Imm. Past District Director

Barbara B. Strasdas, DTM

Immediate Past District 47 Director

Today is a good, good day!

It is exciting to be here at the 2022 District 47 Annual Toastmasters Conference! I applaud the many hands who contributed to this virtual conference, who gave of their time and talent to ensure it will be a memorable time of education, camaraderie, connection and of course, FUN!

As a twenty-two-year member of toastmasters, attending a conference has always been a priority for me. I chose attendance over other events scheduled that same weekend. Why? You may ask. Toastmaster conferences are an opportunity to meet your fellow community of toastmasters, a chance to gain new knowledge on various educational sessions, to hear the best speakers of the District compete in contests that started at the club level, and to elect the officers for the upcoming District leadership year. But to really get to the heart of my why, is the reconnection with like-minded members who continue the legacy of Dr. Ralph Smedley.

I encourage you to immerse yourself in this opportunity to expand your personal growth, to not just be a bystander looking in, but to spend time imagining you are in a room with these astounding individuals, to embrace the wisdom and knowledge they share.

The District Conference theme is “Reimagine” – do you remember when you were younger and you used to dream of wondrous adventures, to pretend you were a king, or a princess, or traveling the world via a magic carpet. Think back to those days, reimagine your life path forward, reignite your passions and rediscover your future ahead! Your attendance in the next few days may lead you to rethink where you can go!

I encourage you to invite your family, friends and colleagues to this conference and include them in your magical journey – they will give you applause for inviting them in so they can reimagine their path forward!

Have Fun and Enjoy!

Yours in Service, Barbara Strasdas, DTM