period,
Toastmasters has greatly enhanced my I was asked by District leadership if I would
career trajectory. I am the Owner/CEO become the first Pathways Chair. I felt the
of CLATAK Consulting, LLC. CLATAK enormous responsibility of this role because
Consulting provides effective communication District 7 members began the transition from
strategies to individuals and organizations Legacy Manuals to a new digital program called
in the areas of executive coaching, team Pathways. I considered it an honor to learn
building, conflict resolution, diversity, equity, from and work with those representing their
and inclusion facilitation and training. Before Divisions across the District. Teamwork and
I started my business, I enjoyed working as a collaboration were two transferable skills that
8 ONE COMMUNITY
