Sarah Cossette, DTM – Division A Director

Fun Fact: I love the outdoors and hiking.

Club Affiliations: TravelMasters Toastmasters and Kidney Stories Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Construction

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: My vision for the 2024-2025 Toastmaster year is to build and support Division A clubs and empower members to become future leaders within District 46. I want to create a positive environment where Area Directors can grow, succeed and achieve their goals. My team will be empowered, innovative and committed to excellence.

Kimberly Ortiz – Division Director

Fun Fact: I am enrolled in mixed martial arts, currently purple belt. I love it! Such an adrenaline rush.

Club Affiliations: Hudson River Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Finance

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: My vision is to grow and about this organization as possible by participating in meeting, asking questions, and reading. I also want to improve my communication skills, become a better listener, speaker, and empathetic person. I want to engage with others and hear their stories, celebrates their wins and support them with the challenges. I hope to inspire, empower others to do the same, and to build a community of like minded people, sharing and supporting during all facets of life.

Dameria Hutabarat-Charles – Division B Director

Fun Fact: Even though cooking is not my forte, I still love to read and watch documentaries on culture and food. I even produced a restaurant review book in Medan, Indonesia, and wrote a thesis on the impact of word of mouth on my family business restaurant for my master’s degree. I am one of the sponsors of Gastronomy Toastmasters.

Club Affiliations: MI Toastmasters and Gastronomy Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Business, Hospitality, Other

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: To create a supportive environment where members and clubs can strive towards achieving distinguished status.

Derrick Guanzon – Area Director

Fun Fact: I can recite a list of 38 prepositions.

Club Affiliations: Toastmasters@MSK

Category of Profession: Healthcare, Technology

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: I envision challenging myself to take the things that learned as a Toastmaster at MSK to other clubs within the area I am directing. I plan on visiting the clubs in my area, learn their best practices and disseminate what I learned to other clubs. I will be consistent and fearless in my commitment to improving the Toastmaster clubs in my area. In turn I hope to make at lasting difference in the District and Toastmaster international as a whole.

Bryan Hubbard – Area Director

Fun Fact: A passion for the outdoors and a career in IT might seem unusual, but it brings excitement and creativity to life. Nature activities like hiking and camping provide energy and inspiration, fueling a continuous pursuit of growth and learning in the professional sphere. Highlights of this journey include speaking at HomerCon in 2023 and 2024, and serving as a monitor for the IT Virtual Conference. Weekdays are dedicated to technology, while weekends are spent exploring nature.
Club Affiliations: Marietta Talking Techies – Club 7200245
Category of Profession: Technology
LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.
Vision for the Year 2024/2025: Imagine a Toastmasters community where every member feels heard, valued, and inspired to grow. As Area Director, my vision is to nurture an environment that promotes these values. My goal is to enhance communication and leadership skills, support collaboration between clubs, and celebrate each member’s journey. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive community and set new standards of excellence in public speaking, leadership, and service.

Rosalynn Mok – Division D Director

Fun Fact: I am an adventurous eater and will try anything once.

Club Affiliations: Traffic Club

Category of Profession: Technology, Creative Arts, Retail, Other

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: Build new clubs and support existing clubs to achieve excellence. Help develop and support leaders. Utilize technology to facilitate leadership roles.

Phylena Houde – Division E Director

Fun Fact: I am a self-taught watercolor artist.

Club Affiliations: TravelMasters

Category of Profession: Technology

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: To empower leaders to lead their teams with confidence of knowing that they are capable and appreciated. I’d love for the 2024/2025 to be the year where the focus of the organization is on our wonderful club members and ensuring that their needs are met in addition to the goals of the clubs and district. I am looking forward to the safe, supportive environment that makes Toastmasters an excellent choice for developing and honing outstanding leadership and public speaking skills. My mantra for the year is “If not now, then when?”

Anna Stepanova – District Administrator, Realignment Chair, Chief Judge

Fun Fact: Volunteered for several summer seasons at the canteen of the White Sea Biological Station, cooking for 60-300 people.

Club Affiliations: Columbia University Toastmasters, Gastronomy Toastmasters, Virtual Parliamentarians

Category of Profession: Science and Research

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: Guide new leaders and help all members to find their voices and follow their paths. Nurture relationships with Area and Division Directors to consolidate Speech Contests preparation. A successful District Contest starts at the Club/Area level. Keep transparent communication with district leaders that will facilitate productive discussions during the meetings. Build a strong team that will prepare a strong District re-alignment.

Hardik Modi – Finance Manager

Fun Fact: Leader with growth mindset and technology background to promote equality and betterment for everyone.

Club Affiliations: Voices of Bank America Club

Category of Profession: Technology

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: Empower leadership and make clubs, divisions and districts to reach more toastmasters and achieve goals.

Ro Reyes-Co – Program Quality Director

Fun Fact: I have a passion for Mexican food, can handle a stick shift like a pro, and I was this close to becoming a movie star in the Philippines—until my mom stepped in and put the brakes on my big screen debut!
Club Affiliations: New York Toastmasters, Podcast Pioneers, Gastronomy Toastmasters, United We Stand and Youth Leadership Program
Category of Profession: Technology, Other
LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.
Vision for the Year 2024/2025: At the heart of my philosophy lies a steadfast commitment to the transformative power of Toastmasters. I believe that every member, regardless of their background or experience, has the capacity to excel and lead with confidence. My approach is rooted in the belief that education and training are the cornerstones of success, and as Program Quality Director, I am dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

Cesar Arzu – Area Director

Fun Fact: Love yoga. Club Affiliations: Toast Of The Bronx/ And The Winner Is.

Category of Profession: Other

LinkedIn Profile: N/A

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: I want to achieve my DTM. I also aim to elevate the clubs I’m working with to Distinguished status. I aspire to become a better public speaker and ultimately achieve Accredited Speaker status.

Isiah Guischard – Area Director

Fun Fact: I love to read.

Club Affiliations: Hudson River Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Business

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: I would love to see the chapter grow in numbers. I believe the more people that get involved the better. I want everyone to show empathy and joy. I wish to become a more undertstanding individual this year.

Nicolas Rontanini – Area Director

Fun Fact: I have been playing the guitar for 8 years.

Club Affiliations: Columbia University Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Public Service

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: My vision is to ensure all duties of the Area Director are fulfilled and exceeded. As I continue along this journey, I will search for ways in which to innovate the role of Area Director. I want to make sure all information, regarding club status and progress, or area speech contests, flows effectively and without delay. I will do everything I can to make sure the clubs in my area are supported and are left with all the tools they require to succeed.

Jessly Chettaniyal – Social Media Manager

Fun Fact: I am an adventure enthusiast.

Club Affiliations: Gastronomy Toastmasters and Traffic Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Finance

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: Elevate engagement, celebrate achievements, and grow our community through dynamic and innovative social media strategies.

George Rivera, DTM – District Director

Fun Fact: I spent a decade singing professionally and also performed in Off-Broadway shows.
Club Affiliations: Hudson River Toastmasters and Einstein Toastmasters
Category of Profession: Education, Business, Creative Arts, Public Service
LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.
Vision for the Year 2024/2025: As District Director, my vision is to foster a thriving environment where the leaders of District 46 exemplify excellence through engagement by modeling the way and challenging the process. I aim to inspire a shared vision, encouraging our leaders to enable others to act and embrace the spirit of collaboration. Together, we will lead with questions, nurture the heart, and celebrate our collective achievements. By doing so, we cultivate a culture of continuous growth and empowerment, ensuring every member thrives in their Toastmasters journey. Let’s build a legacy of leadership that resonates with passion and purpose.

Stella Umunna, DTM – Club Growth Director

Fun Fact: I have a passion for traveling, watching soccer, and collecting tech gadgets. My most exciting tech gadget is a self driving car.
Club Affiliations: Hudson River Toastmasters, Podcast Pioneers Toastmasters, Columbia University Toastmasters, Gastronomy Toastmasters and Travel Masters
Category of Profession: Technology, Education, Finance
LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.
Vision for the Year 2024/2025: As the District 46 Club Growth Director for 2024/2025, my vision is to empower every member, helping them realize that the power to succeed lies within their hands. By replacing negative thoughts with positive ones and working together, we can achieve our goal of building 20 new clubs and fostering a stronger, more connected community.

Venice Cid, DTM – Area Director

Fun Fact: I used to sing in the Gospel Choir in jr. high school.

Club Affiliations: Columbia University Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Other

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: To further develop my leadership skills. Empower clubs to meet their DCP goals by being an effective liaison that promotes communication between the club and district. Inspire other Toastmasters to also become leaders. Collaborate with other area directors as a team to achieve greater success of Division E within District 46.

Charmaine Georgia Thomas – Area Director

Fun Fact: I enjoy amusement parks, concerts and plays.

Club Affiliations: Westchester Advanced Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Other

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: My vision is to add more clubs to District 46. I also want to ensure the clubs in Area 14 are well served by me by helping them achieve Distinguished Club status. My company I work for needs to know about Toastmasters. I intend to ensure the employees are aware of where to attend a meeting near where they live. Also if there is interest start a Corporate Club.

Jennifer Orellana – Public Relations Manager

Fun Fact: My father taught me basic guitar chords when I was 15. Every now and then, I pick up the guitar and play a little—it’s a wonderfully relaxing escape.

Club Affiliations: Einstein Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Other

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: As the Public Relations Manager for Toastmasters District 46 for the 2024-2025 year, I look forward to continuing to elevate the Toastmasters brand and working with a fantastic team to expand our reach. Our goal is for communities in NYC to recognize Toastmasters as a valuable resource for their communication and leadership development. I am also excited to continue my personal Toastmasters journey, strengthening my existing skills and nurturing new ones. Together, we will inspire and support our members in achieving their goals.

Kenny Osorio – Area Director

Fun Fact: I enjoy fencing, polo, and golf.

Club Affiliations: Advanced Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Education, Construction, Public Service

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: My vision for the year is to meet the goals that were set out to do. I plan to be active with clubs and their officers. This year is an opportunity to meet new clubs so I will meet specific concerns made. I plan to have a wonderful year.

DoraMaria Abreu, DTM – Immediate Past District Director

Fun Fact: Walked on Fire!

Club Affiliations: 735 Extraordinary Talkers, Advanced Debaters, Gastronomy Toastmasters, La Voz Latina Toastmasters, Podcast Pioneers

Category of Profession: Technology, Engineering

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: To help build the leadership pipeline for District 46.

Edward Young – Area Director

Fun Fact: Enjoy cycling, basketball, playing chess, and MMORPG

Club Affiliations: Kidney Stories, TravelMasters

Category of Profession: Technology, Hospitality

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: Have members see me working towards my DTM and be motivated to do the same.

Harry Hugh Maynard-Reid – Area Director

Fun Fact: Enjoy Learning and Trying New and Innovative Ideas, Things and Approaches to Growing Giving Living Loving Exploring & Expanding

Club Affiliations: THE Hudson River Toastmasters

Category of Profession: Healthcare, Education

LinkedIn Profile: N/A

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: Embracing Growth : Expansion : Inclusion & Improving Technological skills.

Amir Asadi – Area Director

Fun Fact: I aspire to inspire others to aspire.

Club Affiliations: Goodwill Toastmasters Club

Category of Profession: Finance

LinkedIn Profile: Click here to view.

Vision for the Year 2024/2025: Empowering the community with the Art Of Communication for the betterment of Humanity.