Despite our name being “Division D", our mission with this magazine is to sow seeds of unity and community. We want to bridge the borders between Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya through the power of shared stories and collective enlightenment.
As you flip through these pages, you will see the contributions of many who worked tirelessly to make this inaugural issue a reality. Our goal is twofold:
First, we want to offer a sneak peek into the heart of Toastmasters—the true community of professionals we represent. We are part of something much bigger than ourselves, our clubs, or even our countries; we are part of a global movement that thrives on growth and the creation of impactful leaders.
Second, we aim to provide peer-driven insights to elevate your leadership journey. We have curated a diverse range of content: experiences from both seasoned and new members, learning articles on the essence of mentorship, opinion pieces on the power of language, and curated excerpts from international perspectives.
"It expects more from us while giving us the safe space to grow."
While an editor should never have favorites—much like a parent with many children—I must confess I have one. The interview between TM Lina and TM Ruth Ayalew captures the very essence of Toastmasters. It beautifully depicts how this organization builds leaders: by expecting more from us while giving us the safe space to grow, regardless of age or experience level.
I will admit, our journey to this release wasn't exactly as planned. This was originally intended to be a quarterly publication, and by the calendar, we should be on Issue Three. However, the stars have finally aligned. Thanks to our dedicated contributors, we are proudly launching this January. You can expect two more insightful issues before the end of this Toastmasters year.
A special thank you to our Division D Director, Atul Sankar, for the push to make this happen, and to our TEACON Co-convener, TM Hanna Welkema, for the opportunity to create a platform that serves the members of our Division and beyond.
Enough from me. It is time for you to explore, learn, and connect.
Enjoy the read!