Dwight Yamada, DTM

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

I worked 35 years at a multinational company, the last 15 years in Executive Leadership (reporting to the Sector President). As a leader, I was appointed to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. I gained experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, social responsibility, and organizational governance which relates directly to the role of a Board Member of Toastmasters International.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

Member of the corporate strategic planning team defining growth and market strategies for the success of my company.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

I worked on creating and monitoring a budget of over 100 million dollars.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

Worked on the governing documents committee to establish the initial bylaws and policies as a founding member of the board for the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

Diversity drives innovations, be future focused, maintain awareness of global trends, be a positive role model, develop extraordinary leaders, embrace collaboration, and communicate effectively especially during times of change.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

My corporate experience enhanced by my Toastmasters journey has underscored my commitment to work effectively in teams by embracing collaboration, being flexible, being open to others' work styles, practicing active listening, and encouraging feedback.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

I love Toastmasters. I want to help our organization grow and increase value to our members.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

Serving on boards for non-profits. I volunteered as Fairfax County Science Fair judge, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) day speaker at various schools, shift lead for Reston Chamber of Commerce community events, and more.

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

Board member of the Corporate Advisory Board for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (5 years), Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (3 years), and Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools (7 years, 1 year as vice-chair)

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

Our major objective is outlined in our vision and mission. When we look at member success, it tells us whether we are meeting that major objective.