Bakersfield, Calif. – Toastmasters International will recognize Aera Energy LLC for enhancing employee engagement through continuing support of the Toastmasters program. Aera sponsors Aera Toastmasters in Bakersfield where its employees meet to develop and strengthen
their communication and leadership skills in a supportive setting with their coworkers.
The award will be presented by Jesse Oakley, III, DTM Region 2 International Director on April
28th at 9:30 am at Aera Energy in Bakersfield, CA.
“Area Energy LLC is recognized for its continuing support of the Toastmasters program by enhancing
participant engagement and participation. Aera provides financial support, encourages service at
the highest levels of Toastmasters District leadership, and recognizes the value of Toastmasters by
identifying participants as a public speaking resource for its employees,” says Jesse Oakley, III
Toastmasters’ communication and leadership teaches Aera Energy employees how to:
● Conduct effective meetings
● Practice time management
● Enhance their listening skills
● Sharpen their presentation skills
● Boost team collaboration
● Guide successful teams
“Toastmasters is a powerful tool leveraged by those who are working to improve their skills
and be heard. Every person in Aera is, at some point, a leader within their team and when we
hire, develop, and promote our people at Aera, the ability to communicate well is one of the
strongest differentiators we have,” said Aera Human Resources Manager Kent Gerhardt.
“Toastmasters contributes to the success of our people and helps them live Aera’s values of
engagement, empowerment, inclusion, and community. We are grateful for their support and
we are incredibly honored to receive this award.”
Jackie Jones is a Lean Specialist for Aera Energy and the current club President of Aera
Toastmasters. She became a Toastmasters member in 2016 after spending years struggling
with public speaking anxiety. With support from her manager and the Toastmasters network
she dedicated herself to gaining confidence as a speaker. She is passionate about helping
others find their confidence and achieve their goals.
“I see communication skill development as a journey of continuous improvement. Toastmasters
provides members with a safe place to practice, learn and improve. I am so grateful for Aera’s
support of Aera Toastmasters and am proud of the growth I see in our members each meeting.” says
Jackie.
In Kern County there are 15 Toastmasters clubs. Aera Toastmasters meets twice a month and is
open to Aera Employees. For more information about Aera Toastmasters, please visit
(https://aeraenergy.toastmastersclubs.org).
About Toastmasters International
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.
Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more
confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs,
please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.