WAO Toastmasters Club

Specialties

The WAO (Wrightwood-​Ashburn Overcomers) Toastmasters club provides opportunities on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month for men and women to develop their communication and leadership skills.

If your goal is to become more comfortable with speaking in front of others and/​or more confident with leading others toward a common goal — then the WAO Toastmasters club is where you want to be.

The WAO Toastmasters club is an award-​winning, goal-​oriented professional club dedicated to helping its members become better speakers and leaders for the benefit of their jobs, careers, communities, churches, and families.

Visit us on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Wrightwood-​Ashburn Public Branch Library, 8530 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago to learn how WAO Toastmasters can help you become the speaker and leader you desire to be.

History

Established in 2005.

In 2001, Charles Brooks, the then Lieutenant Governor of Marketing had a vision: establish Toastmasters clubs on every side of town within District 30 Chicagoland Toastmasters. Mr. Brooks’ philosophy was that Toastmasters clubs deserved to be in every community of Chicago and its surrounding areas. He strongly felt that the public library system was the best way to reach those who could personally and professionally benefit from the Toastmasters program.

This philosophy prompted former District 30 Public Relations Officer, Derrick Kimbrough, and former Central Division Governor, Cassandra R. Lee to approach the Wrightwood-​Ashburn Chicago Public Library about starting a Toastmasters club. The Branch Manager, Regina Johnson was receptive to the idea and gave her support toward the formation of a community club open to adult members 18 years and older…

On March 23, 2005, Toastmasters International issued WAO its charter status and club number (771 880), making it an official club.

Meet the Business Owner

Cassandra L.

Business Owner

«Where Leaders Are Made.» It’s ironic that phrase is the new slogan of Toastmasters International because that is the very reason why I joined Toastmasters in 1998 — to become a stronger and more confident leader. Thanks to the leadership training I received in Toastmasters, I was influenced to run my own educational consulting firm and manage my professional speaking career. More importantly, I learned to become more comfortable in my own skin with the concepts of leadership, vision, teamwork, and results. I’m proud to say that I’ve also influenced countless others to become stronger and more confident leaders, too. Thanks Toastmasters!