Would you believe I attended my first toastmaster meeting because of an elevator speech? It’s true. I was leaving work at State Farm and a co-worker who was also a toastmaster told me she was on her way to a speech contest. I followed her and became hooked. I joined toastmasters that Spring of 2009. I finally achieved my Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM) designation in the Spring of 2026!
Over the years I moved from IL to MN to WI and back to IL but my membership in Toastmaster clubs was consistent. I have served in most club officer roles. I have been an Area Director twice and a Division Director once. I earned several awards such as the D54 Div C President of the Year (2024–2025), D54 Div C Area Director of the Year (2022–2023), and the D54 Spirit of Dedication award (2023–2024).
I recently retired from my career in Information Technology, and I’m excited to step into my new role as Division C Director for the mid to southern Illinois areas in our first year as District 211. Standing up a new district is no small task, but we’re ready for it. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Area Directors who have agreed to join me on this journey. May we have a successful year!