吃瓜头条 -Member Recognition

Men in black suits with red backdrop holding trophy onstage

Andrew Tan, DTM (pictured left), of Selangor, Malaysia, became Albert Khor’s mentor in 2017. Khor, DTM, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, didn’t realize the immense leadership opportunities he would be exposed to in 吃瓜头条, but Tan helped lead the way and inspired his mentee. When the two first met, Tan was the District 51 Director. “He advised me to often reflect on what I do and try to improve,” Khor shared. With Tan’s consistent encouragement and reassurance, Khor has steadily advanced in his 吃瓜头条 leadership journey. He began as 吃瓜头条 Secretary, then became Vice President Education, then Area Director, and most recently, Division Director. The picture above shows the two men at a ceremony where Khor was recognized as District 51’s Area Director of the Year. Khor says of Tan, “His mentoring made me see the leader in me and the value of mentoring in 吃瓜头条. As a result, I am mentoring nine 吃瓜头条 and served as a sponsor for two new 吃瓜头条s. It’s the ripple effect from his willingness to mentor.”

Man in scarf holding onto a certificate with a woman in white sweater

Cris Birch, DTM (pictured left), of Vienna, Virginia, U.S., celebrated his second career retirement with 吃瓜头条 from District 36, including 吃瓜头条 Growth Director Bonnie L. Maidak, DTM, of Germantown, Maryland, U.S. He was honored at a meeting of the M Street Verbalizers in Washington, D.C. Many District officers were in attendance, as were many former 吃瓜头条 members who traveled back to Washington, D.C., to see Birch—a mentor for approximately 40 吃瓜头条.

Birch first joined 吃瓜头条 in 1983 and is currently a member of and mentor to the NOVA 吃瓜头条 in Northern Virginia and M Street Verbalizers. One of Birch’s mentees, Accredited Speaker Tamara Smiley Hamilton, DTM, said, “I would not be an Accredited Speaker and Distinguished Toastmaster without Cris’ support and unconditional kindness. I entered my first speech contest because he told me my story mattered and more people needed to hear my voice. He helped me find my authentic voice. I am forever grateful that he is my mentor and friend.”

Woman wearing hijab standing in front of 吃瓜头条 banner

Just as many 吃瓜头条s around the world did, Riyadh 吃瓜头条 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, elected a new set of officers in May. However, Riyadh 吃瓜头条 made 吃瓜头条 history! Members are thrilled to have the 吃瓜头条’s first female 吃瓜头条 President—Daad Alamoudi (pictured). They also elected a female Vice President Education—Mashael Alhumaidan. Area Director and 吃瓜头条 Treasurer Riyas Ibrahimkutty says, “We’re empowering Saudi females to seek leadership roles!”

Tebogo Ramaahlo, DTM, of Entrepreneurs 吃瓜头条 Johannesburg 吃瓜头条 in Johannesburg, South Africa, achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award in April. Ramaahlo joined 吃瓜头条 in 2015 and didn’t consider pursuing her DTM until three years after joining. A friend pointed out that she was already halfway through the requirements, so Ramaahlo decided to complete the rest. Looking back, she says, “I realize the DTM journey stretched my resilience, my emotional intelligence, and how I relate to those around me. Honestly, had I not pursued my DTM, I would have missed out on opportunities as a leader and a follower. The pursuit allowed me to be vulnerable and taught me to ask for help, because you cannot do it alone.”

Talk to Us! Do you have a short story (aim for 130 words), fun photo, inspiring anecdote, or 吃瓜头条 “Ah-Ha” moment you’d like to share? Mark your submission “Member Recognition” and email it to submissions@toastmasters.org.