Armed Women of America is excited to announce that Toni Gleeson of Phoenix, Arizona has been elected to the AWA Board of Directors. Gleeson joins Michelle Camp of Utah, president; Jamie Green of Arkansas, treasurer; and Jessamy Bright, Ohio, secretary.
AWA (TWAW Shooting Chapters, Inc.) is a non-profit organization which began in 2013 with chapters across the country where women gather regularly to learn and grow in their abilities to handle firearms safely, responsibly, and competently. AWA exists to enable women to be their own self-protectors, creating freedom, peace of mind, and confidence in themselves with the skills, mindset, and training to defend themselves and those in their care.
Gleeson was elected to the volunteer-organization’s board in July.
“We are thrilled to welcome Toni Gleeson to the Armed Women of America Board of Directors, said Camp, continuing, “Toni’s years of leadership and passion for our mission have been invaluable to our organization. Her extensive experience and dedication to empowering women make her a perfect fit for our Board. We look forward to the insights and contributions she will bring as we continue to advance our mission of educating, equipping, and empowering women.”
Gleeson grew up around firearms and became an instructor in 2013. She began formal training to become a firearms instructor after a couple of co-workers asked her to teach them how to use a gun for protection. She was hooked after the big smile and the excitement when they fired a gun for the first time.
Gleeson worked several years as an instructor for a large indoor range in the Phoenix Metro Area and became a member of Armed Women of America in 2016 joining the North Scottsdale AZ chapter. Later that year she became an AWA Chapter Leader Instructor. In 2018, she became a Chapter leader Instructor with the North Valley AZ chapter at the host range Ben Avery, one of the largest publicly operated outdoor ranges in the country giving the members the ability to build on their tactical skills.
Gleeson holds multiple NRA certifications, multiple USCCA certifications, Utah Concealed Firearm Instructor and is a Certified Red Cross Instructor. Gleeson continues to work on building her skills and knowledge assisting other instructors and taking courses.
As a manager for a Fortune 300 company, Gleeson is known for partnering with diverse functional business leaders to deliver cost-effective, sustainable technology systems that align with company objectives.