Meet District 83’s new PRM for the 2019-2020 Toastmasters year, Jenna Barone! We are excited to have her serving in district leadership this year and are delighted to benefit from her marketing expertise. Outgoing PRM for the 2018-2019 year, Margarita Estrada, DTM, interviewed Jenna so members of District 83 can learn more about her.
Club and how long you have been a TM?
I have been a member of the Clifton Chapter since March 2018
What made you decide to become a Toastmaster?
I was attending a Tony Robbins seminar back in December 2017 and I saw someone wearing a pin that said “Ask me about Toastmasters”
I ended up chickening out and never asked but 2 months later my friend texted me asking if i wanted to attend a Toastmasters meeting. I knew right then that the universe wanted me to check it out.
I attended my first meeting in February 2018 and instantly fell in love with how friendly, and supportive the members were. I knew it was a safe place to learn and develop myself into a better speaker and leader.
What have you skills have you gained?
I definitely feel more confident. I have found myself initiating conversations with strangers and taking on any speaking opportunity at work. I also take more risks. I challenge myself to leave my comfort zone in all different areas of my life.
What surprised you?
What surprised me the most is that I expected this club to only help me develop professionally but it has also become my happy place. No matter how i am feeling before a meeting, I always leave feeling empowered and inspired. The members genuinely want everyone to succeed and it gives me a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Who is your mentor in your club, and why?
When I joined, my mentor was Daniel Carhuayo who is our chapter’s treasurer. He was assigned to me and was very supportive as I journeyed through the program as a new member.
He would give me feedback, encourage me to take on roles, and explain anything and everything to me. It gave me a great understanding for why our club runs the way it does and added value to each meeting for me.
How do you feel about becoming the next PRM?
While I have big shoes to fill, I am excited to use my marketing experience and understanding for the ever-changing social platforms to grow the District’s profiles.
I look forward to continue providing our District’s followers with useful information adding my own creative twist.