District Director
KANNAN SANKARA
Three qualities
Passion – Toastmasters helped me to grow in my public speaking skills and leadership. I used to think in my native language and struggled to translate to English in Microseconds. I am Passionate with Toastmasters because it helped me to overcome this issue. I want to show what it can offer to others, and my primary goal will be to create interest in active participation with members.
Commitment — While I have been an IT Program Manager my whole life, I have always had a sense of unease with talking in front of large crowds. Toastmasters gave me the skills and confidence to stand in front of you all today. As the District Director, I hope to share my experiences with other members who felt as I once did, such that they can gain the same skills from Toastmasters that I found so transformational.”
Humble – I will be a Servant Leader and make sure that I think of others first in terms of growth and opportunities. I will provide appropriate training and opportunities to others. I will make sure that I am available to help others to succeed when needed.
Something that has struck me throughout my life is the power that words can have – to excite, support, inspire, and lead. The principles of Toastmasters have helped me, both within the club and outside, to better appreciate the power of my words. As the district director, I hope to similarly encourage other Toastmasters to appreciate the potency of their own words, and empower them towards achieving their goals.”
Program Quality Director
ANNMARIE GIVANS
Introduction: AnnMarie Givans is Authentic, Humble and Passionate.
Overview:
My vision to fulfill the role of PQD office and contribute to the district’s success for 2022-2023 is to have “NO TOASTMASTERS LEFT BEHIND.” I believe in the power of “US”
We will all work closely together to add to the basic foundation and build a stronger and solid legacy of excellence to pass on to future Toastmasters and Leaders.
Together we will rise and shine our lights as we proudly display our badge of achievements in the ultimate quest of becoming a President Distinguished Member, Club, Area, Division and District.
Club Growth Director
WESLEY GIBBS
Three words to describe myself: Reliable, focused and dedicated.
As Club Growth Director, I will build a team of experienced and passionate toastmasters who have a burning desire to develop the next generation of leaders.
My three pillars of maintaining a strong district are
(1) growth, in which the marketing team will work alongside our division directors to explore untapped markets;
(2) development, where designed strategies will build a foundation so that new clubs can thrive in the foreseeable future; and
(3) retention, where realistic goals for clubs to execute will be designed by the marketing team.
Club Growth Director
SAURABH TIWARI
In three words, I define myself as a combination of: Passion, Purpose and Personality.
How do I want to fulfill my duties as Club Growth Director/Division Director and Contribute to the success of the District;
A leader is one, who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.
I am someone who strongly believes and practice the same.
- Knows the way: I have practiced and learnt a lot about Toastmasters and leadership
- Goes the way: I took roles and accepted challenges at all levels in toastmasters and at work
- Shows the way: I always believed in mentoring, coaching, team work, helped fellow members to achieve their goals
People make clubs, clubs to area, area to division and division to District!
If we build a strong culture of learning and growth, if we ensure to meet satisfaction level of all our members and their learning needs, there are strong chances, people, clubs and the community as a whole will always grow. Not just this, success stories of our existing members will motivate more people to become Toastmasters.
CGD, Division Director or any other role is all about Servant leadership. I am an Agile coach by profession and I have always served people towards their development. I have been Club Officer, club coach, club sponsor, assistant area director, area director and more. Every time, my focus has been connecting with people, understanding their said and unsaid needs, empowering people towards success while planning innovative club meetings.
Finally, I meant to say that if I am selected as the Club Growth Director for District 18, I will use all my skills and experiences, will strike a balance in maintaining quality of current clubs and starting new clubs in the district. I have tried new ways and have experienced success in past. And I will continue to do the same.
DIVISION A DIRECTOR
PRAFULLA POLI
The very first night I attended the GNAT meeting, I met a wonderful family of members who made me feel welcome. Everyone was there to improve their leadership and communication skills, just like me. By participating in the Toastmasters program, I achieved increased self-confidence and personal growth, which prepared me for various roles in the club, including Area Director.
If elected to Division Director I am committed to helping the Division, and the Area Directors grow their membership, understand the importance of attending the TLI training, suggest creative ways to keep members involved, retain membership, and extend the mentorship program.
DIVISION B DIRECTOR
JAMIE KUMAR
This will be a transformational year. We’ll grow from this challenging year by implementing the best of our virtual meetings into our new reality.
Toastmasters taught me to build my self-confidence, one speech at a time. As a Division Director, I’m going to do the same for our members and area directors. We’ll take things one step at a time to help members grow as confident communicators online or in person. By increasing membership and building supportive learning experiences through the Pathway program, it will develop great leaders throughout Toastmasters.
DIVISION C DIRECTOR
DENISSE ECHAVARIA
I’m a results driven individual whose passion is to help people mix what they enjoy with what they want to achieve. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, I strive to streamline processes and support the teams I’m a part of with my skills, positive attitude, and leading by example.
My experience includes: leading a group of 20+ engineers with years of experience in the federal government, area director for area 62, and club president/vice president of education at Toastmasters clubs. I know the effort it takes to lift up and maintain a club/area in Toastmasters.
DIVISION D DIRECTOR
NORA WADE
Three words that describe Nora Wade are upbeat, approachable, and detail-oriented.
When I joined Toastmasters in April 2016 I was terrified of public speaking. Today, I am still amazed at how far I’ve come. Toastmasters has changed my life and I credit not just the great Toastmasters program but also the tremendous help and friendship of my fellow Toastmasters. I want to do the same for other Toastmasters by sharing my experiences and passion for Toastmasters with everyone!
If I can help just one person I consider it a great success. This past year I stepped forward to serve as Area 43 Director and now I wish to continue my service to the Toastmasters of our District as Division D Director. Please consider voting for me. I want to help the clubs in my Division communicate and collaborate more which I believe will help us grow stronger. I want to bring our Division closer together. This is why I’m a big believer in using tools like Slack as well as hosting Open Office Hours in the District.
In case you haven’t met me before, I love working with data (I’m an aspiring Data Scientist) and writing programs. I have many interests including crossword puzzles, gardening, birdwatching, reading, recycling, and Improv Acting. I volunteer at a local no-kill cat shelter and have 3 cats of my own. I also enjoy really spicy food as well as chocolate! Thank you for considering me for the next Division D Director
DIVISION G DIRECTOR
NICOLE TORRES
My passion is to use technology to develop new processes that will allow leaders to grow and manage their clubs/areas better. With a background in IT, I aim to simplify the process of moving things to a hybrid setting as we adjust to our new normal.
My experience as an area director and VPE help me understand the needs our leaders and members have when it comes to adapting to Pathways and maintaining their club. My goal is to support those needs being met and for each person to become a better version of themselves along the journey.