Public Speaking Club

The Club welcomes everybody who wants to: - Improve their public speaking skills - Build leadership skills - Maximize their potential - Enjoy unlimited personal growth - Work on networking in a small and supportive environment - Practice writing speeches and presenting in a group setting - Gain a competitive advantage in the workplace - Build self-confidence and self-awareness

Club led by:

MARK JOHNSON

Mark Johnson was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. He attended Cornell University, having graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1990. Mark also obtained a Masters in Business Administration Degree from the University of Miami in 1996.

Upon graduation from Cornell, Mark started his career working for Motorola, which is now Motorola Solutions, in Plantation, FL and he had been employed there for 27 years. Mark is now the Director of Engineering and Field Operations for Commdex LLC, an Engineering Services firm based out of Atlanta, GA.

Mark has been a 31 year active member of Toastmasters International and is a charter member of the Plantation Pointe (formerly Motorola Communicators) Toastmasters club in Plantation, FL where he is still a member and current club President.

Mark is a 37 year member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, having served as chapter president on both the collegiate and alumni levels, and is an active member of the Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter in Broward County and serves as the Social Action Director. Mark is happily married to his beautiful wife, Veda, and is a proud step father, father, and grandfather.

KARIM TAWIL

Karim Tawil, originally from Lebanon, has lived in the US for over 25 years. He studied computer engineering at the University of Florida and now works as a project manager for a telecom company. Karim loves spending time outdoors, often hiking in national parks. He's also into sports, playing tennis and padel, and stays fit with regular CrossFit workouts. In his free time, he enjoys salsa dancing, participates in Toastmasters to hone his public speaking skills, and has earned a pilot's license, reflecting his adventurous side and diverse interests.

MAUREEN MAHONEY

Maureen Mahoney, a native of Tewksbury, MA, moved to south Florida after graduating from Boston College. She then graduated from Florida International University with a degree in dietetics and nutrition and continues to work in this field with people in recovery.

Maureen founded the Mahoney Family Fund (MFF) in 2015 with an inaugural tribute to her parents and brother.

Maureen and the MFF committee continue to advocate for children and families with their outreach to the community. Through in-person events and virtual webinars, the MFF aims to mitigate violence against children and educate parents and caregivers about positive parenting. Maureen received a congressional award in 2016 for her work in violence prevention, which she accepted on behalf of her committee.

PATRICIA CAPPARELLI