Joyce Trimble
Education Chair
| Keynote Speakers |
| Area Council Keynote – Karen Shadden |
Karen Shadden
Sponsored by:
Something to Talk About
It Seems Impossible
Nelson Mandela once said, “It seems Impossible till it is done”. Karen draws on her personal experiences where this was true in her life. She implores us to assess the struggles that seem impossible in our lives and learn how to succeed despite the hard times.
Bio:
Karen Shadden is an accomplished individual with a diverse background. She graduated from Angelo State University with a BBA in Accounting and has a heart for community service. As a mother of ten children and a foster/adoptive parent, she shares stories of her parenting adventures, especially with her neurodivergent children. Karen is also a community CPR instructor and has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over 20 years.
In 2020, she joined Toastmasters and has completed three pathways: Persuasive Influence, Motivational Strategies, and Engaging Humor, earning the Triple Crown award each year. Currently, she is pursuing the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) title. Karen is the current Outreach Coordinator for District 25 and outgoing Area 13 Director. She has also served as Sergeant at Arms (SAA), Secretary, and President of her Toastmasters club, Something to Talk About, where she helps others discover the benefits of Toastmasters.
| Lunch Keynote – Renèe Marietta |
Renèe Marietta
Sponsored by:
Oliver Cozby
The Leader’s Edge: Lessons in Leadership from the Ice
Learn how the skills cultivated in competitive figure skating—vision, perseverance, and adaptability—translate directly into effective leadership. By providing actionable insights, participants will leave equipped to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive their teams towards success. This aligns with the Summit Vision by fostering resilient, focused, and innovative leaders who can navigate challenges and inspire their organizations.
Bio:
With a rich background spanning over two decades as an attorney, negotiator, and trainer, Renée Marietta brings a wealth of expertise to coaching and public speaking. Her passion for mindset, purpose, and holistic development takes center stage, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Renée inspires the audience to dig a little deeper and discover reserves of strength and resilience they didn’t know they had so they can meet life’s challenges head-on with greater ease and grace.
Through her own healing journey to create the life she dreamed of, Renée discovered her passion for helping others cultivate a winning mindset and chart a path to success. Renée’s unique and creative style is a key part of her connection with audiences as she interweaves her personal stories of courage and faith. Her high energy, humor, and insightful approach create a dynamic and engaging experience that leaves audiences excited and eager for more.
| DTM Ceremony Keynote – Jake Robison |
Jake Robison
Sponsored by:
Keller Communicators Club
Leadership Lessons from an Art Thief
Join Jake on a journey of art thief turned leader as he outlines the three simple rules to Level Up! your leadership skills. He wants you to remember to always be positive, tell great stories, and put people first.
Bio
For the past twenty years, Jake Robison served in leadership roles, running businesses, and building teams with his high energy and collaborative approach. Jake operates American Motorcycle Trading Company in Bedford, TX, where his team of hand selected industry experts help him accomplish his vision of changing the way motorcycles are marketed and sold online.