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Effective Communication Is A Must

The turning point in Cindy Wood’s life was sitting in on a murder trial.

Derek Maul/Staff photo

The turning point in Cindy Wood’s life was sitting in on a murder trial.

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By DEREK MAUL | The Brandon News

Published: March 13, 2007

Cindy Wood
President: Valrico Toastmasters
Born: Maryland, 1959
Education: University of North Carolina-Wilmington; and University of Houston Law Center
Married: Jim Wood, 1984
Children: James, Matt, Danny and Katie
Member: St Stephen Catholic Church, Campo YMCA
Quote: "Our children are our success. They are my barometer."

Cynthia Chimiak Wood is one of those people who makes the most of every moment.

She's into everything and believes passionately in what she does. She doesn't waste time, and that's one reason why she chartered the Valrico Toastmasters Club at the Campo Family YMCA.

"Effective communication is critical to getting things done," Wood said. "I feel passionate about Toastmasters."

The group is open to both the confident speaker and the novice.

"People have a message but they are restricted by fear," Wood said. "I believe the way to build self-confidence and excel is via actual accomplishments. I've seen it before my eyes. I see human potential blossom before my eyes."

Wood was born on Andrews Air Force Base and graduated from Forestville, Maryland's Suitland High School where she cheered and played varsity basketball.

"My mom was a Metropolitan Opera singer," Wood said. "She gave up her career to raise us. It was the 'You can have a career … or be a wife and mother' era. She never looked back."

After attending Frostburg State College and Prince George Community College, Wood graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington with a degree in biology and English.

She interned with the Army Corps of Engineers and immediately took a job in Texas.

"My ambition was to work near the Gilley's country and western bar," Wood said. "I was going to meet a cowboy; I had it all planned."

Instead, Gilley's burned down and she married dental technician Jim Wood. They have four children and both live the following adage: "Dad said as long as you put your kids first you'll never make a wrong decision."

A pivotal moment in her life came when Woods witnessed a murder trial.

"I was called to sit on the jury," she said. "I realized how ineffective communication can lead to tragic results. So at the age of 38 I went to law school."

The other piece of the puzzle was Toastmasters International.

"I felt something missing in myself," Wood said, "and came across Toastmasters while in a leadership development program. It was this highly supportive group that took away my fear. The feedback was encouraging and constructive. I competed in regional contests. It gave me a new sense of confidence."
After studying at the University of Houston Law Center, Wood moved to Northern Virginia, where she continued her career in wetland permitting with the Corps of Engineers.

The family moved to Brandon three years ago and Wood once again hit the ground running.
"I have to be careful," she said. "I'm type A, so when I get into something it can consume me. God keeps me in line. He knows I'm pretty stubborn."

Woods has steered the Valrico Toastmasters Club to a solid beginning.

"Toastmasters is open to all folks," she said. "The cost is reasonable and it's a good deal for what you get. You can come in at any level of proficiency. It's a place where you learn leadership."
The Valrico group has attracted a good blend of professionals.

"I've been a member of many clubs, but this experience has been the most unique and diverse," Wood said.

Learning the art of constructive feedback, she said, is important.

"We all need help there," she said. "You can apply these things throughout your life."

Wood is even driven when it comes to recreation.

"I'm an avid bird breeder," she said. I'm breading tiny parrots called Paralettes. They call them potato chips because you can't just get one. Right now I have 20, plus one macaw and two West Highland terriers."

Then there's eBay.

"I'm a power seller," she said. "Barbie dolls. We were born in the same year. Then I've got the Mattel "Wizard of Oz" collection, and I do Madame Alexander, too."

But Wood is starting to look hard at what she thinks of as Act Two.

"There's a part of life you do for the children," she said, "now I'm starting the second half. I know what I'm good at and I've got all the tools. Now it's the part where I'm gravitating toward the church."
Plus there's a consulting business, PEP.

"People, Empowerment and Potential," Wood said. "I've recently become a Myers Briggs certified instructor and I've worked as an instructor for the army, teaching effective communication and conflict management."

For Wood it's all about moving forward, pushing your own envelope and continuing to learn.
"Find out what you do well," she said. "Practice it so that you stand out. And, most critically, use that gift you've honed to make the world a better place."

She can be contacted at wood13@earthlink.net.

Derek Maul of Valrico is a freelance writer. He can be reached at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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