District 18 Toastmasters Leadership Institute Presents

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION ACADEMY

Six Division-Hosted Training Sessions. One Mission: Stronger Leaders, Stronger Clubs.

Join us on an inspiring journey to strengthen your personal and professional growth with the Leadership & Communication Academy, presented in partnership with District 18 Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI).

Open to both Toastmasters members and the public, this series offers a unique opportunity to grow your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and connect with like-minded leaders.

"The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow."
John C. Maxwell

What to Expect

Each session in the Leadership & Communication Academy is hosted by a Division within District 18. You'll participate in professional development workshops, learn practical leadership and communication skills, and connect with fellow leaders across the District.

We're excited to share that every session in the Leadership & Communication Academy is completely complimentary. Our commitment is to make learning accessible for all.

Each session offers a unique combination of workshops, and the content may vary from one session to another.

Join us for these enriching in-person experiences and take the first step toward your personal and professional growth journey.

Connecting with Impact

Understanding personality styles and communication

In this engaging session, you'll discover how different personality styles shape communication. Learn practical strategies to adapt your approach, connect more effectively, and strengthen your relationships both personally and professionally.

Five to Thrive

Exploring the Five Pillars of Growth and Balance

Every entity (business, church, person) thrives if five areas are aligned. Come discover and discuss these five areas and how they interact with each other. Find out what a fist of these five have in common.

Leading from the Inside Out

True leadership begins with self-leadership.

In this engaging session, explore how true leadership begins with self-leadership. Discover how character, consistency, and intentional growth form the foundation of influence, and learn practical steps to strengthen your ability to lead yourself—and others.

The Volunteer Spark

Igniting Team Energy and Engagement

Leading in a volunteer organization takes a unique kind of teamwork. Unlike corporate environments, volunteers are motivated by purpose, belonging, and personal growth.

Learn more.....

The Simplicity of Success

Turning Clear Steps into Meaningful Progress

Success may take effort, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. This workshop introduces a clear, practical formula built around simple, repeatable steps that help you move confidently toward your goals.

Discover how straightforward principles—applied with consistency—can create real momentum and lasting success.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Growth doesn't just happen—It's intentional

In this session, explore what it means to embrace a growth mindset and why it is essential for long-term success. Learn how to shift from limiting beliefs to possibilities and create daily habits that fuel growth.

Be Part of the Academy

Choose your registration option below and take the next step in your leadership journey.

Where Leaders Are Made

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that helps people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. With more than 14,700 clubs in 144 countries, Toastmasters has empowered individuals since 1924 through proven programs in public speaking and leadership development.

Here in District 18, members gain practical skills, valuable connections, and the confidence to lead—both inside and outside Toastmasters.

Meet Our Presenters

Our Leadership and Communication Academy features dynamic speakers and trainers from across District 18. Each presenter brings unique experience, insight, and passon to help you grow as a communicator and leader.

Vicky Fields, IP4, EC1

Vicky Fields has built her career around helping others succeed. With experience opening more than 20 restaurant locations and leading training initiatives in the casino industry, she specializes in developing people through engaging, practical learning.

An active community leader, she serves on the boards of Wild & Wonderful Toastmasters, Jefferson County Parks & Recreation, and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, and is Program Director for EPSHRM. Recognized as the 2022 Chuck Ellison Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Vicky combines operational expertise and passion to make every learning experience meaningful and effective.

Jonita D. Shoaff, MA, DTM

Jonita Shoaff holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and is a 2006 graduate of the Harford Leadership Academy, where she was selected to deliver the graduating address. A Distinguished Toastmaster, she has served on numerous boards, including Habitat for Humanity, the Academy of Finance, Extreme Family Outreach, and Mid-Atlantic Christian University.

Born in Illinois, raised in Texas, and now residing in Maryland, Jonita’s diverse background spans eight states, three countries, and 21 professional roles across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Her life experiences have shaped her as a teacher and mentor who lives by the mantra: Encourage the heart and mentor the potential.

Terri Abramovitz

Terri has been a Toastmasters member and leader since 2014. Over the years, she rarely misses a meeting, has held club officer roles every year, written and delivered over 220 speeches, mentors fellow members, and competed in multiple speech contests.

Outside of Toastmasters, Terri is an Information Technology professional. What she has enjoyed most during her 30+ year career is solving problems through technology to streamline people’s jobs. During those years, Terri also became a licensed private pilot, earned her MBA, raised a family, and became a competitive bodybuilder. Currently, she enjoys photography, genealogy, and staying fit.

Clyde Middleton, DTM

Clyde Middleton brings over 40 years of real-world leadership experience as a decorated veteran, Maxwell Leadership Certified coach, and Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) with more than 20 years in Toastmasters. He blends grit, humility, and practical tools to help people unlock the potential they already possess.

He believes true leadership begins when you recognize your own worth, and that excellence is a daily decision. Clyde’s mission is simple:
to unlock human potential—one leader at a time.

Start Your Growth Experience

Select the registration option that fits you and begin your journey toward stronger communication and leadership.

CONTACT ME

If you have any questions, need more information about the Leadership & Communication Academy, or are interested in joining us on this transformative journey, don't hesitate to contact me.

I'm here to help and would love to hear from you.