On July 19th, 2025, the District 3 Toastmasters “Trio,” along with a new slate of Area and Division Directors, Committee Chairs, and team members, convened for a leadership training session at the Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale, AZ. This gathering transformed into a day filled with learning, camaraderie, and personal growth.
The training commenced early with the Area Director session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, setting a positive tone for what would be an inspiring day. This session was meticulously designed to equip new Area Directors with the vision, overall structure, and goals of leadership in District 3.
Jill Kipnes, Distinguished Toastmaster and 2025-2026 Program Quality Director, led a goal-setting and accountability exercise that particularly resonated with me—not just for its insights, but also for her humorous remark about bringing the filled-out sheets with answers from Area and Division Directors to The Toasties next year to measure our progress!
The Toasties is District 3’s Toastmasters “Academy Awards” ceremony, held every September, where the Trio and District leadership celebrate and honor the impactful contributions of Area Directors, Division Directors, Clubs, and members. It’s a fun, elegant black-tie affair.
Jill recorded the responses from all the leaders to the question, “What are your top three audacious leadership goals for this year?” It will be fascinating to see how we all performed when she brings these sheets to the 2026 Toasties!
One of my personal goals is to do everything possible to help our District achieve the “Distinguished District” designation. The last Toastmaster year, which ended on June 30, 2025, saw District 3 fall short of this award by just 200 dues payments and one new club. We were so close! Onwards and upwards!
Chad Reid, 2025-2026 Club Growth Director, encouraged everyone to put on the sunglasses included in our goody bags during his session entitled “How to Be a Cool Area Director.”
At noon, attendees enjoyed an elegant lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This break was more than just a meal; it provided everyone with the opportunity to get to know one another better and discuss their aspirations and goals in a relaxed setting.
After lunch, our time together took a formal turn as former District Director and Distinguished Toastmaster Steve Feld conducted the installation ceremony for the new Area and Division Directors, and the leadership team. Steve humorously revealed that it was his first day of vacation, and he had given up part of it to install the new officers. Dressed in a business shirt and jacket, complemented by shorts and athletic shoes, he added to the fun with his engaging presence and heartfelt words. The installation ceremony set a positive tone for the year ahead, reminding each leader of their vital role in shaping the future of their areas, clubs, and the district as a whole.
Following the installation, attendees reconvened for a series of enlightening sessions from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The first session featured Serban Morea, a professional speaker and co-host of the Speak Arizona Podcast. Serban’s interactive session focused on leadership questions that encouraged participants to reflect on their own leadership styles and philosophies. He prompted us to share a time when we were given a leadership role and felt unprepared but persisted anyway. The key takeaway from Serban’s session was that we are never truly “ready.” Despite our striving for perfection and waiting for the perfect moment, opportunities often arise when we least expect them. Embracing these moments and giving our best effort, unencumbered by fear, is essential.
The next session, conducted by Colm Moran of ProjectMasters Toastmasters in Tempe, introduced participants to Asana, a project management tool widely used by professionals, including Toastmasters. This presentation highlighted how Asana can streamline project management, enhance collaboration, and improve productivity. The practical applications of this tool resonated with many attendees, especially those in leadership roles. Learning to leverage technology effectively allows Toastmasters leaders to better manage their committee tasks, track progress, and foster teamwork. The session emphasized the importance of adapting to modern tools to enrich the overall Toastmasters experience.
One of the most valuable aspects of the day was the opportunity for attendees to meet, network, and learn from one another. Some attendees traveled quite far. Daniel Martinez, Division E Director, made the trip from El Paso, Texas, to attend our meeting, as District 3 has expanded to include 14 clubs from former District 23. The new clubs we gained are in El Paso, Texas, and part of New Mexico. Randy Cesares, Distinguished Toastmaster x5 and 2025-2026 Division D Director, drove in from Tucson to participate in the leadership meeting.
As the day came to a close, participants left the Great Wolf Lodge feeling inspired, motivated, and connected. The combination of training sessions, networking opportunities, and shared meals created a holistic experience that emphasized the core values of Toastmasters: leadership, communication, and community.
As Area and Division Directors embark on their new roles, they carry with them the knowledge, connections, and inspiration gained from this day. In the coming months, we will meet many times as leaders, as the District 3 Trio has planned a robust training schedule to build upon and enhance the leadership training that began today.
District 3 2025-2026 Director and Distinguished Toastmaster Peter Salazar concluded the day by stating, “Together, we will continue to foster a community of leaders, inspiring one another to reach our fullest potential.” Here’s to the future of District 3, filled with growth, learning, and lasting connections!
Author: Elizabeth Rothner
