2024 Recipient:
Rhonda Mauer, DTM
To receive this award, to be in the company of the amazing accomplished past recipients of the George Keenan Award, is a complete honour. I am in awe. My heart is full.
I didn’t personally have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Keenan, but I have had the pleasure of meeting and or working with over a dozen of the past recipients of the George Keenan Award. To a person, they are amazing humans! Perhaps they give me a glimmer of who George Keenan was.
- They embody the Toastmasters core values of Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence.
- They are accomplished Toastmasters
- They continued to serve as leaders, mentors and helpers after completing elected roles in the district.
- They are very positive, enthusiastic, uplifting people.
- They are so happy for the successes of their fellow members.
My Toastmasters journey began in 2009. I was completing my employee development plan and knew I wanted to improve my communications skills so that I could communicate more effectively with my manager. I began to research how, and found Toastmasters.
The first role I held outside of my club was Area Director. Taking that role was the biggest most impactful growth experience I had up to that point. I grew in skill and confidence. What a privilege to work with the clubs and their members. I was inspired by the leaders of the district.
I went on to hold roles in District 60 including of Division Director, Club Growth Director, Program Quality Director and, in 2017 – 2018, District Director. I also had the privilege of holding a role of at the international level as Region Advisor in 2021 – 2022 and have served on a number of international committees.
Currently, I am a member of TGIF Advanced Toastmasters and was a past member of Plaza Speakers Toastmasters Club and Albany Club Toastmasters.
I learned some core lessons through my journey. The power of yes, and the importance of mentorship. Along the way I found my place, my people. The people I have met, worked with and learned from in Toastmasters are extraordinary…. kind… brilliant… giving.
When you find something you love taking part in like toastmasters, you can’t help but become involved and stay involve.
I am honoured to be the 2024 recipient of the George Keenan Award. A high honour from a district and organization I am so proud to be part of. Thank you so much for this great honour.
