NEW YORK TOASTMASTERS
est. 1956
ABOUT US
MISSION
Established in 1956, New York Toastmasters (NYTM) is a popular public speaking and leadership training organization that meets weekly every Monday evening. Our mission is to:
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Help you build your communication skills
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Help you develop leadership abilities
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Boost your self-confidence
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Help you FIND YOUR VOICE
The NYTM Club belongs to Toastmasters International. The International mission is to provide a mutually supportive environment where members can practice their leadership and speaking skills.
Club 1949
Area 45
Division D
District 46
COMMITMENT
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Using the Toastmasters International
structured manual series, NYTM offers members opportunities to hone their public speaking and presentation skills in a lively, supportive environment.
LEADERSHIP
Using the Toastmasters International
leadership guides, NYTM offers members opportunities to serve in meeting roles,
as mentors, and as club officers, to
improve leadership skills in a dynamic community of peers.
FEEDBACK
Using the Toastmasters International meeting and competition protocols, NYTM offers members opportunities to learn to give and receive essential feedback in impromptu speaking, communication/ speech writing and to develop emotional intelligence.
AWARDS
PRESIDENT'S DISTINGUISHED CLUB
This is the highest level of recognition available in Toastmasters. The Distinguished Club Program is an annual program consisting of ten goals. Achieving nine of ten goals earns a club the President's Distinguished Club
PERFECT TEN CLUB
A Perfect Ten Club sets the Gold Standard by excelling in education, membership, and leadership, modeling the way for all clubs to follow.
PRESS
7 Public Speaking Tips From A Toastmasters Pro
By Richard Feloni
Services
MEET THE TEAM
President
Carly Gerlach
Carly is an international strategy professional who specializes in the apparel and retail industry. She has a passion for learning new things and enjoys tackling complex problems and exploring new ideas. Carly believes in the importance of effective communication, which is what led her to joining Toastmasters in 2021.
VP of Education
Alex Pedron
Alex believes the world needs more people who are alive and driven by meaningful purpose. Alex's meaningful purpose is expressed by enabling progress for professionals and entrepreneurs through stress management coaching, public speaking on entrepreneurship and start-ups, and turning passion into business.
VP of Mentorship
Alvin Jones
Alvin is a person who always strives for high performance and constantly pushes the envelope. Alvin has a professional background in leadership, including sales and project management. He also is an author of books who loves serving in his community and mental and physical exercise.
Secretary
Maria-Sue-Abiera
As someone with an insatiable curiosity, her journey lead her to a career in healthcare. However, after
years of navigating workplace politics, she made the bold decision to become an independent professional. Embracing the new chapter, she recognized the importance of honing my public speaking skills, which lead me to the community of New York Toastmasters!
Sergeant-at-Arms
Melissa Brey
Melissa has a degree in Arboriculture and is studying to take the ISA Certified Arborist Exam in September. She has an e-commerce online store called Voice For The Trees, which is a tree-themed gift shop with profits going to Reforestation and Tree Conservation programs, a part time retail job in Manhattan, and a Regulatory Consulting company.
Treasurer
Romona Baxter
Romona finds profound meaning and purpose in the way she lives her life. Although her current role as a Tax Accountant keeps her occupied, she yearns to indulge in her passion for hiking and embarking on adventurous road trips more frequently. Her most cherished moments are those spent immersed in the awe-inspiring wonders of nature.
VP of Membership
Valentina Guido
Originally from Italy, Valentina moved to New York in 2022, after living in France and Switzerland. Passionate about sustainability and climate justice, she works at a nonprofit to accelerate the energy transition towards a zero-carbon future for all.
VP of Public Relations
Rathi Varma
Rathi, a performer and teaching artist, living and working in NYC moved to The States in 2018 to pursue her passion in dance. Originally for Mumbai. India she loves to go on solo trips, visit museums and sketch in cafes and parks
CLUB OFFICERS
CARLY GERLACH
President
ALEX PEDRON, JR.
VP Education
VALENTINA GUIDO
VP Membership
ALVIN JONES
VP Mentorship
RATHI VAMA
VP Public Relations
ROMONA BAXTER
Treasurer
MELISSA BREY
Sergeant-at-Arms
MARIA SUE ABIERA
Secretary