The FresYes Interview: Toastmasters

For many years now we’ve been offering up room at our office for a weekly meeting of the Toastmasters. This last week they presented FresYes with a plaque!

Thank you TLC Toastmasters of Fresno! You are most welcome! We thought you would like to know more about the organization so we reached out to one of their leaders for an interview.

So tell us, who are you, where did you come from, and what do you do?

Name is Gewarren Owens. My life Journey started out in Cincinnati Ohio. I grew up in a foster home where I had a loving mother. My mother eventually adopted me at the age of 10 years old. I was a Boy Scout in my early teens and achieved my Eagle Scout at the age of 17. I was always doing something for my community either by volunteering or mentoring young men in my church at the time. I attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio. I got my bachelor’s degree in Communications. After graduating I moved back to Cincinnati Ohio. I started a Boy Scout Troop at the church I had grown up in. It was really fulfilling to help young teens in leadership and understanding nature.

I began a career in sales. I started off selling women’s hair products which was fun and interesting. I then went into the healthcare industry selling Pharmaceuticals to various Healthcare professionals in the Cincinnati area. When I wasn’t working I volunteered my time with adult disabled disabilities. I found great pleasure in working with young adults who had disabilities and yet had the same human needs of having friends, being productive and having a purpose.

My sister invited me to move to California back in 2007. I was in between jobs at the time and I jumped on the opportunity to move to Fresno, California. I moved here 16 years ago. I was hired by a diagnostic company as a clinical sales representative shortly after moving to Fresno. I worked throughout the valley teaching clinicians better ways to treat and manage patients with asthma. It was fulfilling knowing that I was helping people live better lives by having better breathing. I’m still in the pharmaceutical sales industry and enjoy my work knowing that I’m giving better options to clinicians to help patients. After 7 years of working there, the company had downsized.

I was interviewing for other opportunities. I wasn’t getting the job offers I had expected. I decided I needed to work on my communication skills in order to seek a better opportunity. In 2015 I joined Toastmasters International.

Tell us about the organization. What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback.

It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals.

Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.

One of the Fresno local chapters, TLC Toastmasters Club was formed 30 years ago. The club we are today is supportive and encouraging to its members and guests. We have created a family environment that cares for one another in a safe environment to step out of your comfort zone to practice public speaking skills and leadership.

TLC Toastmasters Club has a diverse membership, various age groups, ethnic backgrounds and equal gender representation.

What is it that most people DON’T know about your organization?

TLC Toastmasters Club a social group of members. We have barbecues, game nights, book swap and other social events.

How can our readers get involved?

If you are looking for a community where you can grow personally and professionally, come visit and experience TLC Toastmasters on Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:30pm,

We meet at FresYes Realty 8469 N Millbrook Ave # 106 Fresno, CA 93720

Feel free to reach out to me any time 559-417-2114 or gewarreno@yahoo.com

FIND TOASTMASTERS OF FRESNO

Website: https://fresnotlctoasmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlctoastmasters/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/6708ToastmastersClub/

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FresYes Writing Team

We say “Yes and” to our community, which we love to work and live in. We always speak positively about our growing business, each other and the Fresno community. We are proud to support local businesses, engage in what’s happening in our community and lovingly participate in as many volunteer activities as we can as individuals and as a collective group. We are generous and we are proud to give back.

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