My plan was to greet you with a video message. However, as fate would have it, I’m writing to you with a voice that has temporarily taken leave.
Whilst at Convention, your District Trio, Seema Menon Program Quality Director, Lynne Gayer, Club Growth Director and I have been working hard on the District Success Plan and the District Budget along with other members of the District Leadership Team.
We also attended District Leadership Training with other District Trios from around the world and it was an inspiration to be part of this global community, to not only network, but to brainstorm and share ideas and inspiration.
At the 2025 Toastmasters International Convention in Philadelphia, we were asked to visualise the future. With a focus on our value statement, we reflected on why we are in Toastmasters, how we have benefited, and how sharing our stories can help others see how they might benefit too.
Visualising the future means considering how these skills will continue to shape our personal and professional lives. It also means recognising the role we play in helping the next generation of members discover their own voices. By sharing our experiences, the meetings where we grew with confidence, the projects where we stretched ourselves, the mentors who guided us, we clearly demonstrate to others what is possible, especially when we share how this has shaped our world outside of Toastmasters, be it a work promotion, a new job or enhanced business or leadership skills. Everyone has their own unique story to share. Now is the time to think about how you will use your skills, your experience, and your voice, not only to continue your own journey, but to help others begin theirs.
Below are the other main convention highlights.
Please join me in congratulating from District 91, Jean Gamester, DTM, in being elected Second Vice President of Toastmasters International.
The full list of the Toastmasters International Board 2025-2026 are as follows:
Aletta Rochat, DTM, of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, is the new International President of Toastmasters International
Stefano McGhee, DTM, of Weymouth, Massachusetts, US – International President-Elect
Gauri Seshadri, DTM, of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India – First Vice President
Jean Gamester, DTM, of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom – Second Vice President
Radhi Spear, DTM, of Piscataway, New Jersey, is the Immediate Past International President
International Directors:
International Director Region 1 – Michael Bown, DTM, of Victoria, Canada
International Director Region 2 – Mark Lucas, DTM, of San Marino, California
International Director Region 3 – Chris Raneri, DTM, of Frisco, Texas
International Director Region 4 – Srinivas Saineni, DTM, of Algonquin, Illinois
International Director Region 5 – Andrew Horberry, DTM, of Toronto, Canada
International Director Region 6 – Jenilee Taylor, DTM, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
International Director Region 7 – Ramona Baylor, DTM, of Gove City, Ohio
International Director Region 8 – Sujit Sukumaran, DTM, of Dubai, UAE
International Director Region 9 – Hani Nur Zaihanirah Zaini, DTM, of Malaysia
International Director Region 10 – Francesco Fedele, DTM, of Rome, Italy
International Director Region 11 – Patrick Oluyide, DTM, of Lagos, Nigeria
International Director Region 12 – Monique Tonna, DTM, of Sydney, Australia
Pathways Updates
Next year will bring exciting updates to Pathways, with new features that draw on the much-loved Competent Communication and Advanced manuals. Many members are already making the most of Pathways, but if you have not yet explored it fully, now is a great time to start. Becoming familiar with the programme and progressing through the levels now will help you gain confidence and ensure you can enjoy the full benefit of the enhancements when they arrive.
World Champion of Public Speaking 2025
Sabyasachi Sengupta is the new World Champion of Public Speaking. Sengupta from District 59, Region 10, won with a speech titled, “Just Nod.”
District Council Meeting
The first District Council meeting will take place on Sunday 21st September, following the District Executive Committee meeting on 7th September.
As a key part of Toastmasters governance, this meeting relies on the active participation of every Club President and Vice President of Education. By registering and attending, you help ensure the District can conduct its business effectively and continue to serve our members well. Information has already been shared via email, but if you have any questions, please contact your Area or Division Director, or reach out to me directly.
We have had a very busy period of Club Officer Training, and I want to take this opportunity to thank both Area and Division Directors and others who have supported in providing training, and for every one of you for attending. Please take advantage of final training opportunities.
The year ahead gives us the chance to set our goals and steadily put them into action. Let’s do this collaboratively together.
Yours in service
Debbie Williams
District Director 2025-2026
District 91
Last Updated on 28th August 2025 by Allen Paul