Local resident leads Westlake Toastmaster #497 to banner year

Westlake resident Christian Giardini, 2017-18 President of Westlake Toastmasters #497, and his team were instrumental in club members walking away from the Toastmasters International District 10 2017-18 Awards with a boatload of winnings in 2018.

Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization's membership exceeds 357,000 in more than 16,600 clubs in 143 countries.

One of 104 clubs in District 10, Westlake Toastmasters #497 club members won a total of 20 awards this year. District 10 also named the club a President’s Distinguished Club. Giardini personally won a Triple Crown Award, and earned Advanced Communicator Bronze, Advanced Leader Bronze and Leadership Excellence educational awards.

“2017-18 Club President Christian Giardini, VP of Education Alicia Smith-Kirk and their team did an extraordinary job in distinguishing our club,” says 2018-19 Club President Danielle Ross. “They have set a high bar for next year!”

“Toastmasters provides the right environment to increase your communication and leadership skills,” adds Giardini. “Whether it’s small group conversation, a large audience presentation or learning to better lead yourself and others, come visit a Toastmaster meeting and see what we are all about!”

Giardini lives in Westlake with his wife, Mariam, their four children, “a cat who acts like a dog,” and one real dog. As a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, Giardini leads the team Giardini, Zavodny & Associates.

Westlake Toastmasters #497 meets Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. at the Westlake Porter Public Library, with an informal meet and greet starting at noon. The club welcomes guests of all ages and backgrounds. For more information, go to https://497.toastmastersclubs.org, email westlaketoastmasters497@gmail.com or call 216.849.1200.