International 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 coaches clients in executive presence and communication skills.

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 an InnerLifeSkills Wisdom Partner and Certified 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 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, “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.

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International President-Elect

Stefano S. McGhee, DTM

Stefano S. McGhee, DTM, of Weymouth, Massachusetts, works as the Senior Director of Technology Operations for Harvard Business Publishing. He leads a team of cloud engineers, architects, integration engineers and help desk technicians in ensuring the availability and stability of the organization’s most critical applications, including Harvard Business Review.

McGhee earned a master’s degree in military operational arts and sciences from the United States Air Force’s higher education organization. During his time in school, McGhee earned the International Security Studies Research Award for his work that was of interest to national security. He is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, where he shares the wonder of flying with children and young adults. He is also a motorcycle enthusiast and leader at a local yacht club.

A Toastmaster since 2005, McGhee’s home club is Network Voice Toastmasters in Weymouth. He 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.

“To those willing to put the time in, Toastmasters gives the critical skills to be a better version of yourself,” he said. “From there, you can confidently take on more challenges at work and life and become the sought-after leader needed in today's world.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, McGhee 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.

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First Vice President

Gauri Seshadri, DTM

Gauri Seshadri, DTM, of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, is a Director at Gentle Bamboo Solutions, one of India's pioneer game-based learning companies. She collaborates with the leadership team to drive strategic initiatives that enhance the company's short- and long-term growth. Her role includes developing strategic plans for 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 has shown me that my voice matters—and that I can use it to create meaningful change," Seshadri said. "It empowers people worldwide to build confidence, embrace new challenges and opportunities, and grow into their full potential.”

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.

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Second Vice President

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 finalizing a professional doctorate in organizational change. She is a past Interim CEO of Charity Speakers Trust 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 was also a recipient of a Toastmasters Presidential Citation in 2021 for her continual support and dedication to the organization in the areas of growth and change.

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 

Immediate Past International President

Radhi Spear, DTM

Radhi Spear, DTM, of Piscataway, New Jersey, is a retired software engineer who worked in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years. She has expertise in software development, systems administration, and acceptance testing.

Spear holds a master's degree in science in electrical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey. Before retiring, she participated 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, “Toastmasters is an investment in yourself. The skills you learn in Toastmasters can be used in all aspects of your life.”

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 

International Director, Region 1

Michael Bown, DTM

Michael Bown, DTM, of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, is an assistant director of plan operations for BC Pension Corporation in Victoria, responsible for empowering and supporting his team to find ways to continue improving processes and introduce changes that increase efficiency, overseeing production of work to ensure service standards, and leading a team of managers to navigate staffing decisions, project needs, budgeting and exception requests. In 2024, he received the CEO Award of Distinction at BC Pension Corporation (only one of 600+ employees is the recipient of this award each year).

Previously, he coordinated an anti-drug film for Human Welfare Service in Hong Kong; he was recognized for these services by the Consul General of Pakistan to Hong Kong as well as the President of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong.

Bown was educated through an advanced pension program at Humber College, received a diploma in English as a Foreign Language from itoi Education, achieved a Lean Agile Yellow Belt from Lean Sensei, and became a Professional Scrum Master from Scrum.

A Toastmaster since 2014, Bown is a member of his home club, First Canadian, in Victoria. He 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.

Bown says that Toastmasters instills deep confidence, empowering members to elevate themselves and achieve their personal and professional dreams. “Interviews have transformed from intimidating experiences into meaningful dialogues that showcase my suitability for a role,” he says. “I've unlocked opportunities to speak before hundreds, delivering value with confidence.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Bown 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.

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International Director, Region 2

Mark Lucas, DTM

Mark Lucas, DTM, of San Marino, California, is a seasoned professional in Higher Education Information Technology. As the Associate Director of Data Center Operations at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, he leads strategic planning initiatives for the central campus data center infrastructure, including the high-performance computing infrastructure. Lucas ensures the seamless operation of critical university systems.

Lucas holds a master's degree of science in information security management from the SANS Technology Institute, Bethesda, Maryland. He has received professional recognition, including the California Institute of Technology Spot Award in 2013 for his instrumental role in migrating 10,000 email accounts to Microsoft Office 365 and the Yuri's Night Snoopy Award in 2019 for his outstanding IT support during the Flagship Yuri's Night event in Los Angeles. Lucas actively contributes to nonprofit organizations, organizing events such as Yuri's Night for space exploration enthusiasts and scientists, and serving as Troop Committee Chair for a Boy Scouts of America troop.

A Toastmaster since 2012, Lucas is a member of his home club, Caltech Toastmasters in Pasadena, California. 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.

Lucas says, “Toastmasters leadership training provided me the responsibility, competence, and courage to quiet my fears of managing people, concisely and clearly voice my thoughts, and actively participate in the positive future strategy of my organizations.”

As an elected officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Lucas 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.

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International Director, Region 3

Chris Raneri, DTM

Chris Raneri, DTM, of Frisco, Texas, works as the Lead Network Technology Support Manager for AT&T, and has been working in the telecommunications and networking industry for over 25 years. In his current role, he manages changes to the cloud-based network platform, collects data to increase efficiency, and coordinates a system to manage defects with the platform.

Raneri earned a bachelor’s degree in business information systems from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. He has additionally completed telecommunication and networking courses throughout his career. He enjoys volunteering for organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He has earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his significant time contributions to those organizations.

A Toastmaster since 2013, Raneri is a member of his home club, Strategic Communicators, in Irving. He 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.

He reflects, “Toastmasters builds confidence in oneself. When you apply yourself and take advantage of the opportunities, the possibilities to communicate more efficiently are endless.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Raneri 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.

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International Director, Region 4

Srinivas Saineni, DTM

Srinivas Saineni, DTM, of Algonquin, Illinois, is the principal member of technical staff for AT&T, and he has worked in the telecommunications industry for over 22 years. In his role, he leads strategic initiatives and cross-functional teams to successfully deliver high-impact solutions for customers across the globe.

Saineni earned a master's degree in computer science from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP). Saineni enjoys volunteering his time for non-profit organizations, and has served on the Project Management Institute Chicagoland board, as a board member of the oxygen Chicago Chapter (a non-profit AT&T employee resource group), and he has served as a Young Professionals Ambassador at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. During Saineni's tenure as president and past president of the Project Management Institute's Chicagoland chapter, the chapter was awarded the 2022 Global Chapter of the Year Award.

A Toastmaster since 2006, Saineni is a member of his home club, Toastmasters on Purpose, in Palatine. He 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.

Saineni credits Toastmasters with reinforcing his belief that growth as a leader comes from committing to a lifelong learning mindset. He says, “I have learnt that good ideas can come from anywhere and anyone, the key is to be open and ready for them. Toastmasters has given me the self-confidence to lead large teams effectively.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Saineni 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.

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International Director, Region 5

Andrew Horberry, DTM

Andrew Horberry, DTM, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a retired marketing communications professional who worked alongside the C-suites of Fortune 500 companies creating their pitches to critical audiences (investors, dealers, media, and the public), and then collaborated with creative teams to visualize and emotionalize the presentations. He also project managed complex, multi-disciplinary and, often, multi-million-dollar, integrated marketing projects, articulating strategy and reporting outcomes.

Horberry holds a Master of Business Administration degree with Distinction from the London Business School. He considers himself a continuous learner; as his work roles changed, he became a Certified Meeting Professional, and later, a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Certified Professional. In addition to Toastmasters, he has served on boards of not-for-profits (Traverse Theatre, Youth & Music, Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association) and for-profits (Imagination, The Leith Agency). He recently became Honorary Secretary of the St Andrew's Society of Toronto, a cultural and charitable nonprofit that promotes all aspects of Scottish culture.

A Toastmaster since 2005, Horberry is a member of his home club, Bay Street Breakfast Club, in Toronto. He 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.

He says he joined Toastmasters as a new immigrant, hoping to learn how to "speak Canadian,” but “more importantly than that, I discovered the way in to a global organization that exemplifies all the positive values my parents instilled in me, and that the world very desperately needs more of: civility, the ability to have a reasoned disagreement with someone, and the joy of human connection across borders.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Horberry 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

International Director, Region 6

Jenilee Taylor, DTM

Jenilee Taylor, DTM, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, serves as a Regional Marketing Manager for BWH Hotels. In her role, she oversees marketing strategies and activities, ensuring they align with company goals. She creates and implements tailored marketing plans, conducts market research, and assesses current efforts. She manages and monitors campaigns across various channels, allocates and manages the budget. She has also owned and operated Core Engagement since 2011.

Taylor earned a master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. During her time in the hospitality sector, she led a staff of 50 employees to take a struggling property from the bottom 10% of the brand to the top 5% within two years. She has been recognized with the Susan L. Hamo Hospitality Person of the Year Award for showing exemplary service in the hospitality sector, and with the Connie Pride Merit Award, which is awarded to the managers of the top 5% of Hilton Hotel properties. Taylor is a past board member of Broadview Heights Spotlights Theater and is a current member of Mensa International.

A Toastmaster since 2007, Taylor is a member of her home club, Rise Higher 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.

Taylor reflects that the leadership journey she has taken within Toastmasters has shown her how to hone her skills to plan, strategize, and implement policies and procedures for growth and development, which has led to advancement in her career. She says, “Toastmasters provides a platform to build your leadership and communication skills in a variety of ways. These qualities are valuable for anyone, whether they are an executive, entrepreneur, college student, or retiree. Each member who joins benefits from practicing in the safe and welcoming environment that Toastmasters provides.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Taylor 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

International Director, Region 7

Ramona Baylor, DTM

Ramona Baylor, DTM, of Gove City, Ohio, United States, is a human resources manager for Medline Industries, in West Jefferson, Ohio. She oversees hiring for 580 team members and serves on the senior leadership team.

Baylor has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. She was honored with a Legion of Merit from the United States Army after her combat tour in Iraq. She is a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization, which allows her to serve as a Big Sister to a young girl in Columbus, Ohio.

A Toastmaster since 2013, Baylor is a member of her home club, RDU Toastmasters Club, in Durham. 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.

Baylor says that Toastmasters has made her a better communicator and listener, which led to better jobs and promotions. She advises others to “take a leap of faith” and attend one meeting. “The more you come to meetings and get involved in your club, you become part of a family. Your growth will be seen by family and co-workers by you becoming a Toastmaster. It's a decision you will not regret.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Baylor 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

International Director, Region 8

Sujit Sukumaran, DTM

Sujit Sukumaran, DTM, of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the chief executive officer of Optimus Management Consultants and a lecturer at the University of West London and has worked in the consulting and academia industries for over 18 years. In his role at Optimus Management Consultants, Sujit manages business development and profitability, leads branding and outreach initiatives, and contributes to overall strategy.

Sujit earned a Master of Science degree in human resource management from the University of Manchester. He is currently working to earn a doctorate in strategic management from XLRI in India, expected to be completed in 2026. Sujit is a managing trustee for PRERANA, the largest disability advocacy group for the Indian diaspora in the Middle East. He was also one of the consultative committee members on the People of Determination Law for the Emirate of Dubai in 2007 and has been recognized for his work in the field of disability rehabilitation with the Zayed Inspirer Award.

A Toastmaster since 2006, Sujit is a member of his home club, Star of Arabia, in Dubai. He 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.

Reflecting on Toastmasters, Sujit says, “If someone makes the effort to come in for meetings, participate, take on meeting roles, or even listen and take notes, he or she will benefit from the collection of knowledge in the room.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Sujit 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

International Director, Region 9

Hani Nur Zaihanirah Zaini, DTM

Hani Nur Zaihanirah Zaini, DTM, of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, is a general manager for Faradale Holdings in Kuching, where she is responsible for strategic leadership and business growth, operational excellence and organizational restructuring, and stakeholder and team management. She was recognized with a LEAD Award for successfully leading a project team to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) through strategic planning, effective collaboration, and strong leadership; she was also awarded with a Most Outstanding Presenter award.

She is additionally involved with AZAM Sarawak as a Board Member with a strong business acumen, contributing to its mission of advancing socio-economic development and youth empowerment in Sarawak. In this role, she supports strategic initiatives, community engagement programs, and capacity-building efforts that foster leadership and knowledge sharing to make a meaningful difference beyond the corporate world.

Zaini has a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University Technology Sarawak in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. She is also a Certified Digital Marketing Associate from the Digital Marketing Institute of Ireland, a Certified and Accredited Trainer from HRD Corp., Malaysia, and a Licensed Lecturer from the Ministry of Higher Education.

A Toastmaster since 2013, Zaini is a member of two home clubs, AZAM Toastmasters Club and Vivid Voices Podcast Toastmasters. 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.

Zaini says, “Toastmasters is like a door that leads to a version of yourself you never knew existed—more confident, more capable, and more courageous. On the other side, you’ll find the confidence to speak up, the skills to lead, and a community that genuinely supports your growth. Walking through that door was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I know it can be for anyone ready to grow.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Zaini 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

International Director, Region 10

Francesco Fedele, DTM

Francesco Fedele, DTM, of Rome, Italy, is a senior consultant and European Union research project expert in the IT and research & development industries with 38 years of experience. He specializes in designing and managing research projects aligned with European development policies and priorities, business development of technological startups, and providing consulting and support to top leaders and management boards of his clients.

Fedele attended the faculty of engineering of the Sapienza University of Rome. He has also pursued continuing education in project management, strategic leadership, leading innovation, generative AI, and user interface design. Outside of Toastmasters, Fedele is proud of his involvement in defining European policies for electronic commerce and electronic invoice standards within CEN, the European Standardization Body.

A Toastmaster since 2011, Fedele is a member of his home club, Toastmasters Roma in Rome, Italy and of the online advanced club Eloquentis. 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.

Fedele says that any individual can benefit from Toastmasters, “By accepting challenges, by giving feedback and receiving it with open ears and mind, and by participating actively in the club meetings and in the organization's management.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Fedele is a "working ambassador" for the organization. He collaborates with the Board to develop, support, and modify policies and procedures guiding Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release

International Director, Region 11

Patrick Oluyide, DTM

Patrick Oluyide, DTM, of Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria, is a senior learning and development manager for Rapport/Compass Group, based in London, United Kingdom. He is responsible for management and leadership development, internal talent pipeline development, and consultancy and coaching. He has worked in the management consulting industry for 20 years.

Oluyide holds a Master of Science degree in Managerial Psychology from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is a fellow at the Nigeria Institute for Training and Development and served as a member of the Nigerian Institute for Training and Development Council. He additionally served as president of the Adekunle Ajasin University Alumni, as a member of the Adekunle Ajasin University Governing Council, as chair of the core team for the Daystar Skill Acquisition Program, and as chair of the core team for the Daystar Career Development Program.

A Toastmaster since 2012, Oluyide is a member of his home club, Seaside Toastmasters Club, in Lagos. He 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.

Oluyide says that his Toastmasters experience has impacted him as an empathetic listener, an enabler of potentials and a team-focused leader. “Toastmasters is a give-and-take platform for leadership development, effective communication skills, and global networking,” he adds.

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Oluyide 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

International Director, Region 12

Monique Tonna, DTM

Monique Tonna, DTM, of Sydney, Australia, is the sole business owner and director of Core X Pilates, with over eight years of expertise in the fitness and wellness industry. She specializes in curating classes tailored to meet clients' fitness goals and needs, delivering uplifting instruction while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Tonna is also adept at managing marketing and public relations efforts, including leveraging social media platforms.

Tonna holds a master's degree in business administration from Deakin University in Geelong, Australia. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tonna's instructors and members appreciated her effective transition to online fitness classes, ensuring minimal disruption during a turbulent time.

A Toastmaster since 2011, Tonna is a member of her home club, Enhance Toastmasters Club in Glenbrook, Australia. 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.

Tonna says, “Everybody can benefit from Toastmasters, whether it's to assist them with job interview skills, help them prepare for a "best man" speech, or to provide feedback in the work environment or to loved ones. I believe Toastmasters isn't just about public speaking but relates to all aspects of our lives.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Tonna is a "working ambassador" for the organization, collaborating with the Board to develop, support, and modify policies and procedures guiding Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

News Release

International Director, Region 13

Suganthi Periasamy, DTM

Suganthi Periasamy, DTM, of Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, is a senior program manager for Tata Consultancy Services Limited, in Chennai, responsible for developing and monitoring strategic plans for IT programs for banking and financial services' customers, for profit and loss management, and for key stakeholders’ management.

Periasamy received a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering degree from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, in Vellore, Tamilnadu. She also earned post-graduate advanced certification in Applied Data Science & Machine Learning from IIT Madras in Chennai, India.

A Toastmaster since 2010, Periasamy is a member of her home club, Medley Toastmasters Club, in Chennai. She has held many high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Periasamy says that anyone who is willing to invest the time in themselves through Toastmasters—and remain committed to the program—will achieve their desired communication skills and leadership traits. “The Toastmasters program helps to silence the self-doubt that manifests when we are presented with huge responsibilities or challenges,” she says. “In a nutshell, I would say, walk into a Toastmasters club as a caterpillar and fly out as a butterfly spreading your wings across the sky!”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Periasamy 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.

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International Director, Region 14

Viola Lee, DTM

Viola Lee, DTM, of Shenzhen, China, is a partner at Promes Management Consulting Co. Ltd, specializing in consulting and business for over five years. She actively participates in research and develops strategic plans, evaluates implementations at management meetings, and conducts business development events to access new opportunities.

Lee holds a bachelor's degree in management from Hebei University of Economics and Business in Shijiazhuang, China. Lee has served as the Parent Teacher Alliance Co-Chair at the EIS International School in Moscow, Russia, where she built strong connections between the school and parents. Serving in this role, Lee organized community events to foster a friendly school community. She was recognized by the school principal for her dedication.

A Toastmaster since 2017, Lee is a member of Happy Family1 Toastmasters and Presidents Advanced Toastmasters clubs in Shenzhen, China. She has held various leadership roles within Toastmasters and has achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.

Lee believes that everyone can benefit from Toastmasters, whether it's improving job interview skills, preparing for a speech, or providing feedback in various aspects of life. She emphasizes that Toastmasters allows individuals to, “practice public speaking skills in a 100% safe and supportive atmosphere.”

As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Lee serves as a "working ambassador" for the organization, collaborating with the Board to develop, support, and modify policies and procedures to guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

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