An Antiguan has been elected leader in Toastmaster’s District 86 for the year 2019-2020 and is the first African-Canadian to hold this position in District 86, which represents the heartland of Ontario, Canada.
“[Jacklyn Cornelius Payne], a Distinguished Toastmaster will provide leadership and guidance to over 4,400 Toastmasters in over 235 clubs. Her team of 13 Division Directors, over 70 Area Directors, Executive and Administrative Officers will focus on club growth and strengthening across South Western, Central and Northern Ontario,” a press release from the Antigua Toastmasters Club stated.
Payne, formerly of Wireless Road, presently resides in Brampton, Canada. She was elected at the recently concluded District Annual General Business Meeting for her new role which will take effect from July 1st, 2019.
According to the release, Payne said: “The backbone of our organization is the education program and the single most important factor is the member. My goal is to utilize my skills, experience and knowledge from previous roles to help members have a positive and rewarding experience through the service we provide.“
In an effort to augment her communication and leadership skills, Payne joined Toastmasters in 2006 and has held various club and district officer roles throughout her membership.
Her formative toastmaster years involved serving as Club Secretary of Brampton Toastmasters 13 years ago, to her current role as Program Quality Director.
She is also the only Director in the last five years to complete all director levels.
Her portfolio further details that she was District 86’s Toastmasters Area Director of the Year in 2012, Division Director of the Year in 2016, and has chaired many district projects and initiatives.
“Payne will provide leadership and guidance to over 4,400 Toastmasters in over 235 clubs. Her team of 13 Division Directors, over 70 Area Directors, Executive and Administrative Officers, will focus on club growth and strengthening across South Western, Central and Northern Ontario,” the press release added.
Other elected leaders of the District 86 Council for the 2019-2020 year include Jocelyne Vezina, Program Quality Director, and Clifford Graham, Club Growth Director.