Toastmasters Club celebrates 10 years of speaker excellence

July 1, 2024

Tongue-Tied Trainers representatives, members and guests, including Ambassador Joan Polaschik (fifth from right, white jacket), District 27 Director Jeanna Lee (sixth from right, blue shirt) and Division A Director Hasani Jaali (far right), celebrate at the 10th anniversary reception on March 27. Photo by Michael Morrison

By Jenny Vanderhyde

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Tongue-Tied Trainers Toastmasters Club, a celebratory reception was held on March 27 at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), the State Department’s diplomatic training facility in Arlington, Virginia. Founded in 2014 with the support of then-FSI Director Ambassador Nancy McEldowney, the Toastmasters Club has become a beacon for building confidence and teaching public speaking skills in the ministry.

Club members include FSI staff, students, retirees and friends of department staff who continue to hone their public speaking and leadership skills, building the confidence of many whose first language is not English. The club has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Club award by Toastmasters International five times, a testament to its unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.

The memorial event featured guest speakers from distinguished dignitaries, including FSI Director Ambassador Joan Polaschik, Director of Toastmasters District 27 Jeanna Lee, and Director of Toastmasters Division A Hasani Jaali. Club President Mariko Price delivered opening remarks and provided an overview of the club’s history over the years. Vice President of Membership Lily Han, the previous president, offered a champagne toast and celebrated the club’s accomplishments and camaraderie.

Three founding members and current officers – Secretary Salmy Gheblawi, Vice President of Education and Treasurer Rob Nielsen, and Vice President of Membership Lily Han – were honored as they continue to play important roles in the club. Vice President of Public Relations Jenny Vanderhyde unveiled a revised logo that symbolizes the club’s evolution and enduring spirit. The club’s Sergeant at Arms Juyang Kim shared her personal story of how the club has boosted her confidence in speaking English (her third language). Former members shared fond memories, followed by a musical interlude by FSI language teachers Jaihong Joo and Roland Maung.

As the club embarks on the next chapter of its journey, its legacy continues to resonate, inspiring individuals to overcome language barriers and emerge as articulate leaders. Watch highlights from 10 years of the Tongue-Tied Trainers Toastmasters Club online.

Jenny Vanderhyde is a communications and outreach supervisor at the Foreign Service Institute.