The Committee
The 1st London Toastmasters Club is managed by a committee composed of volunteers and every June a new committee is elected to run the club.
Get in touch to find out how you can help to contribute to the running of the club or join the committee next year, or simply find out more about the club and its membership.
President
Joseph joined the club in 2023 having first seen a video on Instagram of a Toastmaster Member who was speaking and being amazed that someone could achieve that level of public speaking ability. After coming along to a few sessions as a guest and experiencing the thrill of the Table Topics, Joseph decided to make 1st London his home. Over the past year, Joseph has sat on the committee as Treasurer & now stepped up to President – with the main enjoyment of 1st London being the community and deep friendships formed.
“It is not in our control to have everything turn out as we want, but it is in our control how we respond to what happens” – Epictetus
Treasurer
Katie is a freelance Interior Stylist with two grown up children. She has been a member of 1st London Toastmasters for just over two years. It was the want to improve her conversational skills rather than the ability to give speeches that sparked the interest in joining this club. More importantly she discovered a group of like minded, positive people to engage with, and this club become a supportive, inclusive arena for her to try things out, muck up, be encouraged, learn from others and grow to be the best version of herself .
“Once, I ran from fear so fear controlled me.Until I learned to hold fear like a newborn. Listen to it, but not give in. Honour it, but not worship it. Fear could not stop me anymore. I walked with courage into the storm. I still have fear, but it does not have me.” – Jeff Foster
Co-Vice President of Education
Sim joined 1st London Toastmasters in 2023 with the goal of connecting with others better and being part of a community where she could grow and learn. She deeply values human connections and believes that social interaction plays a significant role in shaping our lives. Since joining, 1st London Toastmasters has had a profound impact on her, making her more confident and comfortable with the uncomfortable. The supportive environment and meaningful relationships she’s formed there have continued to enrich her life, making her experience even more rewarding.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” – Seneca
Co-Vice President of Education
We are currently looking for an ambitious and self-driven 1st London Toastmasters Club’s member who would like to share the role of the VP of Education with Sim Gupta. Please get in touch to find out how to join the committee.
Vice President of Membership
Izzi is a passionate individual driven by faith and a desire for personal growth. He joined Toastmasters in early 2023, initially seeking to enhance his public speaking skills. However, it was the supportive community that truly captivated him, inspiring him to take on the role of VP of Membership. Izzi values the connections he’s made with like-minded individuals who are equally committed to self-improvement. Outside of Toastmasters, he enjoys attending church, playing football, and catching movies—often solo.
“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” – Malcolm
Vice President of Public Relations
Magdalena joined the club in 2023 to mainly focus on her unprompted public speaking skills. Serving for a second year as a VPPR she follows her passion for visual communication by creating content for the club’s social media and by overseeing various communication channels. She focuses on the club’s visibility to ensure maximum outreach and promotes individual members’ achievements and talents, hoping that they will be an inspiration to others.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Sergeant At Arms
Jonathan joined First London Toastmasters in August 2023, attracted by its diverse community and democratic approach. Attending weekly meetings, he saw how new members gained confidence and improved their communication skills, which mirrored his own growth. This experience and the club’s inclusive atmosphere motivated him to join the committee. Jonathan now aims to work with fellow committee members to support others in their development, contributing to the club’s mission of enhancing members’ communication and leadership abilities.
“I’ve been to the mountaintop … I’ve seen the Promised Land.” Martin Luther King Jr. 3 April 1968
Secretary
Puja, a lawyer in HM Government, joined the club in early 2021 to become a better public speaker, conquer her fear of impromptu speaking and learn to comunicate with her clients with authority. She immediately felt at home with 1st London, loving the fun, supportive and friendly atmosphere. She has improved in both confidence and public speaking skills, thanks to 1st London Toastmasters and its supportive members who always encourage members to be themselves and to keep trying.
Puja wanted to give something back to the club; being secretary allows her to do that and develop herself in the process.
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn