District 36 Toastmaster Highlight: Latoya Skeine

Meet District 36’s very first Toastmaster of the month, Latoya Skeine! If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Latoya has been an active and inspiring leader across the district—most recently serving as Immediate Past Area 23 Director and now stepping into a new role as co-host of the Toasty Talks podcast. Check out Latoya’s article in this month’s Toasty Times newsletter: Five Tips for Taming Your Fear of Public Speaking where she shares lessons learned from years of experience in Toastmasters- a must read for anyone building confidence in public speaking!

In our interview, Latoya shares about her Toastmasters journey, what inspired her to keep giving back, and what she’s learned along the way about communication, confidence, and mentorship.

What first motivated you to join Toastmasters?

I first heard about Toastmasters when a former manager recommended I join after I was unsuccessful in a job interview. Initially, I hesitated to join because my ego was a bit bruised. However, in 2020, my mentor and friend, Gwen Bell-Kameka, encouraged me to attend just one meeting—and the rest is history.

Did you have any fears or challenges with public speaking before joining? How did you overcome them?

Absolutely! One of the first challenges I shared in an Icebreaker speech was feeling self-conscious about my smile. On top of that, I grew up in a culture where children were expected to be seen and not heard, so I spent years staying quiet. After joining Toastmasters, though, my club members encouraged me to show up and speak up, and little by little, my confidence grew. And, honestly, getting braces helped too!

What roles or responsibilities have you taken on within Toastmasters?

Just six months after joining Toastmasters, my mentor Gwen encouraged me to try my hand as our club’s Treasurer. A year later, I stepped up as club President. After back-to-back officer roles (and yes, I definitely needed a breather!), I took a break before serving as Area 23 Director from 2024 to 2025—where I had the honor of leading my Area to Distinguished status. 

These days, I’m on another little sabbatical from official leadership, but I still wanted to stay involved, so I volunteered as a co-host on the Toasty Talks podcast. Check it out here: https://district36.org/toastytalks/

Have you taken on any leadership roles or mentored other members? What was that experience like?

I’ve mentored several members, both formally and informally, along my Toastmasters journey. One of my favorite memories was a “mentee takeover” meeting, where my mentees and I hosted a themed session and filled every single role. It was such a fun way for us to bond while growing as speakers. 

If you’re thinking about mentoring, go for it! You don’t have to be an expert—just willing to help someone who’s walking a path you’ve already traveled.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining Toastmasters?

Run—don’t walk—to your first Toastmasters meeting! Looking back, I really wish I’d joined when my former manager first suggested it, instead of waiting years. The confidence boost alone is worth it, and the skills you pick up as a speaker and leader are incredible. Plus, the network and friendships you build are just the cherry on top.

What advice would you give to someone who is nervous about public speaking?

Feeling nervous is totally normal—even the most experienced speakers feel butterflies before stepping in front of a crowd. The key is to do it anyway, because you can’t overcome nerves by sitting on the sidelines. Keep practicing, keep showing up, and you’ll be amazed at how much your confidence grows over time.

How do you handle nerves or anxiety before speaking in front of a group?

I always start by taking a deep breath. Then I remind myself that it’s not really about me—it’s about the audience. And, if even one person walks away with something helpful from what I share, I know I’ve done my job. 

What is your favorite thing to put on your toast? 🍞

Mashed avocado + chickpeas with sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Thank me later 🙂

Thank you, Latoya, for your unwaivering dedication to Toastmaster’s and your inspiring leadership that has helped so many speakers grow their confidence (and of course, that delicious toast idea…). 

Be sure to check out Latoya’s article in this month’s Toasty Times newsletter, Five Tips for Taming Your Fear of Public Speaking, and keep an eye out for future episodes of the Toasty Talks  podcast.

And don’t forget—this is the first of the Toasty Tidbits Blog’s monthly Toastmaster highlight series. We’ll continue spotlighting members who inspire, lead, and help our community thrive. We can’t wait to introduce you to the next one.

Know an outstanding Toastmaster you’d like to nominate for our monthly Toastmaster highlight? Fill out this quick Form and we’ll be in touch!