About Exchange Park Toastmasters
Exchange Park Toastmasters, is a community club, chartered in 1986 to provide a supportive environment for individuals who fear public speaking or want to improve their speaking skills.
Over the past 34 years, hundreds of people have learned to become better speakers through the mutual support of all members.
Members past and present have become more proficient at their jobs and as community leaders.
The club has won many awards and is the home club of four distinguished toastmasters.
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Meet our current Club Officers ...
VP Education
Carol Biedrzycki joined Exchange Park Toastmasters when the club was chartered in June 1986. She worked in the field of energy policy specializing in energy efficiency and residential consumer issues. She has worked for the state of Texas, consulting firms and as a non profit executive director. Her work often required testifying at hearings, speaking to groups and TV interviews. She continued her journey with the club and received her DTM in January 2011. Carol retired in May 2018 and is still an active member because she doesn't want to get "rusty."
VP Membership
Dr. Tina Balderrama Kubicek is a Distinguished Toastmaster, Professional Coach, Branding Expert, Author and Speaker. She is also a member of the National Speakers Association. Dr. Kubicek is a product of Corporate America in management positions at GTE (now Verizon), EXXON Company, USA and 3M. Her upbringing, education, skills, knowledge and experience make the foundation upon which she bases her books on “Life’s Lessons in Leadership Series.”
President
Richard Small has a rich varied background to assist member in crafting their style. Richard is a past president and is currently VP-Education.
Secretary/Senior Advisor
Mickey Michaels, a Distinguished Toastmaster, recently retired from a long and varied career that included consumer market research, banking industry research, financial management, human resources consulting and even running an old-time Western saloon in the mountains of Colorado. She has also published two parenting books: Survival Guide for Parents and Successful Divorce and Single Parenting. Publicizing these books, she made several TV appearances and was interviewed on over 40 radio shows across the country. Her Toastmasters experience greatly enhanced her effectiveness. She now speaks publicly on behalf of worthy causes and organizations.
VP Public Relations and Webmaster
John Swyers is a long-time Austin resident and Semiconductor Industry veteran with experience in manufacturing, service, and sensor development. He currently runs a small business building Green Walls modules. In addition, has been developing applications as a citizen Data Scientist. His specific interests include applying machine learning to horticulture.
Treasurer
Adriana Buford was born and educated in Colombia, South America. At the age of 21, she immigrated to NYC and managed one of the most iconic restaurants of the city during the 1980s, the Brasserie. Years later, she obtained her BA in public accounting and moved to Texas, where she started her own CPA firm providing services to the “Big Four” accounting firms. Adriana loves to travel. She joined Toastmasters to improve her communication skills and as a result she has built on her leadership skills.
Sergeant-at-Arms
Elisabeth “Lis” Schiller A trilingual professional, native of France, Lis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in exterior commerce from the Université de Tours as well as an MBA with a concentration in languages applied to business and commerce. She is also a licensed Customs Broker. Toastmasters has been part of her career for the past 10 years, where she has held different officer roles. She joined Exchange Park in 2019.
Club Coach
Joyce McDowell, a Distinguished Toastmaster, joined Toastmasters in October 2014 and quickly became Assistant Area Director, under Tina Kubicek. That experience interacting with seven clubs along with her own progess with the Toastmasters curriculum encouraged Joyce to later complete certifications in Holistic health and Iridology at The Southern Institute of Natural Health. Joyce is enjoying the opportunities that retirement offers and believes Toastmasters supports her personal development.
