International President

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 says. “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.

News Release

International President-Elect

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. She was also a recipient of a Toastmasters Presidential Citation in 2020 for her continual support and dedication to the organization.

“Toastmasters has shown me that my voice matters—and that I can use it to create meaningful change," Seshadri says. "It empowers people worldwide to build confidence, embrace new challenges and opportunities, and grow into their full potential.”

As an officer 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.

News Release 

First 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 to 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 an officer 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 

Second Vice President

Anwesha Banerjee, DTM

Anwesha Banerjee, DTM, of Brisbane, California, is a neuroscientist for Annexon Bioscience. In her role, she leads preclinical programs with the mission to develop therapeutic strategies and interventions for neurological disorders, including Huntington’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Banerjee holds a doctorate degree in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas. While earning her doctorate, she was awarded the Women in Bio Behavioral Scholarship, and in 2017 she became a Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation Fellow to advance knowledge in the field of Myotonic Dystrophy. She is the Executive Director of the educational nonprofit, iStart Valley, where she helps expand the Human Capital Accelerator programs, geared toward supporting individuals who are transitioning their careers to new and emerging industries. Her leadership helped start several new educational programs that are now delivered to hundreds of middle and high school children across North America in a virtual setting.

A Toastmaster since 2013, Banerjee is a member of her home club, the Dogwood Club, in Atlanta, Georgia. 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.

According to Banerjee, Toastmasters can be incorporated as a part of a healthy lifestyle. She says, “The program encourages, motivates, and shows us the way to become a better version of ourselves every day. Overcoming fear, building self-confidence, networking effectively, managing time, and managing relationships are a few of the many benefits one can reap from Toastmasters, both personally and professionally.”

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

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.

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.

News Release

International Director, Region 2

Christine Brady, DTM

Christine Brady, DTM, of Irvine, California, is a senior contracts manager in the architecture industry with over 21 years of experience. She specializes in strategic contract leadership, risk and compliance stewardship, and collaborative negotiation.

Brady received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from California State University in Long Beach, California. She serves on the board of the Friends of the Orange Public Library, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds that support programs, resources, and community initiatives for the City of Orange Public Library. As Parliamentarian, she helps ensure the meetings and governance practices follow established bylaws and parliamentary procedure. She also supports the organization’s fundraising efforts and strategic initiatives that expand access to literacy, learning, and community engagement.

A Toastmaster since 2003, Brady is a member of her home club, Pasttime Pursuits. 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.

Brady believes that Toastmasters is one of the rare places where personal growth and professional growth happen at the same time, whereby you learn to speak with confidence, think with clarity, and lead with intention. “One of the greatest gifts Toastmasters has given me is the ability to pause,” she says. “I’m calmer, I listen more carefully, and I’m far less likely to jump to conclusions—qualities that have strengthened both my leadership and my relationships.”

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

News Release

International Director, Region 4

Jacqueline Houser, DTM

Jacqueline Houser, DTM,, of Collierville, Tennessee, has worked in the professional development industry for seven years; she founded and is the CEO of Jackie Houser Consulting in Memphis, where, through personalized coaching and interactive workshops, she helps clients strengthen their voice, communicate with clarity and purpose, clarify vision, and set meaningful goals. Beyond planning, she encourages people and teams to put strategy into action, while navigating challenges and achieving measurable, lasting results.

Houser earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Marketing Concentration from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Her nonprofit leadership includes service with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she contributed as Alabama State Facilitator on the Regional Leadership Team and through program planning and development within her chapter. She also served as Tennessee State Coordinator for the Oratorical Contest for the Southeastern Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., managing statewide planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement for this youth leadership program. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Jefferson Community School Center, providing strategic guidance, fiduciary oversight, and policy governance.

A Toastmaster since 2017, Houser is a member of her home club, The BLVD Toastmasters in Memphis, Tennessee. 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.

Houser believes that Toastmasters provides a structured and supportive environment where individuals strengthen both their voice and their leadership capacity. “Toastmasters strengthened my ability to communicate with clarity and confidence when it matters most,” she says. “Through the support and accountability of fellow members, I grew not only in executive presence, but in my responsibility to lead with intention and integrity. This organization has shaped both my voice and my commitment to serve others well.”

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

Sravanthi Vallampati, DTM

Sravanthi Vallampati, DTM, of Aurora, Ohio, has worked in the finance/insurance industry for 20 years. Currently employed by Progressive Corporation as part of the information technology management team, she drives innovation and improves business resiliency, as well as leads initiatives to enhance AI, cloud, and self-service capabilities through architecture roadmaps and curated learning paths. She additionally develops and implements a holistic strategy for disaster recovery, builds strategic partnerships, advances purpose-built data technologies, creates merger and acquisition playbooks, and supports leadership development and organizational transformation. In her company, she is the recipient of a Blue Vase Go-Getter Award and a DEI Most Innovative Award.

Vallampati earned a master’s degree in English literature, bachelor’s degrees in sciences and education, and an associate’s degree in computer science from Osmania University in India. Her nonprofit work spans education, intercultural cohesion, empowerment/professional development, and rehabilitation support for displaced populations — locally, nationally, and internationally.

A Toastmaster since 2013, Vallampati is a member of her home club, Twinspirations Toastmasters in Twinsburg, Ohio. 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.

Vallampati believes that the beauty of the Toastmasters program is that it is self-directed and self-paced, which gives every member the opportunity to grow in self-awareness and experience progress in a way that is comfortable to them. Her personal experience is that Toastmasters has been transformative—not just in refining her fluency of thought and expression, but in deepening her belief in herself and others. “The practice of listening, storytelling, and giving and receiving feedback in a genuinely supportive environment sharpened skills and competencies I now extend into everything I do: leading with empathy, organizing and delivering content with audience awareness, and navigating sensitive conversations with calm and objectivity,” she relays. “I carry this forward as a mentor and presentation coach to interns, analysts, consultants, and community leaders —inspired by the same multiplier effect Toastmasters ignited in me.”

As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Vallampati 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 7

Ramona Baylor, DTM

Ramona Baylor, DTM, of Grove City, Ohio, United States, is a dedicated human resources leader with more than 35 years of experience across military, federal, and civilian sectors.

Baylor has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. She served two combat tours in the United States Army, receiving commendations for her service.

Throughout her career, Ramona has focused on workforce development, leadership training, and organizational effectiveness. She is also actively involved in community service as a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization, where she mentors 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

Niteash Agarwaal, DTM

Niteash Agarwaal, DTM, of Pune, Maharashtra, India, is an IT leadership professional with 17 years of experience in the information technology industry. He currently works for Coupa Software in Pune, where he is responsible for leading 24/7 technical global operations, driving operational excellence for cloud platform reliability, and establishing repeatable processes across technical operations.

Agarwaal earned a master’s degree in computer science from Savitribai Phule Pune University in Pune. His nonprofit work beyond Toastmasters includes volunteering with his residential community association on initiatives related to security, sustainability, and green energy implementation. He has also supported a charitable local trust in organizing community and cultural programs that promote engagement and service. Additionally, he worked with Door Step School, helping support mobile education initiatives for underprivileged children.

A Toastmaster since 2011, Agarwaal is a member of his home club, Aundh Toastmasters Club in Pune. 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.

Agarwaal credits Toastmasters with transforming him by building confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to connect meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds. “Professionally, it strengthened my communication, leadership, and coaching skills, enabling me to lead global teams more effectively and foster collaboration across cultures,” he says. “The experience has shaped my leadership philosophy of service, continuous learning, and empowering others to grow.”

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

llona Ruitenberg, DTM

llona Ruitenberg, DTM, of Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands, is a legal advisor with 20 years of experience in the legal realm. She currently works for The Art of Presence in Maastricht, where she is responsible for advising cities and towns on translating policy intent and new legislation into effective ordinances and governance systems, as well as analyzing complex frameworks, simplifying communication for decision-makers, and ensuring implementation integrity.

Ruitenberg earned a Master of Laws degree from Maastricht University in Maastricht. She has also had judicial officer training. Her nonprofit work beyond Toastmasters includes offering pro bono legal advice when she was a student. For five years, she also delivered human rights training to high schools for Amnesty International.

A Toastmaster since 2018, Ruitenberg is a member of her home club, Toastmasters Maastricht in Maastricht. 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.

Ruitenberg credits Toastmasters with providing her the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that empowered her to launch her own business in 2019. “The program moved me beyond formal professional standards, giving me confidence to be truly authentic and the courage to profile myself as a distinct legal expert,” she says. “Professionally and personally, it transformed my communication from a practiced skill into a powerful tool for entrepreneurial leadership and self-expression.”

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

Denise Buckby, DTM

Denise Buckby, DTM, of New Farm, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, has worked in the management rights industry for 25 years. She is currently employed by D.C.B. Property Management Pty. Ltd. in Brisbane as a resident building manager, resident sales and rental agent. She is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of a large residential complex of 87 lots.

Buckby holds a bachelor’s degree in education studies from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. In 2025, she was chair of ARAFMI Ltd, where she overviewed the organization being appointed as the Peak Body for advocacy and representation for mental health careers. She has also been awarded two Rotary International Paul Harris Recognition Pins for continued outstanding service for the community and the world at large. In addition to Rotary, her nonprofit experience outside of Toastmasters includes her service as treasurer for her local historic society. As a strong advocate of the environment, she was honored with a service award by the local government for organizing an annual cleanup.

A Toastmaster since 2017, Buckby is a member of her home club, DC Toastmasters, in Brisbane. 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 believes Toastmasters has the transformational power to change lives for the better by boosting self-confidence, self-awareness, unlimited personal growth, and a competitive edge with career prospects and leadership opportunities. “My passion and commitment to Toastmasters has strengthened my communication skills, increased my self-confidence, and widened my meaningful global network of connections,” she says.

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

News Release

International Director, Region 14

Matthew Mak, DTM

Matthew Mak, DTM, of New Taipei City, Taiwan, has worked in education for 15 years. He is currently employed by Gjun Cloud Education Co., in Taipei City, as an academic supervisor, responsible for driving revenue growth by conducting engaging demo classes to convert prospective students through comprehensive level assessments, identifying learning difficulties, and providing learning strategies. He also leads a quality control team to proofread, modernize, and standardize course content for market relevance and quality, as well as recruits, trains, and develops the framework for new instructors to ensure scalability, teaching quality, and long-term growth and excellence.

Mak earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese/International Relations/Economics from University of California in Davis, California. He also received a Leadership Program Certificate from University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management, and a Conflict Transformation Certificate from Emory University.

A Toastmaster since 2015, Mak is a member of his home club, English Conversation Toastmasters Club, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 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 was also a recipient of a Toastmasters Presidential Citation in 2025 for his continual support and dedication to the organization.

Mak believes that Toastmasters is “a treasure trove waiting to be discovered,” in communication, presentation, leadership, and other skills. “I joined Toastmasters mainly to overcome my fear of speaking in front of large audiences, and I gained so much more than that,” he says.

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