About us
29 Years of Building Leaders
Blue Streak Toastmasters has been developing communicators and leaders at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina since 1997.
Our story
A club built by the people who show up
Blue Streak Toastmasters was chartered on March 1, 1997, as a corporate club for employees of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. For 29 years, we have been the place where BCBSSC employees and retirees come to build communication skills, practice leadership, and grow alongside colleagues who take the work seriously.
We meet every Wednesday from 12:00 to 12:55 PM on Microsoft Teams. Our meetings follow the proven Toastmasters format: prepared speeches, impromptu speaking (Table Topics), and structured evaluations. Every role in the meeting builds a different skill, and every member gets consistent, honest feedback that drives real improvement.
What makes Blue Streak different is the people. Our members compete at district-level speech contests, lead regional events, serve in district leadership roles, and consistently set the standard for what a corporate Toastmasters club can be.
Club credentials
By the numbers
Est. 1997
Chartered March 1, 1997. 29 years of continuous operation as a BCBSSC corporate club.
Club #5548
Area G73, District 213 (South Carolina and Georgia, effective July 1, 2026).
3x DTM
Home to a three-time Distinguished Toastmaster and multiple DTM holders. The highest achievement in Toastmasters education.
2024 TLI Host
Hosted the 2024 Summer Toastmasters Leadership Institute at the BCBSSC GPC building. Active competitors at Area, Division, and District levels.
Member highlights
The people who make Blue Streak what it is
Minnie Thomas, DTM (x3)
Three-time Distinguished Toastmaster. Speech contest winner. One of the most accomplished members in the district.
Mary Alice Barth, DTM
Distinguished Toastmaster. Chaired the 2024 District 58 PDTA conference. A leader who builds leaders.
Victor Gascón, DTM
Two-time District 58 Toastmaster of the Year. District Speakers Bureau member. Competitive excellence meets community service.
Cassie VanDelinder
VP Education. 2025 Area C Evaluation Contest winner. Architect of the meeting themes and Ascension Notes program.
Club officers
2026-2027 Leadership Team
President
Victor Gascon, DTM
VP Education
Cassie VanDelinder, PM2
VP Membership
Deborah McCray, DTM
VP Public Relations
Jamela Hillary-Harris
Secretary
Mary Alice Barth, DTM
Treasurer
Evelyn Etidau, LD1
Sergeant at Arms
Knorphe Byrd, VC2
Blue Streak is open to all employees, contract workers, and retirees of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and affiliated companies. Not sure if you are eligible? Reach out and we will let you know.
Curious what a meeting looks like? See what’s coming up →
Blue Streak Toastmasters is a recognized employee club of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the individual club members and do not represent the views of BCBSSC or its affiliated companies. Blue Streak Toastmasters Club #5548 is a recognized club of Toastmasters International. All rights reserved. Toastmasters International, the Toastmasters International logo and all other Toastmasters International trademarks and copyrights are the sole property of Toastmasters International and may be used only by permission.
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