Urban Financial Services Coalition of Greater Kansas City (UFSC-GKC) is thrilled to announce the partnership with Toastmasters International to create UFSC Empowered Leaders Toastmasters Club. The UFSC Kansas City Chapter, under the leadership of Jureau Bowman, selected Marla Dickinson as club president. The UFSC Empowered Leaders Executive Toastmasters Board includes Shanelle Brewster, Anissa Brown, Rachel Deaver, and Ditu Kasuyi. UFSC-GKC is excited about this initiative because we are committed to empowering our members.

Through Toastmasters, all UFSC-GKC members can elevate their skills and confidence, effectively express themselves at work, sharpen their oratorical skills, and obtain their Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) certifications. The pathways program offered through Toastmasters benefits students, young professionals, tenured professionals, and individuals who are looking to advance their career or make a difference in their community. The club empowers its members to elevate leadership and communication skills. #UFSCEmpoweredLeaders 

UFSC has helped to prepare thousands of minority professionals for leadership positions in the financial services industry by taking on leadership roles on the local, regional, and national level for nearly 50 years.  

“UFSC Empowered Toastmasters Club will provide a supportive and positive environment where UFSC members will have an additional opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills,” says Marla Dickinson, President of the club. 

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

The following are Toastmasters and UFSC Advisory Board members:

Toastmasters Advisory Board	UFSC Advisory Board
Shanelle Brewster, Sergeant At Arms Anissa Brown, Treasurer Rachel Deaver, Marketing Marla Dickinson, Club President Ditu Kasuyi, VP of Education Shed Mayberry, DTM* Maslyn Prosper-Mayberry, DTM* Andre Redd, DTM*, Club Sponsor Dan Arbuckle, DTM*, Club Mentor * Distinguished Toastmasters	Jureau Bowman, President of Greater Kansas City Chapter Ola Truelove, UFSC National President Theodis Watson, UFSC, Western Region Vice-President Adriana Fields, UFSC-GKC Secretary LaDonna Ali, UFSC-GKC Resource and Development Chair Tracy Rainge, UFSC-GKC Program Chair Yolanda Nicholson, UFSC-GKC Parliamentarian Donna Grider, UFSC-GKC Consultant

The UFSC Empowered Leaders Toastmasters Club meets virtually on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm, CST.  For more information about the club, please send an email to [email protected]. For additional information, go to www.ufsckansascity.org.

The UFSC Empowered Leaders Toastmasters Club is open to members of UFSC across the footprint.  Ola Truelove, UFSC National President says, “I am thankful for the leadership of the Kansas City Chapter and their limitless mindset of empowering members to a level that is simply the best that benefits all UFSC members.  This is the spirit of which the organization was founded, the spirit of abundance and synergy that helps everyone.”

About Urban Financial Services Coalition Greater Kansas City

UFSC-GKC’s mission is to enhance the representation of minorities in professional positions in the financial services industry and promote better access to financial services for low-to-moderate income populations and communities. We fulfill our mission by: Encouraging the full participation of our members; Supporting involvement in community development activities; Providing financial education to the public, with a specific emphasis on youth; Serving as an educational and networking resource for members who are currently employed and/or seeking a career in the financial services industry; Promoting opportunities for members and being an advocate for diversity in the financial services industry; and Facilitating the goals and objectives as determined by our members.

About District 22 Toastmasters Division

District 22 comprises more than 93 corporate and community clubs in Kansas and western Missouri. To learn more about District 22 please visit: www.d22tm.org.

About Toastmasters International Toastmasters International is a worldwide non-profit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, the organization’s membership exceeds 364,000 in more than 16,200 clubs in 145 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.  For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.