Speaker Testimonials
ReadWest Adult Literacy Program was looking for an MC for our 30th Anniversary event. Since I am a former Toastmaster, I reached out to the Toastmasters District 23 leadership and they put me in touch with Marianne Bjelke. From our first meeting where I told her about our event, she was the consummate professional. Marianne asked all sorts of questions about the organization, event, and the entertainers we had lined up in order to be prepared and craft inspiring introductions. She kept in touch with me and our entertainers and even coordinated with our board president to ensure her remarks did not overlap with his. Marianne’s performance as MC for our event was outstanding in every way, from the way she dressed in keeping with the event theme to touching base with each person she was introducing that night. Her demeanor was calm, confident, and reassuring. Likewise, her voice was clear and full of energy. Most of all, Marianne was absolutely amazing in her ability to both incorporate new information on the fly and deftly weave humor in at appropriate places. Undoubtedly, Marianne played a huge role in the success of ReadWest’s 30th Anniversary event. If you are looking for a professional speaker, I highly recommend Marianne Bjelke.
Marianne Bjelke
2019-11-06T17:50:06-07:00
Morgan O'Donnell
Co Lead at Giving Tuesday New Mexico
Advisory Board, ReadWest LLC
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/morgan-odonnell-readwest-30th-anniversary/
1
I found myself thinking of your talk tonight AGAIN, as my mind was settling for the evening. Since it was the millionth time I was thinking about it, I decide to get up and write you a thank you. Myself, and the La Luz membership were still talking about how much we enjoyed your August presentation of The Secret 5 Steps to Becoming a Superhero, at our September meeting! I was trying to see what the common thread was in your presentation that had such a positive effect on us and I narrowed it down to hope. It was relatable, in a format we could have emotion about and connect with, it was simply straightforward, and doable…with a cape of course. You were full of integrity and shared your story with us that allowed us to connect, care and really listen. You took off your cape and showed us who you were. That allowed us to look at our goals honestly, evaluate are our actions, pushed us stop asking and start doing! It gave us hope with a plan.
Keep up the good work Marianne! We are grateful. We will do the work! As Iron Man said, “Heroes are made by the path they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”
Marianne Bjelke
2019-10-04T14:03:17-06:00
Michelle Lewis
La Luz League of the American Business Women’s Association
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/1280/
1
Our originally scheduled speaker had an injury days before our event and had to cancel. Lucky for us, Marianne Bjelke was available to fill in with just three days’ notice. She gave a great presentation to our staff of about a hundred, on multi-generational communication. She offered great insight into how to recognize our own communication styles, while also offering tips on improving one’s own communication with multitudes of others – whether colleague or customer – in order to be successful with the message – all with great humor and personalization. I highly recommend Marianne for your event!
Marianne Bjelke
2019-10-04T14:20:52-06:00
Diana Sandoval-Tapia
Public Information Officer
NM Workers’ Compensation Administration
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/diana-sandoval-tapia-pio-nmwca/
1
Marianne Bjelke's presentation of "5 Secret Steps to Becoming a Superhero" is powerfully delivered. Her correlation of her seven year old son's steps to becoming a Superhero to grown-up steps for success is unique and memorable. Her emotional ending is gripping. I highly recommend Ms. Bjelke as a speaker for your next conference.
Marianne Bjelke
2019-02-20T16:29:02-07:00
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/david-mink-jan-2019/
1
Hello Marianne,
The evening at the San Ysidro Church was festive ... and you were the consummate hostess/MC. Great job!
Regards,
Nasario
Marianne Bjelke
2019-11-06T16:40:14-07:00
Nasario Garcia, PhD
Authour, Folklorist, Speaker
Professor Emeritus of Hispanic Languages and Literatures
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/dr-nasario-garcia-readwest-30th-anniversary/
1
Marianne has the ability to connect with the audience like no other! She is genuine, kind, and considerate of her audience. Plus her ideas in her presentation brought real value to my business. Thank you, Marianne!
Marianne Bjelke
2019-02-20T16:23:59-07:00
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/eva-fanari-jan-2019/
1
I am delighted to provide this letter of recommendation for Marianne Bjelke. The Event Committee at ReadWest Adult Literacy Program selected Marianne as the MC of our 30th Anniversary Celebration on November 2, 2019.
Marianne provided the evening with the tone our event needed. She controlled the flow and essential activities of the evening, including the fundraising component. Marianne welcomed everyone with a thoughtful opening that highlighted the critical adult literacy services ReadWest provides. She provided well-prepared introductions for our performers and speakers. Marianne kept us on schedule while keeping the mood light with her friendly humor.
Very comfortable on stage, Marianne put everyone at ease. Knowing our program was in good hands, the event organizers were able to relax and socialize with our donors.
Marianne is a professional. She was on time and organized. Beforehand, she communicated with each of the performers to compile their biographies. She was well prepared and rehearsed for our event. I recommend her to organizations and businesses looking for a master of ceremony, anchor, or spokesperson.
If you have any questions or need further information regarding Marianne Bjelke’s job performance for us, please contact me.
Marianne Bjelke
2019-11-08T09:21:49-07:00
Muncie Hansen
Executive Director
ReadWest LLC
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/muncie-hansen-executive-director-readwest-llc-30th-anniversary-event/
1
Marianne is very engaging speaker that knows how to deliver, with humor!
Marianne Bjelke
2019-02-20T15:12:14-07:00
Rene Chavez, Dean
Dual Credit / ECHS Counseling Coordinator
El Paso Community College
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/rene-chavez-epcc-oct-2018/
1
I think you are an awesome presenter! Your presentations are always informative with added humor!
Marianne Bjelke
2017-02-20T15:18:10-07:00
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/jo-bowman-nmha-2017/
1
By the way, you are an excellent presenter, Marianne. You did an excellent job of explaining things logically and concisely, and in handling the questions and audience. You were applauded and that rarely, rarely happens.
Marianne Bjelke
2017-06-09T15:12:44-06:00
Annie Jung
Associate Executive Director
New Mexico Medical Society
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/annie-jung-june-2017/
1
Thanks so much for presenting at the last minute for us. I had no idea that you came all the way from Albuquerque! I heard very positive feedback. Especially from the man who got the cape. Thanks again!
Marianne Bjelke
2018-10-20T15:06:04-06:00
Sue Selk, Professor of Speech
Instructional Coordinator – Speech
Dual Credit Instructional Coordinator
El Paso Community College
https://bewhatnow.com/testimonials/913/
1