D42 Conference 2025 - Educationals - Toastmasters, District 42

EDUCATIONALS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER (Friday)

Lark Doley, DTM

A member of Toastmasters since 1990, Distinguished Toastmaster Lark Doley served as the 2018-19 Toastmasters International President. In her professional life, Lark has owned a successful manufacturing business, worked as a Marketing Manager at Texas Instruments, and before her retirement in 2021, worked as a Training Manager for Maximus. Lark lives in a lighthouse home outside of Austin, Texas, USA overlooking Lake Travis. The home was built by her late husband Roger in honor of her late father-in-law Arthur. Both men were born in England and both men loved the sea. At Toastmasters events Lark often wears Golden outfits to symbolize the value of membership in Toastmasters.

Creating Golden Connections

Why do individuals join Toastmasters? The mission of Toastmasters is to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. A benefit of Toastmasters rarely discussed is how Toastmasters connects people. On Friday night, we will connect and discuss the Golden connections we create in Toastmasters.

Trailblazing Through Talk: Speak to Lead, Inspire, and Impact

Sam Demma, Author & Keynote Speaker

Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has shared the stage with icons like Kardinal Official and Sarah Blackwood, collaborated with brands like Taco Bell, delivered two TEDx talks, and has toured his messages across Canada, the United States, and Kenya.
His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and, most notably, his mom’s Facebook. Sam delivers hundreds of performances annually, and his comical and entertaining performances address the topics of Empathy, Mental Health and Leadership. For more information, please visit: www.samdemma.com

KEYNOTE SPEAKER (Saturday Morning)

Bridging Toastmasters to Professional Success

The youngest Vice Chancellor of Finance for the University of Texas system attributed her rapid rise to professional success to Toastmasters. Then she moved to New York and achieved even greater success on Wall Street.
What about you? How “can” you or how “have” you used your Toastmasters skills to transform your personal and professional lives? What are the communication and leadership competencies Toastmasters teaches? During this session, we will explore the bridge between Toastmasters communication and leadership competencies and the transformation of our lives.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS (Saturday Afternoon)

Irma Goosen, DTM (TED Speaker & Coach)

From Toastmasters to TEDx: Crafting Your Talk and Finding the Stage

Irma Goosen is a TED speaker, coach, and Distinguished Toastmaster who helps people speak with confidence and lead with purpose. She’s coached youth, professionals, and Toastmasters for TEDx stages, and brings a multicultural, resilience-driven perspective to every talk. Irma is also the creator of the CONNECT™ framework—a practical tool for personal and leadership growth. Her story, humour, and heart make her a standout on any stage.

Many Toastmasters have a powerful message—but translating that into a TEDx talk requires a different approach. In this session, TED speaker and coach Irma Goosen shares what sets TEDx apart and how your Toastmasters skills can help you stand out. With lived experience across continents and a passion for helping diverse voices be heard, Irma will guide you through how to identify your “idea worth spreading,” understand what organizers are looking for, and prepare for the TEDx process with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’ve been dreaming of the red dot or are just beginning to explore the idea, this session will give you a realistic, encouraging path forward.

Takeaways:

✔ Understand what makes a TEDx talk different from a Toastmasters speech
✔ Learn how to identify and refine your “idea worth spreading”
✔ Get practical tips for finding and applying to TEDx events

Richard Lee-Thai (Keynote Speaker)

Business of Professional Speaking

Richard Lee-Thai is a TEDx speaker and delivers presentations to organizations on how to build cultures of connection. He is also a faculty member at SAIT and Rhodes Wellness College. He has been a Toastmaster for 4 years and is currently serving as the Conference Chair.

Have you ever dreamed of getting paid for your speaking? In this session, you will learn the foundations of building a professional speaking business. This includes connecting with event organizers, running effective sales calls, and setting your pricing.

Vesna Ivkovic, DTM (Past D42 Public Relations Manager)

Marketing Toastmasters Club Effectively

Vesna Ivkovic is a former D42 PRM and long-time member of the Calgary Pace Setters Toastmasters Club. Known for her creative approach to promotion and community engagement, Vesna recently received the District 42 PR Program of the Year award for her impactful social media campaigns.

In this session, Vesna will share practical strategies for marketing your Toastmasters club effectively, both online and in person. Whether you’re a VP PR looking for inspiration or a club leader aiming to boost membership and visibility, this workshop will provide you with fresh ideas, tools, and real-world examples to help your club stand out.

Brad Korbo, DTM (D42 Club Extension Committee Chair)

The 6 Steps to Achieving Your DTM

Have you ever wondered what it takes to get your Pathways Distinguished Toastmaster designation (DTM)? Or, wondered what a Distinguished Toastmaster designation is? Do you know what you need to achieve your Pathways DTM? You may be surprised how close you are.

Distinguished Toastmaster Brad Korbo will share the 6 steps to achieving your Pathways DTM. You will have an opportunity to chart your course for your Pathways DTM.
Since joining Toastmasters in 1989, Brad has completed 3 Distinguished Toastmasters (DTMs) designations. He is working towards his first Pathways DTM.
He has served as a club officer over 60 times. He has filled all the leadership roles up to District Director.
He has served in many support roles within the District. Brad is currently the Co-Chair of District 42’s Club Extension Committee.

Jennifer (Jen) Tribble (Executive Director, MyCityCare)

Volunteering in the Community

Jennifer (Jen) Tribble is the Executive Director of MyCityCare, a volunteer-driven organization that operates in over 60 communities across Alberta and beyond. With a heart for service and a background in Toastmasters, Jen has led impactful programs such as Shop of Wonders, the Cinderella Project, and Night to Shine. Her session will explore how volunteering can transform communities and empower individuals to lead with compassion and purpose.

Connected Communicators – Presented by Ron MacTavish, DTM

Making your online Toastmaster club a success!

Are successful online Toastmaster Clubs different than successful in-person and hybrid clubs? Veteran DTM, Ron MacTavish’s answer is “yes and no.” Ron should know, as he is the VP of Membership in two online clubs that have already achieved ten DCP points and earned President’s Distinguished recognition in this Toastmaster year. These clubs are the Connected Communicators in D42 and the Sustainable Speakers in D91 (London, England).

In his session, Ron will discuss the unique “must-dos” to make your online club a success and outline the special advantages which online clubs should capitalize on. Why would Toastmasters from three continents battle a plethora of time zones to become members of the Connected Communicators and the Sustainable Speakers? If you are in an online club or simply curious about why online clubs are here to stay, then please attend this session featuring clubs that have given a new meaning to the term “Toastmasters International.”

Fluor Communicators – Presented by Marcy Field, DTM & Amita Garg, VP Education

The Future of Meetings: Inclusivity and Access

Discover how your club can thrive in today’s evolving meeting landscape with this dynamic Toastmasters Education session focused on hosting effective hybrid meetings. Whether you’re a club officer, member, or mentor, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to boost engagement and access—no matter where your members are.

Through a collaborative roundtable format, learn how to:

Plan and structure hybrid meetings for inclusivity and impact
Utilize technology for seamless onboarding and participation
Build stronger member relationships—online and in person

Hear firsthand how Fluor Communicators, a President’s Distinguished Club for 11 consecutive years, creates intentional hybrid experiences that work across time zones and demanding schedules. Gain insights into the club’s 46 years of success—and the tools they use to keep members connected and involved.

Join us to explore how hybrid meetings aren’t just a workaround—they’re the future of inclusive, accessible leadership development.

Cranston Communicators – Presented by Sharon Panidisz, VP PR

In-person club excellence: The Cranston Communicators

Making your In-Person Toastmasters Club stand out and thrive requires a combination of strong leadership, engaging members, diversified meetings, and a unique club culture.

Stop by our table during the conference, and “Spin the Wheel” to learn how Cranston Communicators became the Number #1 In-Person Club in District 42!
Our “secrets” include: