Welcome Keynote

Mark Lucas, DTM, of San Marino, California, is a seasoned professional in Higher Education Information Technology. As the Associate Director of Data Center Operations at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, he leads strategic planning initiatives for the central campus data center infrastructure, including the high-performance computing infrastructure. Mark ensures the seamless operation of critical university systems.

Mark holds a Master’s degree of science in Information Security Management from the SANS Technology Institute, Bethesda, Maryland. He has received professional recognition, including the California Institute of Technology Spot Award in 2013 for his instrumental role in migrating 10,000 email accounts to Microsoft Office 365 and the Yuri’s Night Snoopy Award in 2019 for his outstanding IT support during the Flagship Yuri’s Night event in Los Angeles. Mark actively contributes to nonprofit organizations, organizing events such as Yuri’s Night for space exploration enthusiasts and scientists, and serving as Troop Committee Chair for a Boy Scouts of America troop.

A Toastmaster since 2012, Mark is a member of his home club, Caltech Toastmasters, in Pasadena, California. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Mark says, “Toastmasters leadership training provided me the responsibility, competence, and courage to quiet my fears of managing people, concisely and clearly voice my thoughts, and actively participate in the positive future strategy of my organizations.”

As an elected officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Mark is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

Join Mark on Saturday as he shares his insights, illustrating how proficient leadership and exceptional communication skills intersect to drive success and influence in the real world of pure imagination.

Keynote: Ethiture® – Where Ethics and Culture Merge for Your Club’s “Personality”

Stephanie Angelo, AS, is a member of Ahwatukee Toastmasters Club and the architect behind Built to Thrive® organizations, where she champions “slaying the villain of culture stagnation.”” Known for her dynamic workshops and keynote speeches, Stephanie caters to a diverse clientele ranging from business owners to high-ranking leaders, emerging leaders, and human resource professionals. As the creative mind behind the board game, Company Culture – A Game of Workplace Traction not Transaction®, Stephanie incorporates this training tool into her company culture workshops, facilitating fun and powerful experiences in-person or virtually.

In August 2023, Stephanie was the 92nd recipient of the prestigious Toastmasters International Accredited Speaker designation (AS). This made her the first person from Arizona since 1986, the first female Accredited Speaker in Arizona, and the only American to receive the designation that year. The Toastmasters International Accredited Speaker Program is designed for professional speakers who combine expert knowledge in a particular subject with mastery of the spoken word, making them sought-after experts in their respective fields.

Stephanie is an eSpeakers Certified Virtual Presenter, a professional member of National Speakers Association, and Society for Human Resource Management. Additionally, she is HRCI Ethics Certified. Through her training, speaking, and consulting, she empowers clients to cultivate thriving cultures, crafting tailored, in-house programs that elevate employee performance, reduce turnover rates, and foster enriched organizational engagement. Stephanie’s client roster includes industry giants such as L’Oreal Cosmetics, Intel, Scottsdale Healthcare, Doubletree Hotels, and CopperPoint Mutual. Her reach extends globally to conferences and associations across varied sectors in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Stephanie loves to hike, read books that make her laugh, and is slaying her own villain of stagnation by studying German. Join Stephanie on Friday to explore transformative strategies for revitalizing workplace environments and discover how you can leverage the power of positive culture to drive sustainable success in your club communities. Dive into her roundtable session on Saturday where you’ll experience firsthand the innovative Company Culture – A Game of Workplace Traction not Transaction® and learn how fun can mean business.

Keynote: Claim Your Golden Ticket To Greatness

Guacy Barnes is a member of Gilbert Toastmasters and New Horizons Toastmasters Clubs as well as a renowned speaker and certified expert in trauma support, resilience, and mindfulness meditation. With her extensive training and rich personal experience, she empowers audiences to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Guacy specializes in helping individuals overcome emotional and relational difficulties, including betrayal trauma and deeply ingrained belief systems that foster a sense of powerlessness.

As a dynamic keynote speaker, Guacy has shared her insights to inspire transformation and purpose to corporations such as Amazon and Clayco. She also volunteers her time at shelters and addiction centers, where she shares her personal story to empower individuals to overcome their challenges. Guacy inspires attendees to unlock their true potential and envision a life beyond current hardships, equipping her audiences with practical strategies for personal development, emphasizing self-compassion, mindfulness, and resilience. Her approach involves identifying dissatisfaction, clarifying purpose, and formulating a vision that supports a meaningful life mission with actionable steps.

In Toastmasters, Guacy shares her message by delivering educational speeches infused with the principles taught within the organization. She has presented at TLI, facilitated “Moments of Truth” sessions in clubs, and led a Speechcraft program for JP Morgan. Additionally, she regularly serves as a guest speaker and actively visits multiple District 3 clubs each month to expand her reach and impact.

Guacy’s comprehensive expertise encompasses coping and resilience techniques, self-healing, dream-life planning, mindset and motivation, anxiety and stress management, self-regulation, boundary-setting, perception reframing, communication, and relationship building. Additionally, she is skilled in six meditation modalities, conflict resolution, attachment work, addiction recovery, and providing 12-step support for partners of addicts.

The cornerstone of Guacy’s message is that life’s greatest challenges, while daunting, are also gateways to transformation. She shares how Toastmasters became a pivotal part of her journey, illustrating that a fulfilling life is not just a possibility but an achievable reality with the right mindset and tools. By embracing vulnerability, taking intentional actions, and adhering to core values, we can turn adversity into stepping stones towards a purpose-driven and impactful life.

Join Guacy on Saturday as she guides us through a journey of growth and empowerment, demonstrating that our greatest strength lies in our ability to turn pain into purpose and obstacles into opportunities.

Keynote: Be the Shout, Not the Echo

Michael Desiderio is a member of Dobson Ranch Toastmasters and the true embodiment of servant leadership to help young leaders learn and grow. As the Executive Director of the Executive MBA Council, Michael stands at the forefront of leadership, bringing with him a dynamic blend of industry insight and educational prowess. With an extensive background as an executive in both industry and academia, Michael has carved out a distinguished career that spans over two decades.

Michael’s role often sees him as the principal spokesperson for his organization, where he regularly engages with diverse audiences worldwide. His eloquence and authoritative insight make him a sought-after voice at conferences and seminars across the globe. He has not only participated but excelled in the realm of public speaking, reaching the semi-final round of the World Championship of Public Speaking® an impressive eight times. This achievement underscores his mastery of communication and his ability to captivate and inspire audiences.

Beyond the podium (and lectern), Michael is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He has designed and taught courses on effective presentation skills, leveraging his practical experience and academic knowledge to empower emerging leaders. His educational journey is marked by an Executive MBA from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, complementing his earlier technical grounding with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Pratt Institute.

Prior to his tenure with the Executive MBA Council, Michael enhanced his leadership repertoire at Arizona State University as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. He has also been at the helm of Enigma Professional Services, a consultancy he founded to deliver tailored business solutions and keynote speaking services. His earlier career includes significant roles in training and consulting at a Fortune 100 company, where he honed his skills in transforming organizational practices.

Join Michael Desiderio on Saturday as he shares invaluable insights from his journey, illustrating how strategic communication and robust leadership can shape the future of District 3 Toastmasters.

Keynote: Where Is Fancy Bred, In the Heart or In the Head?

Mark Lucas, DTM, of San Marino, California, is a seasoned professional in Higher Education Information Technology. As the Associate Director of Data Center Operations at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, he leads strategic planning initiatives for the central campus data center infrastructure, including the high-performance computing infrastructure. Mark ensures the seamless operation of critical university systems.

Mark holds a Master’s degree of science in Information Security Management from the SANS Technology Institute, Bethesda, Maryland. He has received professional recognition, including the California Institute of Technology Spot Award in 2013 for his instrumental role in migrating 10,000 email accounts to Microsoft Office 365 and the Yuri’s Night Snoopy Award in 2019 for his outstanding IT support during the Flagship Yuri’s Night event in Los Angeles. Mark actively contributes to nonprofit organizations, organizing events such as Yuri’s Night for space exploration enthusiasts and scientists, and serving as Troop Committee Chair for a Boy Scouts of America troop.

A Toastmaster since 2012, Mark is a member of his home club, Caltech Toastmasters, in Pasadena, California. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Mark says, “Toastmasters leadership training provided me the responsibility, competence, and courage to quiet my fears of managing people, concisely and clearly voice my thoughts, and actively participate in the positive future strategy of my organizations.”

As an elected officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Mark is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

Join Mark on Saturday as he shares his insights, illustrating how proficient leadership and exceptional communication skills intersect to drive success and influence in the real world of pure imagination.