Valeska Laurant earns Toastmasters’ highest Educational Award

GREAT BAY--St. Maarten’s Valeska Laurant has achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, the highest educational award bestowed by Toastmasters International, marking a major milestone in a journey centered on communication, leadership, personal development and service.

District 223 congratulated Laurant on the achievement, describing it as a reflection of her dedication to personal and professional growth, servant leadership and continued development as a communicator.

Laurant joined Toastmasters in 2018 and has since taken on a number of leadership responsibilities while also supporting the growth of fellow members. Her progression through the organization has included service as Area Director during the 2021-2022 program year and Division I Director for District 81 during the 2023-2024 program year.

She currently serves as Vice President Education of the Caribbean Pearls Toastmasters Club, Vice President Public Relations of the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club and Division D Council Assistant Program Quality.

Beyond those formal roles, Laurant has also contributed as a mentor and advisor to fellow members. District 223 noted that she has become known for encouraging others, sharing her experience and supporting members as they work toward their own communication and leadership goals.

As part of her Distinguished Toastmaster journey, Laurant recently organized the DTM Project SXM Scavenger Hunt, which brought together Toastmasters from St. Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla for an afternoon of learning, fellowship, teamwork and fun.

The event provided participants with an opportunity to connect outside of the traditional meeting setting while working together through a series of activities. District 223 said the project reflected Laurant’s ability to create engaging experiences while strengthening connections within the wider Toastmasters community.

For Laurant, achieving the Distinguished Toastmaster designation represents more than completing another level within the organization. She views the accomplishment as part of a broader journey of growth, discovery and challenging herself to move beyond her comfort zone.

Throughout that journey, she embraced new responsibilities and opportunities that allowed her to expand her skills and build confidence personally and professionally.

Laurant also expressed gratitude to her support team, mentors and fellow Toastmasters members for their encouragement and guidance throughout the process. She credited their support, belief in her abilities and the shared learning experiences within the organization with playing an important role in helping her reach the milestone.

The Distinguished Toastmaster designation represents the highest level of educational achievement within Toastmasters International and reflects extensive development in communication and leadership.

District 223 said Laurant’s achievement is recognition of her years of service, leadership and continued belief in helping others recognize and develop their own potential.

Through her various leadership and mentoring roles, Laurant continues to contribute to the development of Toastmasters members while also extending that spirit of service into the wider community.

District 223 congratulated Valeska Laurant, DTM, on the achievement and wished her continued success as she continues to encourage others to grow, lead and pursue their own goals.

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