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MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Member Spotlights

Find out about our members, their experiences, and how they have benefited from Toastmasters.  Do you have news you wish to share?

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Meet Mercedes (Mercy) Balli

Posted August 23, 2023
Member Spotlights

 

According to Lark Doley, 2018-2019 Past International President, Mercedes Balli, DTM, was the matriarch of District 55 when Lark first joined Toastmasters in 1990. Mercedes was a leader in District 56. She was known for her care of everything Toastmasters. She helped to charter 45 new Toastmasters clubs, and she coached struggling clubs.  She responded to telephone calls from Austin and surrounding cities, requesting information about Toastmasters, all of this before the days of the Internet and mobile phones. Mercedes mentored District 55 leaders before District 55 split from District 56 in 1997.  If you ever had a question about Toastmasters, Mercedes was your source for the answer.  Mercedes was elected District 55 Director (Governor then) for the 2000-01 year.  Unfortunately, she had to leave District 55 and resigned from her position early in her year.  She later became District 49 Director in Hawaii, her home state.  She was awarded the Presidential Citation for saving District 49 from dissolving.  Mercedes has shared her time and talents with District 56, District 55, and District 49.  Mercedes has left her legacy of care wherever she resides, with every Toastmasters club she joins, with every Toastmasters District she touches. When she joins a Toastmasters club, she gives it her all. We all have been blessed by her Golden dedication to our organization throughout her decades in Toastmasters.  Lark has personally been blessed by her kindness, her care, and her love.

Terrie Green, DTM-President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

Posted June 20, 2023
Member Spotlights

On, July 7, 2023, Terrie Green, DTM, member of Determined to Master Speaking and Dining Out Toastmasters will be the recipient of the President Biden Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her service to the community.  The correspondence, dated April 17, 2023, states…

“I congratulate you on taking it upon yourself to contribute to the public good…and your service to our great community…  

By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges our communities face—solutions that we need now more than ever.  We are living in a moment that calls for hope, light and love.  Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another.  Through your service, you are providing all three.    

 On behalf of the community, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call of service.  The community is counting on you and appreciates you.”

Dining Out Toastmasters members congratulates Terrie on being the recipient of this prestigious award.

DISTRICT CLUB

CLUB NEWS

Find out about our latest District 56 club news and events.

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DISTRICT CLUB

DISTRICT NEWS

Find out about our latest District 56 news and events.

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DISTRICT CLUB

ANNUAL AWARDS

In District 56, special annual awards are presented to Toastmasters in various roles for their contributions throughout the year.

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JWilliams

Jocelyn V. Williams, DTM

District 56 Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Jocelyn V. Williams has been a member of Toastmasters since 2003, serving at every level within District 56—from Club Officer to Area and Division Director, and most recently as Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director. Now serving as the 2025–2026 District Director, Jocelyn is honored and energized to lead with purpose and passion. With over two decades of service, Jocelyn remains inspired by the transformative power of Toastmasters and the joy of helping others grow. Her leadership is anchored in the belief that together, we can achieve excellence, deepen our connections, and empower every member. Let's make this a year of lasting impact—together!

DonnaFossmeyer

Donna Fossmeyer, DTM

Program Quality Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Donna has more than 30 years of Toastmasters experience servicing at the club and District levels. She is committed to helping the members and District 56 reach Distinguished status.

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Samantha Traylor, DTM

Club Growth Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Samantha brings more than a decade of committed service to Toastmasters at the club and district levels. She has served in all officer roles, mentored and coached clubs, secured corporate donations, and supported her Division in achieving Select Distinguished status in the 2023-2024 yr. Passionate about member and club experience, she is dedicated to helping District 56 grow, thrive, and reach Distinguished status.

DeanRobertson

Dean Robertson, DTM

Public Relations Manager

Distinguished Toastmaster Dean Robertson, Public Relations Manager for District 56 Toastmasters! With a robust background in leadership and dedicated service, Dean has consistently uplifted members through various officer roles at both the club and district levels. Believing that clear communication is the cornerstone of all success, Dean's primary goal this year is to significantly enhance the flow of information to ensure every District 56 member is well-informed and connected to the pulse of our vibrant community.

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Caroline Jeter, PM5

Administration Manager

Caroline Jeter has been an active member of Toastmasters since 2021, serving in a variety of leadership roles including VP Education, Treasurer, club sponsor, club mentor, and Area Director. For the 2025-2026 Toastmaster year, Caroline is proud to serve as Administration Manager. Passionate about helping others, Caroline finds joy in supporting members as they grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and reach new milestones. She looks forward to contributing to a successful year of service, leadership, and organizational excellence.

BeckyNoe

Becky Noe, DTM

Finance Manager

Becky Noe is a CPA with over 27 years of accounting experience working in both operations accounting, internal audit and internal controls. Currently, Becky is building an internal audit function for a soon to be publicly traded organization. Becky joined Toastmasters in 2015. She has served in a variety of club officer roles. This is her third time serving as Finance Manager for District 56.

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Elizabeth Ruiz, DTM

Immediate Past District Director

"I've witnessed profound transformations in our members' communication skills and personal growth, igniting a passion for leadership that resonates in every corner of our diverse community. Serving alongside dedicated individuals committed to excellence has been an honor beyond words—a journey where every challenge conquered has led to unprecedented triumphs!"

MarkVine

Mark Vine, EH5

Division L Director

Mark has been in Toastmasters since 2021 and during this time he has had the privilege to have held several leadership roles within his Home Club Deerwood Toastmasters, including VPE & President. This was followed by becoming an Area Director for Division L 41 during the 2024-25, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and is very excited to be continuing his Toastmaster Journey, as Director of Division L in District 56 in 2025-26!!! Mark firmly believes that “We Rise by Lifting Others” and greatly values the networking, leadership and educational opportunities Toastmasters has provided; particularly the friendships he has developed over the past few years.

Kyle

Kyle Ray, IP4

Division M Director

Kyle Ray serves as Division M Director for District 56, where he’s committed to helping clubs thrive through connection, encouragement, and clear goals. Having joined Toastmasters in 2012, Kyle now engages members with a steady hand and his heart for growth to every Toastmasters journey—believing that great leaders are built one speech, one meeting, and one relationship at a time.

Linda Goldberg, DTM

Division N Director

I joined Toastmasters in 1994 because my boss told me to join. I have stayed because of the confidence I have gained, the wonderful people I have met, and what I continue to learn from our diverse group at every meeting. I enjoy the sharing of stories in Toastmasters and find that we have more in common with others than we have differences.

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Patricia Clarkson, DTM

Division O Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Patricia Clarkson has been a proud member of Toastmasters since 2023, bringing energy, heart, and vision to every role she’s held. From Club President, VPE, VPM, and secretary, to Area Director and Club Coach Chair, Patricia now steps into the role of Division Director with deep commitment and a servant leader’s mindset. She believes in the life-changing power of clear communication and confident leadership. Patricia is passionate about encouraging others to step into their purpose, and she sees Toastmasters as a powerful space for growth, connection, and transformation. Her goal this year is to support, strengthen, and inspire every club she serves—one meeting, one member, one moment at a time.

EllenWieczorek

Ellen Wieczorek, DTM

Division P Director

I have had the honor of serving in various leadership capacities within Toastmasters, including President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Area Director. These experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of club and district operations. As Division Director, I am committed to supporting our clubs, developing future leaders, and advancing the mission of Toastmasters International with integrity and excellence.

Tosin Esho, DL5

Division Q Director

Tosin Esho will serve as the D56 Division Q Director for the 2025/2026 term. He has held various officer roles and is dedicated to helping Toastmasters and clubs achieve their goals.

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Irwan Kwik, DL5

Division R Director

Irwan joined Katy Toastmasters in April 2017 to improve his public speaking skills. He set a goal to complete ten speeches within eight months. Katy has been in his first city in the USA for eleven years. He likes to challenge himself mentally and physically, such as hiking with his family and friends. His slogan is "There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Time." His goal for 2025 in Toastmasters is to achieve the DTM award. During his 8-year tenure in Toastmasters, he has served as Club President, Club VPPR, Club VPE, and Area Director.

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