2022 - 2023 Board of Directors

Matt Kinsey, DTM

International President

Matt Kinsey, DTM

Matt Kinsey, DTM, of Coral Springs, Florida, is the managing director and Chief Information Security Officer of IT Fusion, LLC in Coral Springs, Florida, which was formed in 2021 as a result of a merger between MK Tech Group and three other local IT firms. Kinsey oversees operations and security for this IT consulting firm that services small and medium-sized businesses in the South Florida area.

Kinsey holds a master's degree in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix, Arizona. He has a certificate in strategic management and was recognized with the Silver Beaver and Vigil Honor awards for his work with the Boy Scouts of America. As a Boy Scout volunteer for more than 25 years, he has held numerous positions within the organization, including Scoutmaster, district chairman, event chairman, and the council's camping chairman.

A Toastmaster since 2003, Kinsey is a charter member of his home club, Outspoken Toastmasters, in Coral Springs. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

“I have learned that to be most successful, you need to lead with your heart and not your head,” he says. “There is no finer program than Toastmasters for helping people build their self-confidence, communication and leadership skills.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Kinsey is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release 




Morag Mathieson, DTM

International President-Elect

Morag Mathieson, DTM

Morag Mathieson, DTM, of Moehrendorf, Germany, is a self-employed professional development consultant and chair of the Board of the child sponsorship charity Living Water Germany e.V. Previously, she was the general manager and superintendent pharmacist for Belfast Co-operative Chemists, where she had full professional and business responsibility for a group of pharmacies in Northern Ireland. Her responsibilities included all aspects of strategy, service development and delivery. At Alliance Pharmacy, she created new business concepts including continuing professional development for pharmacy professionals.

Mathieson holds a master’s degree in business administration from The Open University in Milton Keynes, England. She served on pharmacy services boards of government departments in both Scotland and in Northern Ireland. She also served on the board of USA Girl Scouts Overseas in Southern Germany, where she was responsible for finance.

A Toastmaster since 2006, Mathieson is a member of her home club, Erlangen Toastmasters in Erlangen, Bavaria. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

She says, “Growth in confidence is the biggest single benefit to be gained from Toastmasters. By establishing and extending their competence in all forms of communication and leadership, members are able to make a positive impact throughout all aspects of their lives.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Mathieson is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Radhi Spear, DTM

First Vice President

Radhi Spear, DTM

Radhi Spear, DTM, of Piscataway, New Jersey, is a software engineer for AT&T in Middletown, New Jersey, and has worked in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years.  She has expertise in software development, systems administration, and acceptance testing. She troubleshoots problems and develops software for projects that impact millions of people.

Spear holds a master’s degree of science in electrical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey. She participates in employee resource groups at AT&T, including Women of AT&T and InspirASIAN, which fosters development and leadership opportunities for its members. She was also an assistant Girl Scout troop leader for five years.

A Toastmaster since 2000, Spear is a charter member of her home club, AT&T Middletown Toastmasters in Middletown. She has held several high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

She says, “In Toastmasters, you learn skills that you can use in all aspects of your life, and as you help others, you learn and grow at the same time. I now have the ability and the confidence to speak up.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Spear is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release 




Aletta Rochat, DTM

Second Vice President

Aletta Rochat, DTM

Aletta Rochat, DTM, of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, is a professional speaker, trainer, and author. She owns Voicing your Potential, a company she founded in 2010. She is Co-Founder of Interview Survival Guide, founded in 2020.

Rochat has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Witwatersrand and a diploma in marketing management from the University of South Africa. She is also a certified world class speaking coach. During her time as a student, Rochat was a part of the Rotary exchange program. As a young professional, she was selected for the Rotary Group Study Exchange program. Xtraordinary Women honored her with the Woman of the Month award in April 2018. Outside of Toastmasters, Rochat serves as a trustee of both the Allegro Trust and The Eden, where she manages funds for both nonprofit organizations.

A Toastmaster since 2008, Rochat is a member of her home club, Cape Town Toastmasters Club in Cape Town. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

She says, “Speaking and leadership skills are catalysts for opportunity. Toastmasters provides the environment that allows you to build self-belief and confidence, which are essential for career development. An investment of time and energy into our program delivers results in all areas of your life.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Rochat is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release 




Richard E. Peck, DTM

Immediate Past International President

Richard E. Peck, DTM

Richard E. Peck, DTM, of Seymour, Connecticut, was a senior member of the Network Support division at AT&T, where he had worked for over 30 years. During his tenure as a project manager, he led cross-functional teams to successfully deliver several multimillion-dollar high-tech projects annually. His responsibilities also included writing and updating technical and training documents, as well as providing project analysis and solutions. He was also responsible for streamlining processes through the use of Robotic Process Automation.

Peck earned an MBA in international business at the University of Texas at Dallas. He is a certified project management professional by the Project Management Institute. His volunteer work includes serving as club president and Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis International, serving with Lions Club International, as well as serving in various capacities with the Catholic War Veterans. He also enjoys traveling, studying world cultures, and helping others achieve more than they believe they can. Peck was a recipient of the 2018 Presidential Award for Volunteerism.

A Toastmaster since 2006, Peck is a member of his home club, Nutmeg, in Woodbridge, Connecticut, and is also a member of Park City Toastmasters in Stratford, Connecticut. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

He says, “To me, Toastmasters is about making a positive, life-changing impact on individuals throughout the world. Through Toastmasters we have the ability to change the world one member at a time!”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Peck is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release 




Louisa Davis, DTM

International Director, Region 1

Louisa Davis, DTM

Louisa Davis, DTM, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a learning and communication specialist with Best Buy Canada. She takes care of change management for the large consumer electronics retailer’s merchandising team, providing communications and training on systems, tools, best practices, and leadership development.

Davis earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Guelph, focusing on tourism and hospitality management. She is a chartered professional in human resources (CPHR), a certified meeting professional (CMP), and holds a certification in meeting management (CMM). She was the 2018-2019 District 96 Toastmaster of the Year and served as District 96 Director when the pandemic hit.

A Toastmaster since 2002, Davis is a member of Speak Your Mind Toastmasters, in Vancouver and Be Amazing Toastmasters, Best Buy’s corporate club, in Burnaby. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

“When Toastmasters find their voice and gain the confidence to express themselves without fear or doubt, it transforms them,” said Davis. “This goes well beyond our organization—it empowers people to make a difference in their lives and to, ultimately, change the world.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Davis is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Jesse Oakley III, DTM

International Director, Region 2

Jesse Oakley III, DTM

Jesse Oakley III, DTM, of Las Vegas, Nevada, is an associate engineer at the Nevada Department of Transportation, where he has worked for 22 years. In his role, he supervises associate engineers and engineering technicians, prioritizes daily workloads, delegates and directs activities to assigned staff, leads trainings, evaluates employees, and performs field inspections for all staff and employees.

Oakley earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He was a part of the first graduating class of the State of Nevada Management Academy, and he also received the Six-Sigma Green Belt Certification from the Management and Strategy Institute. Oakley has been recognized with the Bronze Achievement in Customer Excellence Service Award from the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. He is currently involved with the American Red Cross of Nevada in a variety of volunteer leadership positions with the Communication Department.

A Toastmaster since 2002, Oakley is a member of his home club, Starmasters Toastmasters. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

He says, “Joining Toastmasters is a great investment. This organization can be seen as a ladder that will help people find employment, make new friends, and improve their personal growth with communication and leadership skills. When one joins Toastmasters, everybody wins!”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Oakley is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Michael J. Holian

International Director, Region 3

Michael J. Holian, DTM

Michael J. Holian, DTM, of Chandler, Arizona, is an information technology specialist for CSAA Insurance Group, where he has worked for the past eight years. He is the product owner and administrator for a suite of software collaboration and developmental tools. Holian is the chair of the governance board, responsible for identifying best practices, reviewing proposed changes, and communicating the product roadmap.

Holian attended Chubb Institute of Computer Technology, where he earned a certification in computer programming. He is a community impact champion for his employer and coordinates volunteer activities for fellow employees. Additionally, Holian volunteers his time for the Special Olympics, a local foodbank, and other organizations through his employer.

A Toastmaster since 1992, Holian is a member of his home club, Leader’s Plus Toastmasters, in Mesa, Arizona. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

“Throughout this journey in Toastmasters, I have honed my emotional intelligence, listening, and leadership skills in such a way that I'm able to use these skills every day in my professional life to provide leadership, regardless of organizational standing,” Holian said. “My Toastmaster experience has also expanded my understanding of other people and cultures, providing opportunities for friendships and increasing my understanding of diverse experiences and perspectives.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Holian is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release 




Kimberly Lynne Myers, DTM

International Director, Region 4

Kimberly Lynne Myers, DTM

Kimberly Lynne Myers, DTM, of Kansas City, Missouri, is a senior business analyst at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), where she has worked for seven years. In her role, she is the product owner for the applications her team supports, presents demonstrations to the executive team, serves on the UI/UX team, and serves as a Guiding Coalition member for development teams as NAIC transitions to the agile method of software development.

Myers earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. She is a certified Agile Team Facilitator and a certified Agile Coach. Myers implemented the NAIC Life Policy Locater that has provided beneficiaries the ability to find lost life insurance and annuity policies. This paid out over 1 billion USD to beneficiaries from its implementation in December 2016 to September 2020. She works with the Reagan Foundation's Great Communicator Debate Series as a judge and has judged for the National Speech and Debate Association since she graduated from high school. She has also been involved in a local nonprofit that supports women leaders in the Kansas City area.

A Toastmaster since 2004, Myers is a member of her home club, Masters Toastmasters, in Lenexa, Kansas. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Myers reflects that Toastmasters has provided her with the skills needed to work successfully in an agile team. She says, “Whether professionally or personally, anyone can benefit from a Toastmasters membership. The organization provides the skills to grow as a speaker and leader. From the beginner speaker to an advanced one, Toastmasters provides the arena and support to grow as a person and leader.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Myers is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Monnica B. Rose

International Director, Region 5

Monnica B. Rose, DTM

Monnica B. Rose, DTM, of Rowlett, Texas, is a retired mechanical engineer. During her career, Rose spent 30 years working for L3Harris Technologies, where she led, mentored, and project-managed a team that supports aircraft and ground station systems for the United States Air Force. She provided input on budgets in excess of 24 million USD, providing monthly work force forecasts.

Rose earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering technology from Southern University and Agriculture & Mechanical College. She is an advanced certified paralegal and holds a certification in conflict resolution from Cornell University. In 2020, Rose was recognized with the National Society of Black Engineers S.T.E.M. award for her impact in her community. Currently, she serves as the board president for Women of Visionary Influence.

A Toastmaster since 2006, Rose is a member of her home club, Awesome Articulators, in Greenville, Texas. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

“Those who fully embrace all that the Toastmasters program has to offer will truly have a life-changing experience,” Rose stated.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Rose is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release 




Dawn Frail, DTM

International Director, Region 6

Dawn Frail, DTM

Dawn Frail, DTM, of Toronto, Ontario, is the owner and president of Athena Executive Education, a leadership development and consulting firm, where she has worked for 17 years. Through consulting and coaching projects, she works with senior leaders and leadership teams to help them become more cohesive and less dysfunctional, resulting in an organizational culture that drives competitive advantage. She also facilitates a senior executive peer advisory group with Canadian business leaders.

Frail earned a master's degree in leadership from the University of Guelph. She also holds certifications in several methodologies, including Myers-Briggs Master Practitioner, Organizational Transition Management, and Balanced Scorecard. In 1983 she established and led a support organization for military women and wives on a Canadian Air Force Base, and in 2010 the Calgary Foundation recognized her with the Kathryn Huget Leadership Award. Frail is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

A Toastmaster since 1991, Frail is a member of her home club, Speaking From Experience Advanced Toastmasters. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Frail reflects that Toastmasters has significantly impacted her career because it has helped her find her voice and develop the confidence to express it. She says, “Toastmasters can help people gain clarity of thought around messages they wish to convey and build the skills they need to become a confident communicator. For business professionals, the ability to listen, think, and speak more effectively can give a major boost to a career, especially for a leader.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Frail is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Elmer Hill, DTM

International Director, Region 7

Elmer Hill, DTM

Elmer T. Hill, DTM, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is president and chief executive officer of The ComTech Group, Inc., a company he founded in 2004.

Hill holds multiple certifications in cybersecurity, computer software, and hardware from Apple, CompTIA, Microsoft, and SonicWall. Hill is a certified project management professional (PMP). In 2002, he won the IBM Multicultural People in Technology award for his innovative development of a complete work-from-home technology solution. In his free time, Hill volunteers as an IT consultant with several organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle.

A Toastmaster since 2013, Hill is a member of four clubs, including his home club, Bull City Toastmasters in Morrisville, North Carolina; NC Project Leaders in Morrisville, North Carolina; Blue Moon Advanced Toastmasters in Greensboro, North Carolina; and Leaders Circle in Virginia. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

“Toastmasters gives me the opportunity to use and improve a variety of skills,” Hill said. “It starts with speaking and leadership skills, but Toastmasters has helped me hone my interpersonal, time management, and project management skills as well.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Hill is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Anwesha Banerjee, DTM

International Director, Region 8

Anwesha Banerjee, DTM

Anwesha Banerjee, DTM, of Brisbane, California, is a neuroscientist for Annexon Bioscience. In her role, she leads preclinical programs with the mission to develop therapeutic strategies and interventions for neurological disorders, including Huntington's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Banerjee holds a doctorate degree in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas. While earning her doctorate, she was awarded the Women in Bio Behavioral Scholarship, and in 2017 she became a Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation Fellow to advance knowledge in the field of Myotonic Dystrophy. She is the Executive Director of the educational nonprofit, iStart Valley, where she helps expand the Human Capital Accelerator programs, geared toward helping individuals transition their careers to new and emerging industries. Her leadership helped start several new educational programs that are now delivered to hundreds of middle and high school children across North America in a virtual setting.

A Toastmaster since 2013, Banerjee is a member of her home club, the Dogwood Club, in Atlanta, Georgia. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

According to Banerjee, Toastmasters can be incorporated as a part of a healthy lifestyle. She says, “The program encourages, motivates, and shows us the way to become better a version of ourselves every day. Overcoming fear, building self-confidence, networking effectively, managing time, and managing relationships are a few of the many benefits one can reap from Toastmasters, both personally and professionally.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Banerjee is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Jeff Sobel, DTM

International Director, Region 9

Jeff Sobel, DTM

Jeff Sobel, DTM, of East Greenbush, New York, is a senior cybersecurity specialist for New York Independent System Operator in Rensselaer, where he has worked for 20 years. In his role, Sobel focuses on leading teams to introduce new technologies and interfacing with business owners to communicate technical concepts in a non-technical manner. He also educates users on cybersecurity concepts and best practices.

Sobel earned a degree in mathematics from Binghamton University in New York. He is currently in the second year serving as president of his homeowners’ association. With 37 townhomes, he uses skills learned in Toastmasters for the betterment of the community, including moving the board from a day-to-day operations focus toward developing a forward-looking strategic plan. As a board member and operations officer for two ambulance corps, Sobel led an effort to transform and modernize one of them and chaired a committee to rewrite its constitution. Named Western Turnpike Rescue Squad Volunteer of the Year, Sobel demonstrated exemplary dedication to his community and organization through his service both as an EMT and as a leader. He is an avid runner, a musician, and has a third-degree black belt in Washin-ryu Karate-do.

A Toastmaster since 2005, Sobel is a charter member of his home club, NYISO Toastmasters club in Rensselaer, while also being a long-standing member of Bethlehem Toastmasters in Delmar. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of achievement in the organization.

Sobel says, “I love helping others experience the same benefits from Toastmasters that I have, seeing them become better communicators, better leaders, better people.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Sobel is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Jean Gamester, DTM

International Director, Region 10

Jean Gamester, DTM

Jean Gamester, DTM, of Cardiff, Wales, is a business school lecturer at The Open University in the United Kingdom. In her role, she educates on leadership, strategy, change, creativity, and innovation. This work builds on her international, multi-cultural, and multi-sector corporate change and leadership experience that includes company-wide strategy development, consulting, and implementation.

Gamester earned master's degrees in Human Resource Management and Economics, the former from the University of Bedfordshire in the UK, the latter from University College Dublin, Ireland. She additionally has an ACCA certified diploma in accounting and finance, and certification in the fields of program management, project management, information technology, coaching, psychology, literature, creative writing, and yoga. She is currently pursuing a professional doctorate in organizational change. She is a past Interim CEO of Charity Speakers Trust and Founding Director of Semaphora Consulting in the United Kingdom.

A Toastmaster since 2006, Gamester is a member of her home club, Cardiff Toastmasters. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

She reflects that Toastmasters has helped her gain communication and leadership skills that have empowered her to lead complex strategic change in organizations and helps her inspire as a speaker and university lecturer. She says, “People tend to join Toastmasters because they want to become more confident and capable speakers. We tend to stay for a variety of reasons—because we connect with the creative joy of speaking in public, we develop the skill of leadership, we build great friendships. Subtly over time, we become better versions of ourselves—we communicate, listen, care, and contribute more richly to our families and communities.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Gamester is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Ali Shahbaz Ali Shah, DTM

International Director, Region 11

Ali Shahbaz Ali Shah, DTM

Ali Shahbaz Ali Shah, DTM, of Muharraq, Bahrain, is a director of professional development and business strategist. In his role, Shah participates in board meetings to approve various organizational policies. He also oversees creating standard operating procedures, feasibility reports, and security policies. Additionally, he is responsible for developing, updating, and approving effective training programs and materials.

Shah is a board member and key advisor on management information systems, robotics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence projects. While lecturing on cloud computing in 2012, a new concept to be taught, he was named employee of the month at Bahrain Polytechnic.

A Toastmaster since 2004, Shah is a member of his home club, the Bahrain Advanced Toastmasters Club, in Manama, Bahrain. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

He says, “I enjoy the continuous transformation in my communication that allows me to gain more confidence; develop stronger bonds with my family, relatives, and friends; and serve society.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Shah is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Benjamin McCormick, DTM

International Director, Region 12

Benjamin McCormick, DTM

Benjamin McCormick, of Springfield, Australia, is a home lending retention advisor at Suncorp Group Limited, where he has worked for over eight years. In his role, McCormick leads work across the bank to improve the home lending portfolio retention rate. His work involves balancing between customer outcomes, shareholder returns, regulatory compliance, development and application of government frameworks, and oversight of funded retention projects.

McCormick holds a Master of Business degree. In his professional life, he has forged an efficient working relationship between retail and business banking channels, resulting in a greatly enhanced turnaround time for his business' customers. As a result of McCormick spearheading this collaboration, he and his team achieved quarterly results of over 300% of the relevant financial target.

A Toastmaster since 2010, McCormick is a member of his home club, Ipswich Toastmasters, in Ipswich, Australia. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Reflecting on his involvement in Toastmasters, McCormick says, “Improving your ability to provide feedback in a helpful, practical manner can benefit someone regardless of where they are in life. To have a space where you can grow and develop how, when, and where you give feedback is applicable to anyone, and valuable to everyone.”

News Release




Gauri Seshadri

International Director, Region 13

Gauri Seshadri, DTM

Gauri Seshadri, DTM, of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, is the head of social media and digital content strategy for The Bumblebee Branding Company. She works with the leadership team to evaluate, manage, and execute initiatives that best support the company’s short-term and long-term strategies. Her responsibilities also include assisting the company’s clients in developing strategic plans for digital marketing, lead generation, and scalability. She is also the founder and owner of her own company, Sesh Consultants.

Seshadri holds a master of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Utah. She worked with public health experts in India to conduct the first national conference addressing health inequities across the country. This conference brought together over 300 social activists, researchers, practitioners, and public health students from across India. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has volunteered with her city government to support people who have been quarantined, conducted contact tracing, and organized free COVID testing camps. Seshadri has received the Presidential Citation from Toastmasters in recognition of her continued service to the organization.

A Toastmaster since 2005, Seshadri is a member of her home club, WeSpeak Toastmasters Club, in Bengaluru. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

“Toastmasters provides constant validation that I have a voice and that I can use my voice to change the world around me,” Seshadri said. “It empowers people worldwide to become a better version of themselves through the values and benefits it provides.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Seshadri is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




Helen He, DTM

International Director, Region 14

Helen He, DTM

Helen He, DTM, of Shanghai, China, is the co-founder of Shanghai Alie Business Consulting Co. In her role, she plans and discusses the company's vision and performance with the management team and works with the team to decide on the company's direction and operative guidelines. She leads coaches to build high-performance teams that give their clients the systems and capabilities they need to succeed.

Helen has a bachelor's degree in statistics from Fudan University. She is a Professional Certified Coach by International Coaching Federation, and throughout her career she has completed many training programs, including Evolutionary Coaching Training, Team Coaching Training, CSA Facilitation Training, and CEIBS Executive Education. She served as the project leader and head coach of Shanghai Hujiang Education Group's “Teacher as Coach,” an online education program for 800 middle school teachers in rural areas of China, and as the project leader of the 2022 U.lab 2x Innovation Project, “Build Team Dynamics in Commercial Organizations.” Helen was the co-chair of the 6th Asia Pacific Coaching Conference in Shanghai, and she is currently an MBA mentor for the Shanghai International Studies University MBA program, providing career and life guidance to participating MBA students.

A Toastmaster since 2015, Helen is a member of her home club, Shanghai Talent Discovery Bilingual TMC. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Helen credits Toastmasters with teaching her how to handle difficult conversations, how to inject hope, and how to boost energy in others to enable them to blossom in challenging times. She tells current and prospective members that: “You will increase your self-awareness. You will become someone you desire to be by immersing yourself in Toastmasters learning programs. When you embark on a journey of becoming a better self, your well-being and happiness, your career, and your relationship will change amazingly!”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Helen is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release




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