Toastmasters Leadership Institute "Rise. Lead. Succeed" Speakers
Michelle Pangilinan, “It Starts With Me: Cultural Humility”
Michelle is a member of the Limestone City Toastmasters Club in Kingston, Ontario. She most recently joined NorthStar Evaluators Club in 2023. Michelle placed 2nd in 2021 at the District 61 International Speech contest.
Through her professional career in healthcare, Michelle has worked in many roles in the fields of Acquired Brain Injury, Autism and Developmental Services. While working across the province of Ontario, Michelle has been exposed to the existing historical and systemic inequities in healthcare, how a person’s culture can impact their health behaviors and choices in care highlighting the need to cultivate a sensitive approach to supporting individuals.
With a B.A. in Psychology (Lakehead University) complemented by a certificate in Behavior Science Technology (St. Lawrence College) Michelle is curious about behavior and how to influence, motivate, and measure behavior change. As there is an uneven power dynamic with behavior change, Michelle has a responsibility to engage in self-reflection, inspection and adjustments to ensure that optimal outcomes for the client are not inhibited by cultural bias.
Ashley Harkness “Speech Evaluations: An Essential Toastmaster Skill”
Ashley started his Toastmasters career in 1997. Between 2002 and 2008 Ashley served in several District 57 positions culminating as District 57 Governor between 2008 and 2009. Ashley has appeared as a regular presenter at many professional events. Retired now, Ashley’s last working years were as an electrical safety instructor using his Toastmaster skills to help save lives.
Ashley continues to work for Toastmasters in support roles for and as a presenter at the District Executive Committee, Toastmasters Leadership Institute, and other training activities. His presentations revolve around club membership improvements and satisfaction of member’s goals.
Yves Prevost, DTM “Badges Talking About You”
Yves, a PDD of District 6 in 1998-99, is a ZOOM member and a Charter member of both Westfort Toastmasters in Thunder Bay and North Star Evaluators in Duluth.
Yves continues to work with the leadership of District 106 as the New Club Chair to create new clubs. Yves has been a Toastmaster since January 1st 1988.
Toastmasters has been an important tool in Yves Prévost Ph.D.’s teachings as a Forestry Professor at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay Ontario. Yves’ entire career was spent in academia and one of his interests was finding ways to motivate students to have fun while learning.
Yves incorporated the fundamentals of speechcraft in his courses to teach undergraduate and graduate students about scientific technical presentations. Although digital badges were not a “thing” when Yves worked at Lakehead, there were analogous structures to measure student progress and motivate them.
Yves is now retired and recognized as a Professor Emeritus at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay Ontario.
Stephen Shaner “Success with the Moments of Truth and Club Success Plan”
Stephen has been a Toastmaster for over 20 years. He has served in every Club Officer Role and served as an Area Director 4 times. He is a Past District Governor for District 6, and a Past Region Advisor for Region 4. He has also served on many high-level committees in the organization including the Past Region Advisor Council. He is currently serving on the International Disciplinary Committee.
Stephen earned a Presidential Citation from International President, Richard peck, in 2022.
Stephen is an Award Winning International Speaker. He is an author currently working on his 3rd book. He is the host of the weekly podcast called “Are You Awesome Today?”
Stephen has been performing as a professional Magician for 40 years.
