2022 Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit - Featured Guest Speaker!

2022 Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit 

Featured Guest Speaker!

Mentoring and Parenting Teens Summit (Unlimited Potential Network) (upna.net)

Thank you, Toastmaster, Sensi Dave Armstrong. I am so honored to be speaking at the "Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit" on Sunday June 26, 2022 at 3PM - (EST-USA).

I will be sharing my research and dissertation "Foster Youth Mentorship Programs in Higher Education!" By increasing foster youth chances in college we can help decrease their chances of incarceration.

Register at this link:

 Mentoring and Parenting Teens Summit (Unlimited Potential Network) (upna.net)

 

 Photo: Dr. Sherri Raftery - Standing at the Toastmasters International Convention Lectern

Dr. Sherri Raftery

Dr. Sherri Raftery (RAF TUR REE) earned her doctorate in Education Leadership in Higher Education May 2022 from Endicott College. Dr. Sherri's Dissertation "Foster Youth Mentorship Programs in Higher Education" will be published this year too. Dr. Sherri is a professor and teaches public speaking and communication courses to college students. Dr. Sherri served as the Toastmasters District 31 District Director and earned the 2016 Toastmaster of the Year Award. Dr. Sherri was honored by The Home for Little Wanderers in 2008 and also was the 2016 East Boston Times Woman of the Year. Dr. Sherri is Sabrina's mother and Desmond's Grandmother (Nana)!

District 31 2nd Place 2022 World Champion Public Speaking!

 I earned 2nd Place in the District 31 -- 2022 World Champion of Public Speaking!

This was an amazing journey, and I was thrilled to finally be a competitor in the District 31 International Speech Contest. I will continue to compete and improve my speeches.

Keynote for International Women's Day! Tuesday March 8, 2022

 I was invited to be the Keynote Speaker for Athena International Toastmasters Club by the President and Past International Director Vicky F, DTM. This is such an honor, and I am excited to share about some famous women who have made a difference in the United States and even the world.

The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March, 2022 (IWD 2022) is, “ Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow ”, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.

Celebrating 17-years in Toastmasters!

I am celebrating 17-years in Toastmasters -- "Where Leaders Are Made"! - www.toastmasters.org

Enjoying the President's Dinner Dance with PDG Ritchie C!

Competing and District 31 Area Speech Contest!

Attending and Toastmasters International Convention with the First Female International President  Helen Blanchard, DTM, and Fellow Toastmaster & Emerson College friend Rose S, DTM, PRA

Preparing for the Parade of Flags and I got to hold the Toastmasters International Flag for a brief moment!

 Sharing My Toastmasters Story Part.... --- coming soon!

Happy 14th Birthday to My Cat Shane!

HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY SHANE

I remember the day we brought you home 14-years-ago! 
You were born February 2008! We went down to my fellow Toastmaster friend 

Sheila to pick up a white kitten with blue eyes.  

What happened was you climbed up on Sabrina's lap and she looked up 

at me and said: "Mommy can we bring him home instead".

I said of course -- he is YOUR cat.

You have been by my side purring and sleeping next to me.
Helping me study for my doctoral degree during the last five years

2017-2022! 

I affectionally call you my "Vanilla Zebra" !

You seem at times more like a little puppy when you follow 

me around the house and are at my feet.

I love when you collapse on the bed and snuggle into my side, or legs, or feet.

Shane, even though I have given you a stable home, 

it you who has provided me a sense of comfort and home.

I love you my little buddy! My pal! 

My Best Feline Friend Forever! 

2022 District 31 Toastmasters - Spotlight/Highlight "Faces & Places" - Dr. Sherri Raftery

Honored that the 2011-2022 District 31 Public Relations Manager Beri Recher - 

Published a Spotlight/Highlight - "Faces & Places" on me. 

Faces & Places (district31.org)

Faces & Places (district31.org)

Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM, PDG

Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM joined Toastmasters in 2005 after seeing an ad on TV. “I was watching my local cable station – and saw an ad ‘Would you like to conquer your fear of Public Speaking’… I called Marlene Westerman, Vice President of Membership, originally thinking this would help my performance skills surprisingly my leadership skills emerged.”

Since joining Sherri has held every club officer role, she’s currently the VP of Education for Metrowest Toastmasters Club.  She also enjoys presenting at Club Officer Trainings, perhaps we’ll be able to have Sherri present at a future TLI.

Sherri has earned 4 DTMS, 2007 Area Governor of the Year, 2007-2008 Excellence in Marketing, 2008-2009 Excellence in Education & Training, 2009-2010 Distinguished District Governor with the theme “Take Center Stage”, 2009-2010 Excellence in Leadership and in 2016 Toastmaster of the Year.

Fun Fact: “When I served as the 2008-2009 Lt Gov of Ed & Training, I started the TRIPLE CROWN Award for D31 and am pleased to see it continues now as a Pathways Award.”

According to Sherri, her “life has improved since joining Toastmasters. I am a professor, teach public speaking and communication courses at North Shore Community College and Fisher Colleges.” Most recently Sherri completed her doctorate in Education Leadership in Higher Education Ed.D.

“I wanted to thank fellow Toastmasters for allowing me to come to your clubs and practice my dissertation defense “Foster Youth Mentorship Programs in Higher Education” – I appreciated the feedback and support from members. I was also honored to have TMs attend my Dissertation Defense on Monday November 29, 2021, on ZOOM. My hope is to increase foster youth’s access, retention, graduation rates in college, instead of them becoming incarcerated.”

Sherri is a resident of East Boston, lives near the Tall Ship (with an oyster bar) which features three custom mahogany bars, built around the grand mast surrounded by the city skyline and Boston harbor.

It’s clear that Sherri has accomplished a lot and has so much to offer our current and future Toasties. Thank you, Sherri, for all you’ve done in support of District 31 and for starting the Triple Crown Award (now the Pathfinder Award).     Faces & Places (district31.org)

Old Land Syne

 

Dan Fogelberg 1980 Same Old Lang Syne

https://tinyurl.com/2ncu4vyp