Candidates for District 101 Elected Positions for 2025-26

Toastmasters is a collective of “exploring adventurers” who are still on the quest to grow and learn. 

As Toastmaster members continue to work on improving our communication and leadership skills in every interaction with one another. 

I for one couldn’t be more grateful to have found all of you and that you embraced my quest to become a Toastmaster. 

As we grow and learn, we discover that in service we pay it forward.  As District Director, I will support and evaluate District 101 with compassion, integrity, eagerness and with effective results.  In this next year it would be great to bring in more members and provide those learning opportunities for others, in the same spirit in which they have been afforded to me.  Pathways and quality programs for our D101 members is what will drive those results.

At Toastmasters, the doors are always open!

My transformative journey with Toastmasters began out of curiosity five years ago and has since been a path of phenomenal personal and leadership growth. Through various meeting roles and leadership positions at the club, area, and division levels, I have honed the fundamentals of effective communication, mentorship, and leadership.

As a Division Director, I have witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration, strategic support, and a strong educational foundation in shaping successful clubs and empowering members. My passion lies in enhancing the member experience, elevating educational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and engagement across our District.

I aspire to serve as your Program Quality Director, committed to delivering enriching training, strengthening mentorship, and ensuring that every member finds value in their Toastmasters journey. Together, let’s build a District where members thrive, clubs excel, and learning never stops.

My Toastmasters journey began with a simple objective of sharpening my presentation skills. However, I soon discovered the broader, transformative power of Toastmasters, which extends to enhancing listening, writing, and mentoring abilities. Witnessing this profound impact firsthand, I am deeply motivated to empower others to achieve their full potential through effective communication and leadership.

As your Program Quality Director, my primary focus will be to elevate the member experience. This will be accomplished by providing expert guidance on the Pathways program. I will ensure that every member maximizes their learning journey. I am committed to cultivating a culture of robust leadership development through active participation and engaging club officer trainings. Above all, I will collaborate closely across the district to align our efforts and drive district-wide educational excellence. Together, we will maximize the impact of District 101.

I am highly honored to be running for the Club Growth Director CGD position for 2025-2026. In my past 5 years serving as a VPM, VPE, President, Secretary, Area Director, District Director, and Treasurer in various clubs and my home club, Saratoga Big Basin Toastmasters, I have learned that “Learning happens out of your comfort zone”. I would like to take this further by helping to collaborate, connect, and coordinate programs for District 101, to make members feel acknowledged, valued, and appreciated. I will work with the Club Mentor, Club Coach, and Club Contest Chairs to bring programs like district credits for early membership renewal, longest-standing member contest, longest standing President’s Distinguished Club, and King of 

Truth Club to award the clubs. As part of the D101 trio, I will combine our strengths to move the members of D101 to satisfaction and display diligence and gratitude. Please support me in this task!

Toastmasters has transformed my journey—from a curious speaker to a leader shaping communities. As a Division E Director and club coach, I have witnessed firsthand the power of mentorship, collaboration, and strategic growth.

My leadership at Vakpatugalu and as the founding president of Holistic Harmony Club has reinforced my belief: growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building sustainable, engaged, and thriving clubs. With my experience in launching and reviving clubs, I am committed to expanding our district, empowering leaders, and ensuring every club flourishes.

Professionally, as an Engineering Manager at Schneider Electric, I lead diverse teams, driving innovation and strategic execution—skills I will leverage to elevate District 101’s club growth.

With your support, I will bring passion, structure, and a vision to foster strong clubs and an enriched Toastmasters experience. Let’s grow together!

I ask for your vote and trust to serve as your next Club Growth Director.

Like most who join Toastmasters, I thought I was here to improve my public speaking skills and like most, I have found so much more. My clubs and this district have been so generous over the eight years that I have been a member, offering support and evaluation that has allowed me to flourish as a speaker.

I have served in many leadership and supportive roles over those eight years and I want to continue to do so. Division A is filled with fun, individuality, and commitment and it is my goal as Division Director to support its uniqueness. I offer experience, encouragement, and I am an excellent listener when it comes to figuring out what you want.  

I look forward to the opportunity to work with all of those in Division A who want to take themselves and their clubs where they want to go.

Toastmasters is more than a platform for speaking — it’s a gateway to innovation. It reshapes the way we think, solve problems, and express ideas.Through structured feedback, diverse interactions, and constant growth opportunities, Toastmasters nurtures both the internal thinker and the external communicator.

In a world that often dulls creativity with routine, our clubs offer a space to reignite that spark — to rediscover curiosity, clarity, and confidence.As a Division Director candidate, my mission is to create an environment where members feel empowered to explore, experiment, and evolve.

Let’s build a division where innovation thrives, where every meeting fuels not just our voices but our vision.Together, we’ll make Toastmasters a launchpad for the next big idea — starting in your mind.

“As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

As an Area Director, I witnessed firsthand the incredible support within the Toastmasters community. During contests, I saw clubs, leaders, and directors rally together, not just to compete, but to uplift and encourage one another. It reminded me that a club’s success isn’t just about strategy or resources—it’s about the connections we make and the lessons we share.

As your Division Director, I will focus on helping Area Directors strengthen their connections with clubs and members, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the club level. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, we can ensure that every club receives the support it needs. I may not have all the answers, but I will always be there to listen, learn, and help in any way I can.

Let’s connect, grow, and inspire—together.

My Toastmasters journey began with a simple goal—to connect, communicate better, and understand people. Along the way, I discovered that leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about creating a space where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

As Club President, VPE, and VPM, I focused on building a supportive space where every member felt valued. Stepping in as an Area Director, I’ve worked to strengthen clubs, mentor officers, and empower members. These experiences have shown me the transformative power of community-centered leadership.

I’m eager to continue this journey as a District Leader, fostering success through collaboration, mentorship, and growth. Leadership is a hands-on experience, and Toastmasters has shaped my path in incredible ways. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Toastmasters community where everyone thrives. Together We Grow, Together We Lead, Together We Succeed!

I am Pradeep Krishnappa, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Division Director! With a passion for leadership and a commitment to supporting our clubs, I am ready to take on this role and make a difference.

WHY VOTE FOR ME?

Ø  Proven leadership as an Area Director & Club officer.Ø  Dedicated to mentoring and empowering Area Directors.Ø  Experience in organizing successful club and division events.Ø  Committed to helping clubs achieve excellence and growth.Ø  Strong communication and strategic planning skills.

MY VISION FOR OUR DIVISION

Ø  Strengthen collaboration between clubs and district leadership.Ø  Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.Ø  Drive engagement through innovative events and initiatives.Ø  Support clubs in achieving Distinguished status and beyond.

TOGETHER, WE CAN GROW AND SUCCEED!Contact Me: pradeepgrp@gmail.com: 925-353-6601

I am ready to serve, support, and lead! I would be honored to have your vote for Division Director!

My journey with Toastmasters began in 2011, and over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this organization. I’ve grown from a hesitant speaker to a confident leader, and I’m passionate about enabling others to experience that same growth. Throughout my Toastmasters journey, I have served in various leadership roles, supporting clubs and members to achieve excellence.

I believe in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where every Toastmaster feels empowered to achieve their goals. I am committed to providing the resources, mentorship, and encouragement necessary for members to excel to reach their full potential.

As Division Director, I will prioritize open communication, active listening, and strategic planning. With your support, I will work tirelessly to uphold the values of Toastmasters and lead our division toward continued success.

Thank you for your trust and support.