Ken Andrews: When I walked into my first Toastmasters meeting in August of 1989, I had no idea of the profound impact it would have on my life. I am grateful for the ongoing trust and support of my fellow members, and I am thankful to be able to call them my friends. | Francisca Epale: I am a former educator who has taught ESL and French in the USA, Canada and China for more than 20 years at all levels of the academic ladder. I deliver my speeches without notes with ease, poise and confidence, which is helpful in my roles as an international best-selling author with three published books, an accredited community French interpreter and soon to be Certified World Class Speaking Coach. |
Patrice Esper: Last night I was delivered the triple crown. What made this moment extra special is the persons delivering it to me and surrounding me. Marlon Shaw and Marilyn Latchford introduced me to Toastmasters almost 8 years ago. Alvin Brown was one of the first members I met at my first meeting. It was during a time I had lost my way and very much a shadow of a person I once knew. Through the encouragement and support of members like Marlon, Marilyn and Alvin, while going through the TM manuals and performing the different roles, I found my voice again, I was able to refine skills I had and learn new ones, I was presented so many amazing opportunities through the new connections made and able to implement my new skills. Toastmasters has been instrumental in my professional growth and personal development. I cannot rave about it more as my clients can attest, I often encourage them to join a Toastmaster Club within our first meeting! | Kurt Henry: My journey to become a DTM was amazing. I came into this expecting to develop better speaking skills. However, I received so much more. In addition to becoming a better speaker, I also became a better leader, and fostered some great relationships. Going through the Toastmaster DTM process has help me strengthen my personal relationships, expanded my career aspirations, and inspired me to continue on my path of personal development. I am humbled and proud to share this accomplishment with all those who helped me along the way. |
Marilyn Latchford: This is Marilyn’s third DTM since she joined Toastmasters 2000. With each DTM, she has taken her communication and leadership skills to the next level and has discovered who she is as a speaker and leader. As a recipient of four D60 leadership awards including the 2019 George Keenan award, Marilyn believes that the opportunities and rewards of the Toastmasters programs are endless. Go beyond your club - Toastmasters is truly a Journey of Possibilities! | Lee-Anne Leslie: I am filled with gratitude as a result of my Toastmasters journey. Continuing my professional development with TM has led to career advancements and lifelong friendships. |
Sudha Mathai: Toastmasters education program is self-paced with unlimited opportunities for personal and professional growth . Being a member of Toastmasters is truly a beneficial investment, and I enjoyed my journey in achieving my DTM. | Michael McAra: I have been involved with Toastmasters for 18 years and belong to clubs in both District 60 and 86. This is my second DTM and am currently working on Level 4 in two Paths. I still continue to learn and grow through Toastmasters. |
Dragolsav Neskovic: Initially, I joined Toastmasters to compete with my three children, as I was struggling with communicating in English they were making an excellent progress with Serbian language skills. The competition is still going on and I am not giving up! Beside that, I leveraged my Toastmasters experience to position myself to better communicate lessons I have learned during my professional life. | Richard Pallo: By joining Toastmasters and completing all the projects and opportunities that Toastmasters had to offer for my DTM journey, I have furthered my leadership and communication development successfully in my career that I use practically on a daily basis for myself as well as developing and mentoring others in a leadership capacity. |
Karim Premji: A Toastmaster for the past 15 years, this calendar year, I have achieved my 11th to 13th DTM awards with Confidence Speaks, North York Project Management and Advanced 60 Speakers. As a charter SAA for Allstate Canada in 2004, I was taught a very valuable lesson from my Mentors, "Every time you speak, speak from a manual and have it evaluated". I try to share all the valuable lessons that I have learned over the years serving our District and members in various capacities. I am currently the Club President of Advanced 60 Speakers and North York Project Management, am running a Speechcraft Program and am the Alignment Chair, 2019-2021. | Giles Robert: To become a Distinguished Toastmaster we are called upon to serve our members, our clubs and our district, and to lead in the pursuit of excellence. This can only be achieved with the collaboration of others. For me personally, it has been deeply enriching and humbling. |
Other Newly Minted DTMs: - Janice Cheung - Ellen Chisholm (see TM Spotlight) - Gloria Pierre - Robert Weese - Christine Zhao |
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Robert Stewart: I moved to Toronto 4 years ago not knowing a single person here. Toastmasters has allowed me to meet an amazing group of positive, growth oriented, confident people. Without Toastmasters I would never have had the courage to start my political career. I can't recommend it enough to others! |