Eleni Kyrtsia, from Area C5 has been recognised as Area Director of the Month for April for her dedication, consistency, and support to clubs, including helping Markel return after 10 months of hard work.
We asked Eleni about the recognition, the journey with Markel, and what she has learned about supporting clubs as an Area Director.
Congratulations on being recognised as Area Director of the Month for April. What did this recognition mean to you?
Thank you Allen. I’ve been a member of Toastmasters for more than three years now, and this community means a lot to me, my club Wharf speakers is like a little family to me. The recognition was a very welcome surprise, it was nice to see the effort and support given to clubs being acknowledged.
Markel came back after 10 months of hard work. What kept you believing that the club could return?
I think with Markel, it was always about the intention from the members to keep the club alive. They never gave me a doubt that it wouldn’t happen. Of course, there are always blockers, people are busy, things get missed, life happens, but when people are truly convinced things will work out, that creates reassurance and doesn’t leave room for ambiguity. It was clear that Markel wasn’t ready to close its doors; it just needed a bit more time and support to get things back on track.
What would you say to another Area Director supporting a club through a difficult period?
Don’t underestimate the importance of simply being present and consistent. Things don’t usually change overnight, so being understanding and helping maintain a positive attitude despite the challenges can go a long way. Sometimes clubs don’t need someone to step in and sort out everything immediately, they need support and encouragement. Sticking around when things seem to slip away helps more than people think.
What has this experience taught you about supporting different clubs?
Every club is different. They all have different needs, challenges, pace and way of doing things. So there’s no one size fits all approach for Area Directors when supporting clubs. We have to meet them where they are, understand what success looks like for them, and help them move forward in a way that is realistic and sustainable for them. This way the progress they make is way more meaningful for their members and will have a more lasting impact.
What message would you like to share with members and leaders across the District?
Every person I’ve spoken to in Toastmasters talks about the value it brings to their life. It becomes a community, and sometimes even a family, where people help each other grow into stronger versions of themselves and into the people they want to become. What a privilege it is to witness and share that kind of growth with others on their journey. Every time we show up for ourselves in some way, we move a little closer to the version of ourselves we want to become. And every time we help someone else, we help them move closer too. Clubs grow because of the effort, care, and dedication of the people within them. There is something really special about preserving and nurturing those safe spaces for growth.
Eleni’s story is a reminder that club support is not always about quick fixes. Sometimes, it is about presence, patience, consistency, and believing in a club long enough for it to find its way back.
