President
Misfit and sheep, Brad is originally from the PNW but is currently living in Chicago and attends Silicon Forest remotely.
Toastmasters has been incredible for me, especially the supportive community. When I stumble or freeze, their encouragement means the world. It’s not just about feedback; it’s about genuine camaraderie that fuels my growth in communication skills and personal development.
VP Public Relations & Sargent at Arms
Iris is an Insurance Solutions Specialist.
I joined Silicon Forest Toastmasters to improve my communication & presentation skills. I get to hear stories and learn new things from people coming from different backgrounds. It’s not easy to maintain a positive learning environment and Silicon Forest Toastmasters does it! Let’s keep up the good work!
VP Membership
Ya-hong came to USA for her Ph.D in Materials Science Engineering, and came to Portland Oregon to work for Intel. She left Intel in 2018 in pursuit of better work life balance and an entrepreneur path in financial industry. She enjoys gardening, cooking and is an avid DIY doer. She is also a mom to twin teenagers and use what she learned in Toastmaster for daily life with her double troubles! She is the area 92 director overseeing 5 clubs including Silicon Forest Toastmaster club.
Dive right in! The earlier you start your journey, the more you will benefit. No matter how scary it may seem and how reluctant you may feel, we are here for you!
Treasurer
Mark is a retired engineering manager.
I learned and grew a lot professionally through my previous membership in Toastmasters, and I look forward to learning and contributing more in this new phase of my life.
Secretary
Dan worked in the electronics manufacturing industry for over 33 years as a project/program manager for new product development.
I’ve been with Silicon Forest Toastmasters since September 2007, it helped me transition to that stage of life after steady, regular employment. I always tell people that the environment that Silicon Forest Toastmasers provides is extremely supportive. I’ve found helpful in both my personal and professional life.
VP Education
Jun is an analytics consulting manager by trade. She joined the Silicon Forest club in June of 2022.
Words hold incredible power, and how we use them can make all the difference. I joined Silicon Forest Toastmasters to enhance my communication skills for both personal and professional growth. The supportive and fun community here has made it so much easier for me to share my public speaking journey. The genuine, constructive feedback and welcoming atmosphere have really boosted my confidence. It’s truly inspiring to see the noticeable growth among all the club members!
Member testimonials
Julia Kim (Member)
I first heard of Toastmasters back in 2018 but was adamant about not joining. I would profusely sweat (I still do!) at the thought of public speaking. Many years later, I decided to face one of my greatest fears and attend my first Toastmasters meeting at Silicon Forest. I was greeted with beaming smiles and gave my first Table Topics impromptu speech. What I appreciate about Silicon Forest is how attentive everyone is and the focus on self-improvement. I decided to join after the first meeting!
Dawn-Marie Bacon (Member)
I joined Silicon Forest Toastmasters because I had developed a fear of public speaking over time. The community has been a great source of support and growth as I explore and expand my comfort zone. My favorite part of being a member of Silicon Forest Toastmasters is listening to the engaging and insightful speeches other members deliver. I find their speeches both enlightening and inspiring. I am grateful for the valuable feedback, encouragement, strength, and support that the community has given me. It has helped me become a better public speaker, and I hope to continue learning and growing with this amazing group of people.
Ann Garcia (Member)
My favorite part of Silicon Forest Toastmasters is all the people in the group. It’s such a great mix of people from different walks of life, with different goals and interests, who still come together collaboratively and support each other.
Anna Wang (Member)
I enjoy making friends and believe in mutual learning and progression. My favorite quote: Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.
Jennifer Rich (Member)
I joined Silicon Forest Toastmasters to gain skills and become more comfortable speaking to groups. I enjoy the supportive camaraderie, levity and personal discovery, like finding I’m more comfortable at impromptu than prepared speaking. I am grateful for the generosity of experience that is shared in this supportive environment!
Ting Zheng (Member)
I’m so glad I joined this toastmaster club to improve my communication skills!