Leadership Spotlight – Ruth E. Dameron, DTM

Ruth Dameron, DTM, is a member of Positively Charged Toastmasters. She is also a Division Director Mentor for District 38 where she shares her expertise and guidance with the District Directors. Learn more about Ruth in this month’s leadership spotlight! Contact: discoveringpearls@gmail.com

Q&A with Ruth E. Dameron, DTM

Q. How did you get involved with Toastmasters? Where is your home club?
I was working for the US Environmental Protection Agency, and I had just become the head of SAC, which was for secretaries, administrators, and clerks; where I had to hold monthly meetings. Everyone at the end of the meetings always said that I did well, but I was terrified speaking to all these women. I heard about Speechcraft which is run by Toastmasters, and I attended this. Virginia Mosely, who I will never forget, led the program and she went around the room and asked everyone why they were there. I remember saying that I was there to “get rid of the butterflies” because I had to hold meetings and was terrified every time I had to stand in front of people. She looked at me and yelled, “We don’t do that here!” Then she smiled and said, “Like Geese we teach them to fly in formation.” After Speechcraft, I learned that I could speak in front of people and be calm in front of people. Virginia ended up becoming my coach and my mentor.

Currently, I am part of Positively Charged Toastmasters, a virtual club in District 38.

Q. How would you describe your club?
I think that our name describes us, “Positively Charged.” We’re a very upbeat, welcoming, fun-loving club. We enjoy ourselves. We have fun parties, interesting speeches, and an eclectic group.

Q. There are many different clubs and avenues that can foster professional development. What encourages you to continue participating in Toastmasters?
Toastmasters helped me find my voice. As a result, it opened up so many avenues. I went to so many places that I never would have gone before. I was able to go to corporate offices, speak to people who I would ordinarily not have the audience to do so. I’ve developed in so many areas. It’s part of my life. I’ve met so many people worldwide that I still connect with. It’s like a second skin to me. There’s not life without Toastmasters as far as I’m concerned.

Q. Can you describe your leadership journey in Toastmasters?
I started off with Speechcraft and then joined a club. With Virigina as my coach, she got me involved in contests right away. Six months later I found myself as President of the Club. I’ve also been VPE, VPM, VPPR, and Sergeant of Arms. Currently, I’m the District Division Director Mentor for the District Director’s. I’ve been the Division Governor for two years and also been the Area Governor. I’ve held a lot of offices. It’s developed me as a leader and gave me the opportunity to mentor other leaders beneath me.

Q. What does the role of District Division Director Mentor include?
All the Division Directors and I meet monthly. I talk with them, encourage them, help them move past any issues. I also help them work with their Area Directors. Together, we can all reach our goals. I encourage them to work with the Area Directors so that the club level needs can be met. Anything that I can do to strengthen them helps them strengthen their Area Directors. An example of something that I may help with is streamlining communication. I consider myself a counselor or “mother hen.”

Q. Do you have any words of encouragement for those who may be interested in taking their first role of leadership but aren’t sure?
I would say for anyone thinking about leadership, that the thought is enough. Take the step. Don’t question your abilities – there will be someone to mentor you, to help you go forward. Leadership begins with one step. When I started, I was a complete novice and had no idea what I was doing. There is always someone to help you. You can’t move forward without taking a step, and when you take that step, you discover the pearls inside you and the gifts and talents that you have. But they have to be exercised to be developed, so take the step, you’ll be surprised what you find.

Q. Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I recently published a 30-day devotional titled, “Whispers,” which is sold on Amazon. I also have an Etsy store where I sell T-shirts, cups, and other various things which is https://divabyred.etsy.com