Nawara Al-Awqati
Nawara Al-Awqati
Candidate for Club Growth Director
Why do you want to serve?
I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Club Growth Director. As a dedicated Toastmaster with a passion for helping clubs grow and thrive.
District 20 and it’s members has offered a lot, taught and empowered me to be the first from Iraq to be running to this position and a part for taking this role is to give back, teach more and empower even stronger
Toastmaster Since
2018
Education:
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Cihan University, where I graduated as the top student in my class. My academic excellence set a strong foundation for my professional journey. After graduation, I gained valuable experience working full-time as an engineer, applying my skills to real-world projects.
Driven by a passion for education, I transitioned into teaching, working with high school students and offering freelance instruction in architectural engineering. This combination of professional and teaching experience highlights my dedication to both their craft and the next generation of learners.
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
2018 – 2019 Club VP Membership
2019 – 2020 Club VP Education
2020 – 2021 Club President
2021 – 2022 Club President
2022 – 2023 Area Director
2023 – 2024 Division Director
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
I am the first Iraq Member to hold the role of Area and Division Director
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District Leader:
my work experience, especially as an architect, teacher, and business owner, has equipped me with valuable skills that are highly relevant to the role as a Toastmasters District Leader.
1. Leadership and Team Management (District Leader Role):
o As an architect and business owner, I have led teams and managed projects. This experience helps in overseeing and motivating teams within Toastmasters, as leadership is central to being a District Leader.
o as a business owner also requires strategic planning and problem-solving, which are crucial for effective leadership and decision-making within Toastmasters.
2. Public Speaking and Communication Skills (Toastmasters):
o My work as a teacher and Toastmasters member enhances your public speaking and presentation skills. In the district leadership role, effective communication is essential when working with club leaders, members, and potential new members.
o My teaching experience allows me to be a mentor and guide for other Toastmasters, especially in communication-related aspects such as crafting speeches or improving public speaking skills.
3. Problem Solving and Adaptability:
o As an architect and educator, I have dealt with a variety of challenges that required creative solutions, which is an important aspect of district leadership. Adaptability, especially in working with diverse groups and adjusting plans as needed, is a critical skill that I bring from both my professional and Toastmasters experience.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?:
1. As an Architect:
o In architecture, strategic planning is crucial in every phase of a project, from conceptual design to execution. I have been involved in planning the scope of projects, identifying client needs, allocating resources, and developing timelines to ensure efficient workflow and meeting deadlines.
2. As a Business Owner:
o Running a business for women’s handbags and accessories requires extensive strategic planning. I have developed business strategies around market positioning, product development, sales goals, and marketing campaigns.
3. As a Teacher and Freelancer:
o While teaching high school students and freelancing in architectural engineering, I have had to plan curriculum, manage schedules, and set educational goals for your students.
o Strategic planning would also be essential in your role as a freelancer, as I need to plan projects, manage client expectations, and balance multiple tasks, while aligning your work with long-term career goals.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?:
As a Business Owner
• I have managed business finances, setting budgets for production, marketing, and inventory, ensuring that spending stays within limits while still achieving business goals.
• I have tracked income and expenses, ensuring that there’s sufficient cash flow to cover operational costs and make strategic investments.
• I have determined pricing for your products, considering factors like production costs, market trends, and profit margins, which directly impacts your bottom line.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?:
• I have established processes for inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service to ensure your business runs smoothly. And I have also created strategies for promoting your products and streamlined procedures for handling sales, returns, and customer inquiries.
• As a teacher, I have created structured lesson plans, evaluation methods, and classroom procedures to support effective learning.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?:
The previous officers roles have taught me that everything is team work and I can not work alone
to always work to inspire and empower others
it also taught me patience and acceptance of others points of views
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?:
My journey in Toastmasters has been about being the first to accomplish and I would like to continue to help inspire people to achieve. as well as beingthe fritst from Iraq will be a great way to grow, market Toastmasters and to inspire
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?:
What makes district 20 better than others is the support we offer eachother which I would like to continue the journey with follow up and support whether in information a mentor
district 20 also strives for growth education, club and members wise, I would do that throgh the Members themselves and as they are the future leaders
Additional Information about yourself:
I am a person who always looks forwards for achieving and success has a joy of its own when I see my team succeeding, I started the Toastmasters Journey when I was 20 years old and now seven years later I am still learning and growing, it is a journey that never stops
Additional references:
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