by Joyce Piñero
Karen Coleman has a strong, passionate voice, but that wasn’t always the case. When she was younger, she was quiet and introverted, not speaking unless spoken to. She was only comfortable talking about a limited range of topics.
Growing up with learning disabilities made her retreat into herself, never feeling like she was good enough. A teacher saw her potential, worked with her, and turned her into a life-long learner.
That’s why, in 2008, while working in the library, she went to a training opportunity when it presented itself. She was curious about this “Toastmasters thing.” Before, she’d seen some professionals going to it and thought it was just a club for elites to learn how to give sales pitches.
What she learned surprised and excited her. Toastmasters was for everyone! As a librarian who likes to know a little about everything, it was a good place to be. The people were so supportive of one another, and she learned something new every week.
“Toastmasters helped pull me out of my shell gently,” Karen explains. “Toastmasters has provided me a safe space to develop my voice, offering structure, community, and purpose.”
She’s passionate about using the skills and training she’s gained through Toastmasters to enable children and youth, both in Toastmasters as the D25 Youth Leadership Chair, and in her personal life as a children’s author and founder of a non-profit which trains underprivileged youth to be leaders. She wants to give the young people she works with a voice, as Toastmasters has given her.
Karen still has dreams and goals which she’s yet to accomplish, and continuing in Toastmasters keeps her sharp and focused on where she’s going. The community, both in her club and in the district, have become like family to her.
Karen always had a voice, but Toastmasters taught and encouraged her to use it. Now her voice shines clearly and passionately for the next generation.
