2025-2026 District 1 Leadership Candidates (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026) are elected by majority vote at the District Council Annual Business Meeting, to be held on the evening of Friday, May 2, 2025.
Nominations are now closed, The District Leadership Committee has nominated the following candidates for District office:
Shawnte Howard, LD5
Nominated Candidate for District Director, 2025-2026
District 1 Toastmasters
Shawnte Howard is a dynamic, results-driven leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in Toastmasters. As the current Program Quality Director for District 1, she has redefined the member experience through transformative initiatives that drive growth, engagement, and leadership development.
One of her crowning achievements was the Toastmasters Expo—a groundbreaking event that introduced over 70 individuals to Toastmasters and led to membership growth across more than 10 clubs. This innovative event not only expanded the district’s reach but also showcased the impact Toastmasters can have on personal and professional development.
Her leadership extends beyond recruitment. With a proven track record of organizing district-wide events like the annual conference and workshops, she has demonstrated her expertise in event production, bringing people together and delivering impactful experiences that elevate members’ journeys. Her dedication to leadership development inspires members to take full advantage of the Pathways program, while her creative approach to new member orientation and executive committee training sets the standard for future leaders.
With a strong background in corporate leadership, event production, and accounting, she approaches every challenge with a strategic mindset. Her ability to blend professionalism with warmth fosters an environment where members feel empowered, supported, and motivated to achieve their goals.
Vote for Shawnte Howard for District Director—Let’s Elevate with Impact!
Donna Robinson
From the moment Donna Robinson stepped into her first Toastmasters meeting in 2012, she knew she had found a place where she could grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact. Over the years, her passion for Toastmasters has only deepened, and she finds great joy in inspiring new members—helping them unlock their potential and achieve their goals.
As Division B Director, she had the privilege of leading her team to President’s Distinguished status, a testament to her team’s collective dedication to excellence. Beyond that, she has proudly served in various leadership roles, including Sponsor & Mentor Chair, Spring Conference Co-Chair, District Incentives Chair, and Fall Credentials Committee. Her commitment to Toastmasters has been recognized with the Lydia Boyd Communications Award and Toastmaster of the Year honors.
Outside of Toastmasters, she serves as Director of Recruiting Operations at UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Parker MBA Career Management Center. There, she leads a team of Account Managers in Corporate Outreach and oversees training for over 300 MBA students as they navigate campus recruiting.
As Program Quality Director, her mission is to foster an environment where every member thrives—personally and professionally. Together, we can strengthen our clubs, empower our members, and build a future of excellence.
Vote for Donna Robinson, DTM, for 2025-2026 Program Quality Director!
Angel Estrada, DTM
Nominated Candidate for Club Growth Director, 2025-2026
District 1 Toastmasters
Angel Estrada’s Toastmaster journey began with a consistently President’s Distinguished club Peninsula 174 in February 2006. Through the influence of its leaders, he held several leadership posts within the club and became the Area D3 Governor in 2009-2010 and became Area Governor of the year. In 2012, he received the Division D Governor distinction.
He has held 40 officer roles with numerous clubs. He is also proud to have chartered six clubs: V-A’s New Directions, Y’s Orators, Winners Circle, Voices of the Harbor (current member), Loyola Marymount College, Abriendo Caminos (current member); and assisted in chartering Atrévete a Hablar (current member).
In addition, he has organized and conducted the first Spanish Language club officer training workshops in District 1, including live and hybrid.
He would be remiss if he did not give credit for his lessons and victories to the amazing leaders in District 1: Bilquis Ahmed, Julie Broady, Carlos De la Cruz, Giovanna Dottore, Carmen Duarte, Sandy Dunning, Keith Jackson, Don Johnson, Larry Lee, Roberta Perry, Evelyn Woolridge, and many more.
Ana Lopez, DTM
Nominated Candidate for Club Growth Director, 2025-2026
District 1 Toastmasters
Ana Lopez is honored to be a nominated candidate for Club Growth Director for the 2025–2026 term.
Her Toastmasters journey began 11 years ago with DanceMasters. She loved the dance classes, but the speaking part, not so much. Thanks to the support and encouragement of her club members, she slowly expanded her comfort zone, took on officer roles, and discovered a passion for helping others grow.
With gentle nudges from mentors, she stepped into District leadership—and never looked back. Over the past 11 years, she has served as Assistant Area Director, Area Director, District Chief Judge, Youth Leadership Coordinator, Club Mentor, Club Coach, Finance Manager, Co-Chair the Spring Conference, and Chair for both in-person and online TLI and speech contests. Each role has fueled my commitment to service and leadership.
As your Club Growth Director, she would dedicate to Empowering Growth and Achieving Results across District One. Her team will focus on strengthening our clubs, supporting membership growth, and building new clubs that serve our diverse communities. She believes challenges are opportunities in disguise—and she is committed to turning today’s obstacles into tomorrow’s success stories.
Let’s work together to help our District thrive. Empowering Growth. Achieving Results.
Dr. Kenneth Preston, VC5
Nominated Candidate for Division A Director, 2025-2026
District 1 Toastmasters
Born in Fort Valley, Georgia and raised in Rochester, New York, Ken was the only child to his parents (both deceased). His parents were especially proud of Ken following in his dad’s footsteps by attending and graduating from Hampton Institute / Hampton University.
Retired Sr. Project Engineer, Technical Lead Engineer (TLE), and Boeing Designated Expert (BDE) from Boeing on the C-17 Program and Space Shuttle programs with 37 1/2 years of aerospace and defense industry experience. He worked in various technical and management positions. Ken was a member of the Boeing Mentorship program where he mentored over thirty engineers, ten minority early career employees, and college students in engineering and technical disciplines.
He serves as an Instructor for Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education (CTME), and Past President of the Cal State LA Engineering Industry Advisory Board (IAB). He is a book author and has published over 7 Engineering Technical Papers through the International Council of System Engineers (INCOSE).
Dr. Preston has been an active charter member of Faith-Based Toastmasters since June 2021, Sergeant at Arms (2021 2023), and Area A 5 Director for 2023-24. He is currently Vice-President of Membership and Club mentor. He is working on Level 4 of Persuasive Influence and completed the Visionary Communication of Path in 2024.
He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Ken has been married for 38 1/2 years to Valerie and resides in Southern California with his family (son, daughter, daughter in-law and their 8th month granddaughter).
Celine West, CC
Nominated Candidate for Division C Director, 2025-2026
District 1 Toastmasters
At heart, Celine West is creative, but she enjoys reading and writing about academic subjects as a hobby. She also enjoys playing her guitar and singing in addition to developing her communication and leadership skills with the hope of taking her creative and academic interests to the next level with Toastmasters being a key factor in her journey.
A dedicated Toastmaster, courageous leader, and an ambitious marketing and communications professional, one of her core passions is helping people realize their potential and achieve their goals.
She has served on the board of directors for The WICT Network: Southern California, an amazing organization in the entertainment, media, and tech industry, for the past six years where she helped the team plan events, strategize community involvement, membership acquisition, and industry leader advocacy. Prior to this role, she served as Area C2 Director for two terms and President for her home club, Beach Cities Toastmasters in Manhattan Beach.
She has a deep interest in information sciences and a lifelong passion for the field of astronomy and would be glad to talk your ear off about the cosmos and everything in it.
She has Toastmasters to thank for helping her develop and hone her leadership skills. Beginning as Sergeant-at-Arms, to serving as club President, then graduating to Area Assistant, followed by 2 terms as Area Director, she has a deep appreciation for the servant leadership style that is demonstrated throughout the Toastmasters educational program.
Caydene Monk, PM4
Nominated Candidate for Division D Director, 2025-2026
District 1 Toastmasters
Caydene Monk is a mother of three wonderful young men and a beautiful grandson. She is a Certified Functional Nutritionist with a passion for helping people look and feel their best. Caydene is a Christian who serves in ministry overseeing a church in Lynwood California. She is also passionate about helping people share their gifts and talents.
She retired as a Management Analyst from the City of Los Angeles after 29 years of service. She has also served both church and community in the areas of: Youth Ministry, Church Leadership, a Certified Lay Speaker, Lay Servant Ministries Director, and Social Justice Coordinator. Caydene is a member of Living Into the Future Foundation (LITFF), a board that provides assistance to programs within the United Methodist Church that are focused on caring and providing services to meet the needs of the people from students to adults.
Caydene Monk has been a Toastmaster since April 2021. She has served as Treasurer, Vice President of Education, Area Director,.
Amber Stewart, DTM
Nominated Candidate for Division E Director, 2025-2026
District 1 Toastmasters
Amber Stewart joined Toastmasters in 2021 to sharpen her leadership skills and reduce the number of times she would say “like” when speaking. What she has gained so far from being a member of this incredible community is beyond words. She has been an entrepreneur for over 25 years and currently owns two businesses. She founded a nonprofit 8 years ago and has a strong understanding of strategic planning. She is also a certified coach with experience in managing diverse personalities.
As a former Executive Assistant to a CEO and a Corporate Event Planner for three businesses, she knows how to work with others to achieve team goals. She loves giving back, serving others, and having fun. She has held many leadership roles within Toastmasters, such as Past Distinguished Area Director, C4 (2022), and Club President of Long Beach Powermasters (President’s Distinguished Club, 2023). In 2024, she chartered a new club, Lakewood YMCA Toastmasters, which she mentors.
She achieved her Distinguished Toastmaster in under three years, and is excited to be a nominated candidate for Division E Director. Her mission is to help every club, area, and member achieve excellence. Her goal is to foster abundance in excellence so that every area and club in Division E becomes President’s Distinguished.
Susana Cabrera, MS3
Nominated Candidate for Division F Director, 2025-2026
District 1 Toastmasters
Susana Cabrera is a dedicated mother of six, a successful entrepreneur, and a passionate community leader. Her journey from street vending to business ownership is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself.
Starting with a humble hot dog stand, Susana worked tirelessly to build a thriving career and now proudly owns two Everytable locations in Inglewood and Culver City Sepulveda. Through her work, she not only provides nutritious meals to her community but also empowers individuals to take control of their future.
As a speaker, Susana aspires to inspire. She is committed to uplifting others by sharing her story and encouraging people to embrace challenges as stepping stones to success. Her passion lies in helping individuals recognize their potential and take bold steps toward building their own legacy.
Currently serving as an Area Director, Susana has worked closely with clubs to foster growth, mentorship, and leadership development. Her hands-on approach has helped members enhance their communication skills and strengthen their confidence. Now, as a candidate for Division Director, she is eager to expand her impact by providing even greater support, collaboration, and resources to help clubs and members thrive.
With a heart for service and a drive for excellence, Susana Cabrera is ready to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact as Division Director.
Applications for Floor Candidates can be submitted to dlcchair@
Floor candidates must declare their intent to run no later than seven (7) days before the District Council Annual Business Meeting on May 2, 2025.
There are 2 categories of floor candidates:
Qualified Floor Candidate — This candidate meets the qualifications described in the District Administrative Bylaws.
Eligible Floor Candidate — This candidate was evaluated by the DLC for the specific role they are running and meets the qualifications described in the District Administrative Bylaws.
All floor candidates must be qualified or eligible and have a signed and submitted District Leader Agreement and Release statement.
Floor candidates must be nominated by a member of the District Council or self-nominated if they are currently a member of the District Council. If the floor candidate is absent and has appointed a representative to speak on their behalf, the representative must not be a member of the District Executive Committee, a member of the DLC, a Credentials Chair, or a meeting official, as identified by the District Director. Any candidate may be nominated for a maximum of two roles at the annual District Council meeting.
The only situation in which floor candidates can run for District elections is if a candidate was evaluated by the DLC but not nominated for a particular role, the candidate may run from the floor for that specific role(s).