The Perpetual Student

Category: Achievements & Awards

  • AWS Security Specialty Course Completed

    AWS Security Specialty Course Completed

    🎉 Just wrapped up Stephane Maarek’s “Ultimate AWS Certified Security Specialty (SCS-C02)” course on Udemy! 🚀

    Armed with the latest AWS security skills, I’m ready to implement advanced tools and cutting-edge techniques to deliver robust, next-generation cloud security solutions. Excited to put these new capabilities to work and help drive secure, resilient environments!

    Key AWS Security Practices Covered:

    • Identity and Access Management (IAM) best practices
    • Secure architecture design and network segmentation
    • Data protection and encryption strategies (at rest and in transit)
    • Monitoring, logging, and continuous auditing with AWS services (CloudTrail, Config, GuardDuty, Security Hub)
    • Incident response and automated remediation
    • Managing secrets and key management (KMS, Secrets Manager)
    • Secure application deployment using automation and infrastructure as code
    • Compliance and governance in the AWS Cloud
    • Threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and proactive security measures
    • Security for hybrid and multi-account AWS environments

    Need to secure your AWS resources or have questions about migrating your workloads to AWS? I’m here to help you implement effective cloud strategies and enhance your organization’s security posture. Contact me to get started.

  • Toastmasters Elite Triple Crown Recipient

    Toastmasters Elite Triple Crown Recipient

    Excited to share that I’ve been awarded the Toastmasters Triple Crown for the 2023–2024 year – a milestone that celebrates my dedication to growth in communication and leadership.

    Toastmasters District 57 Elite Triple Crown Recipient for Duane Leem

    What is the Toastmasters Triple Crown?

    The Triple Crown is a recognition awarded by Toastmasters International to members who complete three or more educational achievements within a single program year (July 1 to June 30). For the 2023–2024 year, I earned this award by completing multiple Pathways projects focused on both communication and leadership. It reflects the consistent effort I’ve put into improving as a speaker, a leader, and a lifelong learner—both inside and outside the club.

    How Do You Earn the Triple Crown?

    To earn the Triple Crown in Toastmasters, a member must complete three or more educational awards within a single program year (July 1 – June 30). These awards are part of the Pathways learning experience, which includes various paths focused on public speaking, leadership, and personal development.

    Each path is made up of multiple levels, and each level has specific projects—such as giving speeches, leading meetings, mentoring others, or managing projects. Completing a level counts as one educational award. So, when a member completes three levels (or a mix of levels across different paths), they qualify for the Triple Crown.

    It’s not just about checking boxes—it reflects consistent effort, goal-setting, and active involvement in club and district activities.

    Why the Triple Crown Matters

    Earning the Triple Crown isn’t just about completing projects—it’s a milestone that reflects commitment, consistency, and growth. It shows that a member is actively working to sharpen both their communication and leadership skills.

    It also often means stepping outside of comfort zones: delivering speeches, taking on leadership roles, mentoring others, and leading initiatives within a club or district. The Triple Crown is a recognition of someone who’s not just participating in Toastmasters—but truly thriving in the program and pushing themselves to grow.

    For many, it’s also a sign of momentum toward bigger goals, like becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), taking on district leadership roles, or becoming a professional speaker or trainer.

    ✉️ Contact Duane
  • Achieved Distinguished Toastmaster

    Achieved Distinguished Toastmaster

    I am thrilled to announce that I have earned the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation, a milestone that marks the culmination of years of dedication and growth.

    How It Began

    From the start, I recognized the importance of mastering public speaking, especially as I took on leadership roles. In 2018, a friend introduced me to Toastmasters, and I saw it as the perfect avenue to enhance my communication and leadership skills.

    Since joining, I have embraced every opportunity to grow, serving in all Toastmasters Club Officer roles and stepping into challenging positions such as Area Director and Division Director. These experiences pushed me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to lead and inspire hundreds of fellow Toastmasters on their own journeys.

    With the support and guidance of many mentors and fellow Toastmasters, I reached significant milestones along the way, culminating in the achievement of the Distinguished Toastmaster designation.

    Milestones Achieved

    Throughout my journey to achieving DTM, I’ve accomplished the following, among many other milestones:

    • Served all Creating Communicators Club Officer Roles
    • 3 Toastmaster Pathways
      • Innovative Planning
      • Persuasive Influence
      • Team Collaboration
      • Distinguished Toastmaster
    • Speech Craft Coordinator
    • Area Director
    • Division Director
    • Club Coach for Swift Plaza
    • DTM Project (Program Phoenix) – See our project website
    • Mentored several Toastmasters
    • Provided officer training at District Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) Events
      • VP of Public Relations
      • VP of Membership

    Looking Ahead

    I am deeply grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the many people who have supported me on this path. While earning the DTM designation is a significant accomplishment, I know there is still much to learn.

    As a new Distinguished Toastmaster, I am eager to apply the skills I’ve developed to excel in all areas of my life. I am committed to paying forward the guidance and support I’ve received by helping others achieve their goals.

    Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey. Your support has been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and contribution.

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