Ivory Gwin is a highly distinguished leader and dedicated Toastmaster who has been an active member since 2002. Currently seeking the office of District Director for District 30, Ivory brings decades of leadership experience, a deep technical background, and a proven track record of restoring organizational excellence.
Extensive Leadership & Proven Results
Ivory’s leadership resume is uniquely comprehensive, having served at the highest levels across multiple districts:
District Leadership: Ivory has previously served as District Director for both District 30 and District 103. Additionally, Ivory has held the roles of Program Quality Director and Club Growth Director in District 103.
Training & Development: As a former TLI Dean, Ivory has been instrumental in training and preparing the next generation of Toastmasters leaders.
Club-Level Foundation: Ivory has held nearly every club leadership role, including President, VP Education, VP Membership, Treasurer, and Sergeant at Arms.
Educational Mastery & Recognition
Ivory’s commitment to the Toastmasters learning experience is exhaustive:
Academic Achievement: Ivory has completed every major education level in both the traditional program (CC through DTM) and the Pathways program (Level 1 through Level 5 and DTM).
Top Honors: Ivory’s service has been recognized with the Presidential Citation Award from Toastmasters International, as well as District-level honors such as Toastmaster of the Year and Helping Hand of the Year.
Professional Expertise & Strategic Vision
With over 26 years of experience at AT&T and current work at Northern Trust, Ivory applies professional-grade rigor to District operations:
Financial Stewardship: Ivory managed a $1.5 million budget at AT&T and has successfully overseen district finances in both D30 and D103, ensuring transparency and compliance.
Operational Excellence: Specializing in procedural design, Ivory creates efficient systems that align with official Toastmasters policies.
Strategic Mentorship: Ivory’s strategy focuses on early identification of leadership potential and building a collaborative, resource-rich environment for the District Trio.
Mission and Purpose
Ivory is running for District Director with a clear objective: to realign the districts with established best practices and restore consistency. By strengthening training and improving communication, Ivory aims to ensure every member understands the true value of the Toastmasters mission in an ever-evolving world.
His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
.Elizabeth L. Stevenson is a seasoned leader and dedicated Toastmaster who has been an active member since August 2006. Currently serving as the Club Growth Director for District 30, Elizabeth is seeking the office of Program Quality Director to continue her mission of supporting member excellence and district growth.
Extensive Leadership Experience
Elizabeth brings nearly two decades of leadership experience across multiple levels of the organization:
District Leadership: She has served as the Club Growth Director (2025–2026), Public Relations Manager for both District 30 (2024–2025) and District 103 (2023–2024), and has served as a D30 Division Governor from 2010 to 2011.
Club Excellence: A multi-time Club President, Vice President Education, and Secretary, she has held every club officer role throughout her tenure, often serving multiple clubs simultaneously.
Area Governance: Her foundational leadership includes serving as both an Area Governor and Area Director.
Educational & Professional Foundation
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communications from Columbia College Chicago. Within Toastmasters, she has achieved the highest honor of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) twice, once in 2014 and again in 2022.
Professionally, her background as a Customer Service Coordinator and Executive Assistant has equipped her with essential skills in:
Strategic Planning: Collaborating with the District Trio to set goals and document them in the District Success Plan.
Financial Stewardship: Participating in the annual district budget-creating process and managing organizational expenses.
Operational Excellence: Training and coaching fellow members on Toastmasters principles and procedures.
Vision for the District
Elizabeth is committed to the servant leadership model, focusing on the district's core mission to build new clubs and support existing ones. As the Program Quality Director, she aims to:
Prioritize Member Goals: Ensure every member has the tools and supportive environment needed to fulfill their personal objectives.
Navigate Transition: Use her experience in both D30 and D103 to help unite the districts through the current transition process.
Foster Fearlessness: Build a mutually supportive culture where members feel empowered to take risks and grow beyond their expectations.
Her candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
Shenitha Burton is a dedicated leader and long-standing Toastmaster who has been a member since October 2002. Currently seeking the office of Club Growth Director for District 30, Shenitha brings over two decades of experience and a deep passion for the transformative power of the Toastmasters program.
Extensive Leadership & Experience
Shenitha’s leadership journey spans both the club and district levels, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the organization's needs:
Toastmasters Leadership: She has served as Club President, Vice President Education, and Vice President Membership, as well as Area Director and Division Director.
Chartering Experience: She is particularly proud of her work helping to charter the USBC Toastmasters club, an experience that taught her resilience and the value of bringing Toastmasters to the workplace.
Educational Foundation: Shenitha holds an Associate’s Degree with Honors in Paralegal Studies, is completing a B.A. in Sociology/Criminal Justice, and has earned several federal leadership certifications.
Professional Excellence & Strategic Skillset
Professionally, Shenitha serves as an Operations Manager for the Federal Judiciary, where she manages a federal courthouse. Her career success is a direct result of the confidence and communication skills she honed in Toastmasters. Her professional expertise directly translates to the role of Club Growth Director:
Strategic Planning: She has extensive experience leading operational reorganizations and complex projects, including a major federal project slated for implementation in 2028.
Procedural Development: In her roles as an Operations Manager and a publisher, she frequently develops and refines logical, clear procedures to ensure organizational efficiency.
Financial & Resource Management: She possesses practical experience in budgeting and financial oversight through her work as a hiring manager and as the owner of a publishing company.
Vision for Club Growth
Shenitha believes the core of the District Mission is developing great leaders and communicators. As Club Growth Director, her priorities include:
Team Collaboration: Focusing on building a strong, collaborative team of Area and Division Directors to identify new club opportunities.
Community Engagement: Building relationships within local organizations and communities to introduce new members to the program.
Retention & Engagement: Supporting efforts that help existing clubs retain and actively engage their members.
Shenitha is committed to "paying it forward" and helping others discover the leader within themselves, just as her mentors did for her.
Her candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
AlyceAnn Williams is a visionary and transformational leader who has been a dedicated Toastmaster since April 2018. Currently seeking the office of District Director for District 30, AlyceAnn brings a unique blend of strategic planning, communication mastery, and a deep commitment to volunteer empowerment.
Unparalleled Toastmasters Leadership & Achievement
AlyceAnn’s tenure in Toastmasters is marked by an extraordinary level of commitment and high-level achievement:
Educational Excellence: She has achieved the prestigious Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation five times.
Proven Leadership Track Record: Over the past six years, she has served in every club officer role.
Distinguished Service: Her leadership at the district level has been recognized through multiple honors, including being named Area Director of the Year, Division Director of the Year, and Toastmaster of the Year.
Professional Expertise & Strategic Vision
Beyond Toastmasters, AlyceAnn is an ordained preacher and a visionary educator. Her professional background is a powerful match for District leadership, focusing on building structured systems that allow people to thrive:
Strategic Planning & Systems: Her experience is rooted in creating clear structures and measurable impact for initiatives ranging from curriculum design to large-scale conferences.
Financial Stewardship: She has a strong foundation in budget management, event finances, and transparent resource allocation.
Procedural Excellence: Drawing from her experience in ministry and education, she develops procedures that elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders and ensure efficient team operations.
Commitment to the District Mission
For AlyceAnn, leadership is a calling to serve with clarity, compassion, and purpose. As District Director, she is focused on the core objectives of strengthening clubs and supporting member growth by:
Building Robust Systems: Ensuring that every leader and club has the structural support needed to succeed.
Empowering People: Delivering high-quality training and creating a culture rooted in accountability, affirmation, and celebration.
Transformational Growth: Helping members grow in confidence and clarity, ensuring they have the tools necessary to fulfill their personal and professional goals.
AlyceAnn Williams is a leader who leads with intentionality, celebrating the people she serves while upholding the highest standards of excellence.
Her candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
Dr. Nitha Fiona Nagubadi is a distinguished leader and educator with a profound commitment to the Toastmasters mission of developing confident communicators and effective leaders. A member since 2017, she currently serves as the Area S54 Director for District 103, where she focuses on club quality, officer coaching, and Pathways alignment. Her candidacy is defined by a unique blend of high-level academic expertise, extensive corporate leadership, and a deep-seated passion for mentorship.
Academic and Professional Excellence
Dr. Nagubadi brings an exceptional educational background to her leadership roles:
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): Focused on organizational psychology, leadership, and change management.
Master of Business Administration (MBA): Concentrations in Marketing, HR, and International Business.
Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science: Emphasis on systems thinking and structured problem-solving.
Adjunct Professor: Teaches graduate-level courses in leadership, management, and organizational development.
Proven Leadership and Strategic Impact
With extensive experience leading cross-functional digital and corporate teams, Dr. Nagubadi excels at managing complex transformation initiatives. Her strategic planning skills have been honed through founding startups and serving on non-profit boards in Chicago, where she translated broad visions into measurable outcomes. In the realm of finance and procedures, she has managed corporate program budgets and developed governance frameworks that ensure accountability and sustainable performance.
Commitment to the Toastmasters Community
Within Toastmasters, Dr. Nagubadi has been a consistent leader at the club level for over five years, supporting member engagement and meeting quality at PMI Chicagoland Toastmasters. She has successfully completed two Pathways—Dynamic Leadership and Persuasive Influence—reflecting her mastery of strategic communication and team effectiveness.
Why Dr. Nagubadi is a Premier Candidate
Dr. Nagubadi believes that "clear communication prevents most problems" and "consistency builds trust". As a District leader, she aims to:
Strengthen Systems: Apply her professional background in process improvement to enhance District and club operations.
Foster Inclusion: Use her expertise as a researcher in creativity and implicit bias to build inclusive environments and respectful dialogue.
Develop Leaders: Leverage her coaching experience to help club officers move from short-term activities to long-term sustainable results.
Dr. Nagubadi’s approach is grounded in structure, accountability, and a people-centered leadership style that empowers every member to find their voice. She is passionate about developing leaders and creating environments where individuals feel empowered to grow and contribute.
Her candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
Muxiang Pajerski is a dedicated leader and creative professional who has been an active Toastmaster since June 1, 2019. Currently serving as an Area Director for District 30, Muxiang is seeking the position of Division Director. With a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and Graphic Design, Muxiang brings a unique blend of creative vision and technical project management to the District leadership team
Proven Leadership Experience
Muxiang has a robust history of service at both the club and district levels, demonstrating a deep commitment to the Toastmasters mission:
District Leadership: Served two terms as the District 30 Public Relations Manager (2021–2022 and 2023–2024), where they managed district-wide communications and visibility.
Club Leadership: Held multiple roles, including two terms as Club President, VP Education, and VP Membership.
Training and Education: Contributed to the growth of others by facilitating presentations and trainings at Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLIs) and district annual conferences.
Professional Expertise and Strategic Vision
Beyond Toastmasters, Muxiang is a National Marketing Technology Project Manager at a global company in risk management and the host of the Be A Light with Muxiang podcast. This professional background provides a strong foundation in::
Strategic Planning: Extensive experience in marketing, public relations, and managing complex projects.
Communication: Muxiang prioritizes authenticity, human connection, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
Problem-Solving: Approachable and solution-oriented, Muxiang values open communication, trust, and empathy when addressing challenges.
Goals for the District
Muxiang is driven by a "servant leadership" philosophy, believing that the keys to success are teamwork, delegation, and a community-centered mindset. As Division Director, Muxiang’s primary objectives include:
Strengthening membership growth and retention across the district.
Increasing engagement and connection between individual clubs and the broader community.
Developing and supporting effective club leadership while promoting district-wide alignment.
Achieving Distinguished District goals through consistent performance and positive momentum.
Muxiang is currently just one requirement away from earning the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award and remains deeply committed to the growth and success of the District 30 community.
Her candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
Jerome Rowley is a dedicated Toastmaster with a membership history dating back to January 2011. Seeking the role of South Division Director for District 103, Rowley brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strategic vision focused on club success and leadership development.
Proven Leadership and Experience
Rowley has a comprehensive background in Toastmasters governance, having served in several high-level roles:
District Director: Served District 30 in 2015.
Division and Area Leadership: Currently serves as the Division Director for District 103 and has previously held Area Director and Area Governor positions.
Distinguished Achievements: Earned the Distinguished Toastmaster designation in 2016 and led a President’s Distinguished Division that same year.
Strategic Vision and Skills
His candidacy is supported by a strong foundation in strategic planning and a commitment to the organizational mission:
Conference Management: He is the Stage Manager for the 2026 District 103 Annual Conference and previously planned major symposiums for the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Process Improvement: Rowley has a track record of developing procedures, such as creating online study groups for professional certifications.
Mission-Focused: He believes the primary objective of the District is to support clubs in achieving Distinguished status, thereby strengthening Areas and Divisions.
Talent Scouting: Rowley intends to use his leadership position to identify and mentor motivated members for future District leadership roles.
Professional and Educational Background
Beyond Toastmasters, Rowley’s diverse technical and international background enhances his leadership capabilities:
Advanced Education: He holds degrees in Physics and Asian Studies, a Bachelor's in IT, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Data Science and AI Optimization.
Global Perspective: His previous career as a technical translator in Germany and Japan allowed him to study five foreign languages.
Project Management: His experience as a Director for the PMI Chicagoland chapter provides him with professional-grade organizational skills.
Jerome Rowley combines years of institutional knowledge with a clear focus on communication and club support, making him an exceptionally qualified candidate to lead the South Division.
His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
Brad Soren is a seasoned leader and a committed Toastmaster since 2019, bringing a unique blend of corporate expertise and organizational dedication to his candidacy for Division Director in District 30. With a professional background rooted in high-stakes project management and a personal philosophy of servant leadership, Brad is well-positioned to guide the Division during this pivotal period of realignment.
Proven Leadership and Toastmasters Success
Brad has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead both clubs and areas toward excellence:
Distinguished Leadership: Served as a Distinguished Area Director for F83 (2024–2025).
Club Growth: Under his leadership as President (2021–2022), Premier Toastmasters Club 918568 achieved Distinguished status.
Ongoing Service: He currently serves as both an Area Director and the Vice President Membership (VPM) for his home club.
Education
MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois, UIUC
Expert Professional Background
Brad’s 40-year career in corporate America provides a sophisticated toolkit for District leadership:
Project Management: Retired as a Senior Project Manager from Motorola Mobility, where he managed global teams delivering complex software and mobile devices.
Financial Oversight: Experienced in forecasting and managing budgets for IT contractors, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Process Engineering: Holds a logical, process-oriented mindset developed through early career experience as a process engineer.
Vision for a Unified District
As Districts 30 and 103 come together, Brad views this as a "unique point to set a new path":
Collaborative Approach: He identifies as a servant leader who believes in listening to all perspectives and leveraging diversity to build team strength.
Club-Centric Mission: His primary goal is to support existing clubs and identify opportunities for new ones, ensuring they have easy access to the resources and people needed to become Distinguished.
Shared Best Practices: He is committed to combining the regional strengths of both districts to reinforce Toastmasters' core values.
Personal Dedication
A lifelong learner residing in Highland Park, Brad brings a global perspective to his role, with a strong interest in international cultures and languages. His recent retirement allows him the time and energy to focus fully on building a strong, inclusive, and successful Division.
His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
Steven Sundstrom is a dedicated Toastmaster with a membership history dating back to 2007, bringing nearly two decades of experience across international borders—from his beginnings in Tokyo to his current involvement in District 30. Currently serving as the Area Director for District 30 and the Treasurer for ORC Orators, Steven is seeking the office of Division Director.
Leadership & Experience
Steven’s leadership is defined by a deep operational knowledge of the organization, having held nearly every club-level office, including President, VP Education, and Treasurer. His strategic planning skills are evidenced by his successful leadership of the 2023 Speechcraft program and the integration of Rotary’s Employee Learning Week into club activities.
Professionally, Steven works at Rotary International, an organization with a structure nearly identical to Toastmasters. This role provides him with unique expertise in:
Strategic Planning & Finance: Reviewing expense reports for grant projects and providing guidance on project planning aligned with organizational missions.
Procedural Development: Frequently developing and revising organizational procedures.
Global Perspective: A history of participation in Toastmasters globally, including Japan and Ethiopia, which informs his inclusive approach to leadership.
Vision for the District
As a candidate for Division Director, Steven is focused on building Division E into a robust community centered on membership growth, club retention, and engagement. His leadership style is informed by a commitment to transparency and vision; following a 360-degree review, he has embraced his role as a leader who sets a clear vision and moves it forward with the support of his team.
Academic & Technical Achievements
Steven has consistently pursued personal growth through the Pathways program and the traditional education track, achieving:
Dynamic Leadership Level 5 (DL5)
Engaging Humor Level 3 (EH3)
Advanced Communicator Silver (ACS) and Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB)
Steven’s blend of long-term organizational loyalty, professional alignment with Rotary International, and a clear strategic vision for membership engagement makes him an exceptionally qualified candidate to lead the Division.
His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.
L. Darnell Williams is a dedicated Toastmaster with a decade of experience in communication and leadership development. Since joining in February 2016, Williams has consistently demonstrated a commitment to personal growth and the success of others, achieving honors such as the Triple Crown in 2025 and multiple club-level contest wins.
Proven Leadership and Experience
Williams brings a wealth of practical leadership experience to the District, having served in various club officer roles including Sergeant at Arms, VP Public Relations, and VP Membership. This internal experience is bolstered by a strong professional background:
Educational Foundation: Holds a B.S. in Finance and an MBA in Management.
Professional Expertise: Over 10 years of experience in the insurance and investment industries, combined with a current career as a personal and business development coach.
Strategic Planning: Expert in developing individualized strategies and procedural frameworks, such as the "AWARENESS Growth Program," to help others reach their goals.
Vision for the District
Applying for the position of Area Director, Williams is focused on elevating the relationship-building aspects of leadership. The core philosophy driving this candidacy is the belief that transformational growth is best achieved through a culture of support and encouragement.
Williams is deeply committed to the District mission of creating a safe, positive learning environment that fosters membership growth and develops great communicators and leaders. By providing clarity on the "Toastmasters Promise," Williams aims to empower future leaders to rise to their highest potential.
Resilience and Dedication
Despite being totally blind, Williams has been a full and active participant in all Toastmasters functions for ten years. This resilience, paired with a persistent drive to achieve the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation, reflects a candidate who leads by example and possesses the grit necessary to navigate the challenges of District leadership.
His candidate biographical information sheet can be found by clicking here.