Darnelle L. Richardson of Jersey City Completes Top Level of Toastmasters Achievement

JERSEY CITY, N.J. - May 28, 2013 - PRLog -- Darnelle L. Richardson of Jersey City has completed the requirements for the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation--an accomplishment earned by less than one percent of the greater than 260,000 Toastmasters International members worldwide. Richardson was presented with the DTM medallion at the District 83 Toastmasters Spring Conference on May 18, 2013.

“The Distinguished Toastmaster designation is given only to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and communication skills and have used these skills to mentor others in their self-development efforts,” said Daniel Rex, Executive Director of Toastmasters International. “Darnelle has met all of our rigorous requirements to become a Distinguished Toastmaster. I congratulate her for achieving this honor.”

To earn the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, a member must demonstrate excellence in public speaking and leadership by completing a series of steps, which include oral presentations, district leadership roles, mentoring new members and advising new and/or troubled clubs. To become a Distinguished Toastmaster, Richardson presented 40 speeches at the club and community level and also performed 27 leadership projects.

“Toastmasters has given me a great opportunity to hone my communication skills, and it has surpassed my wildest imagination of learning how to become an effective leader”, said Richardson.  “As a firm believer in lifelong learning, I will continue to be involved in the organization where opportunities abound to learn and grow exponentially.”

“Darnelle has worked hard to bring a level of excellence to all she does.  She has accepted leadership challenges and succeeded when many others might have given up”, said Pamela Winter, DTM, District 83 Governor.  “Her determination to persevere has earned her this award. Darnelle, has shown herself exceptionally worthy of the highest member award Toastmasters International bestows.  I am proud to welcome Darnelle Richardson, DTM, to this level and am honored to call her my friend.”

Richardson is a member of New Heights Toastmasters and Jersey Toastmasters clubs.  She held the office of President of both clubs, and currently holds the office of Treasurer of New Heights Toastmasters.  She also served as Area Governor for District 83 in 2011-2012, and is currently serving as Division A Governor.  

“I am honored to endorse Darnelle Richardson on a well-deserved achievement that of earning her DTM credential. Darnelle is and will always be an integral part of the New Heights Toastmasters club as the founder, mentor and a member. She has been able to synchronize her professional calling and personal abilities & qualities to encourage members to develop public speaking skills and has especially advocated for excellence in leadership skills.” – Aloke Mukerjee, President, New Heights Toastmasters.

Earning the Distinguished Toastmasters award typically requires five to eight years of service to the organization in order to develop the proficiency needed in such skills as vocal variety, gestures, extemporaneous speaking, management and organization.  

In addition to Toastmasters, Darnelle works for the Literacy Program at the Jersey City Public Library as the Program Coordinator.  She trains new tutors and teaches English as a Second Language and Public Speaking classes.  Darnelle is also a Master Trainer with Literacy Volunteers of New Jersey.  She is married, has one child and three grandchildren.

About Darnelle Richardson

Darnelle is an advocate for adult literacy and has worked in the field for 22 years.  She earned her Associate degree in Public Policy/Urban Studies from St. Peter’s College; a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Edison State College; a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Training from University of Phoenix, and is currently a doctoral scholar practitioner in the School of Advanced Studies at University of Phoenix majoring in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction.  Darnelle was born in Nevis, West Indies, grew up in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and has lived in New Jersey for the past 29 years. She enjoys reading, writing, and public speaking.

About District 83

District 83 of Toastmasters International proudly serves over 4,000 members in 155 clubs throughout the metropolitan area of New Jersey and includes Staten Island and Rockland County, New York.  For information about local Toastmasters in District 83 visit www.toastmasters83.org.

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 280,000 members in 13,500-plus clubs in 116 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education level and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters International on Twitter.