Meet Metro Speaker’s executive team for 2023-2024. We’re here to help you grow and become effective public speakers, so don’t hesitate reach out to us for support!

  • ReneRené Gavidia President
  • Aly Jamani VP of Education
  • TiffanyTiffany Mark VP of Membership
  • Leon Ling VP of Public Relations
  • Kelsey Wu Secretary
  • Melanie EngMelanie EngTreasurer
  • KevinKevin Chu Sergeant at Arms
  • Mike PowroznikMike Powroznik Immediate Past President

René Gavidia

President

René provides feedback that may sometimes carry a hint of cynicism and resentment, but his gentle demeanor makes him incredibly personable. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting René before, you may have heard members sharing amusing tales about him during table topics, such as his love for drinking water. Despite being the subject of such stories, René takes it all in good fun.

René used to serve as the Treasurer and VP of Education in our club. He took on these roles in the executive team during the pandemic when club morale was down and push the club forward alongside the president at the time. With his leadership, Metro Speakers is sure to embark on an enjoyable journey of public speaking during his tenure as President.

  • Member since: 2018
  • Past roles: N/A

Aly Jamani

Vice President of Education

Aly has this amazing ability to grab your attention the second he steps on stage. He’s a master at using vivid words, expressive body language, and killer storytelling which makes him one of the standout speakers in our club. What’s more? He is extremely attractive! This term, Aly is taking on the role of VP of Education, where he’ll work his magic to plan, organize, and lead our club program, making sure it meets the educational needs of all Metro Speakers members.

  • Member since: October 2018
  • Past roles: N/A

Tiffany

Tiffany Mark

Vice President of Membership

Tiffany is a web designer who enjoys the outdoors and spending time with friends. Although sociable, she has a fear of public speaking and networking. Joining Toastmasters has boosted her confidence in these areas so much that she ran for VP of PR in 2022-2023.

As VP of Membership this year, Tiffany will help guests navigate whether Metro Speakers is the right fit for them, and help new members with onboarding. Tiffany is confident that she can help guests turn into members, because as fellow member Ping puts it, “Metro Speakers is the best club”.

  • Member since: Dec 2021
  • Past roles: Vice President of Public Relations

Leon Ling

Vice President of Public Relations

Leon is an enthusiast of captivating stories, particularly those rooted in diverse cultures. Over the past two years as a member of Metro Speakers, he has absorbed invaluable knowledge from fellow club members’ compelling narratives, honing his own storytelling abilities in the process. As the Vice President of Public Relations this year, Leon will be coordinating engaging public relations and publicity initiatives within our club.

  • Member since: 2021
  • Past roles: N/A

Kelsey Wu

Secretary

After joining Metro Speakers, Kelsey has quickly become an enthusiastic member, drawn to the club’s supportive and friendly environment and eager to contribute more to the community. Professionally, she is a cultural marketer who excels in crafting compelling narratives, and she has a deep appreciation for storytelling, relishing the opportunity to listen to others share their tales. When she’s not at Toastmasters or immersed in her work, Kelsey is likely exploring new culinary delights or engrossed in a captivating read.

  • Member since: 2022

Melanie Eng

Melanie Eng

Treasurer

At meetings, Melanie is often the first person to greet you with a hello and smile. She loves travel and trying new places to eat. If you’re wondering how to pronounce her last name, it’s like ‘Eng’ in England.

As Treasurer, Melanie sets a budget for the club, monitors expenses, and collects membership fees.

  • Member since: 2019
  • Past roles: President (2020/21)

Kevin Chu

Sergeant at Arms

Kevin may catch your attention with his passion for exercise and exceptional skills for speech evaluation! As a past sergeant of arms during the pandemic when meetings went online, Kevin is eager to bring his experience to the in-person setting. In the upcoming year, Kevin hopes to plan some fun events and to keep the meeting room stocked with delicious snacks!

  • Member since: 2016
  • Past roles: Sergeant at Arms

Mike Powroznik

Mike Powroznik

Immediate Past President

Known for organizing the most elaborate Metro Speakers scavenger hunts, Mike is also extremely skilled at running Toastmasters meetings. Whether it is online or in-person, Mike’s vision is to provide members a platform to practice public speaking effectively for any type of professional communication skills.

As Immediate Past President, Mike continues to support meetings and executive members when we need it. Whether it is to fill in roles at weekly meetings or connect us to sources for our monthly newsletter, he does not hesitate to help.

  • Member since: 2017
  • Past roles: VP of PR, VP of Education, President

Last updated: September 7, 2022