Check Who Makes This Event Possible! to significant support from its Board of Trustees, receives contributions.
District 46 of Toastmasters International, serves the vibrant communities North of 34th Street in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester.
The District 46 Spring Conference 2025, scheduled for May 10h, is poised to be a landmark event that celebrates the art of communication and leadership. This year, the conference adopts a hybrid format, enabling participants from around the globe to join either in person or virtually, thus catering to a wide audience with varied preferences.
The event boasts an impressive lineup of activities designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. Attendees can look forward to engaging keynote speeches delivered by renowned speakers, hands-on workshops aimed at skill enhancement, and insightful panel discussions that promise to provoke thought and foster dialogue.
Welcome attendees, distribute conference materials, and assist with check-in.
Bring Your Body to the Stage: From Engagement to Excellence
The Story Effect: Speaking That Sparks Transformation
Enjoy lunch and network with fellow attendees.
Transition to Breakout Sessions
Turn the Tables - TIPS FOR TABLE TOPICS
- International Speech Contest
- Evaluation Speech Contest
Rochelle Rice, DTM, AS, CSP, is the first woman to hold both the Accredited Speaker designation from Toastmasters International and the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association. With over 30 years in the fitness industry and a background as a professional jazz dancer, she integrates somatic experience training with speaking expertise to help emerging leaders develop their Body-Mind Connection for increased confidence. A longtime member of Bryant Park Toastmasters and the National Speakers Association, Rochelle served as the Council Chair for the Accredited Speaker Program (2021-2023) and recently joined Chamber Toastmasters in Kyiv, Ukraine. She is also a proud aunt to 12 nieces and nephews. Her presentation, “Bring Your Body to the Stage: From Engagement to Excellence,” emphasizes the power of the body in leadership and communication.
Seth B. Greenwald, PMP, MID, is a best-selling author, keynote speaker and course creator for project managers, engineering leaders and other technical professionals. After earning his Mechanical Engineering degree from The Cooper Union, Seth served as senior project manager for some of the largest engineering and construction firms in the country. He currently manages multiple civil works mega projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As the owner of Creatively Speaking Inc., Seth has empowered countless individuals to advance their careers through effective communication. His public speaking programs 'Page to Stage' and 'Find Your Flow' have garnered widespread acclaim for their transformative impact on his student’s ability to craft highly memorable messages through the power of storytelling. Seth latest book, "Answering the Call of Your Creative Warrior" is the inspiring story of how he discovered his inner source of creative confidence. His new online course 'Strategic Storytelling for Technical Professionals' was recently voted a top 10 course on the MYCPE learning platform. Seth is the founder and charter member of PMI-NYC Toastmasters and an active member of the Westchester Advanced Toastmasters (WAT) club. He earned his first DTM in 2016 and working diligently towards his second one. In his spare time, Seth enjoys experiencing the world to collect fun stories to share with his local audiences.
Meet Fern Chan, the presentation Jedi Master and bestselling author of "How to NOT Suck at Presentations." This sassy mompreneur ditched her 9-5 in higher education to become the force behind Fern Chan Ventures, where she transforms business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators into presentation powerhouses. When she's not dropping knowledge bombs at the UN in Vienna and New York or empowering fellow moms to conquer the business world, you'll find her hogging the karaoke mic or geeking out over Star Wars. With the badassery of Leia and the wisdom of Yoda, Fern is on a mission to banish boring PowerPoints to a galaxy far, far away, and restore energy and enthusiasm in the audience.
Scott Mason, also known as the Myth Slayer, is a Columbia Law School graduate who has spent over 20 years working as an attorney and senior executive in the government and non-profit sectors. He later became an entrepreneur, successfully expanding a manufacturing company into a major operation serving prominent corporate clients across two cities. Currently, he operates his own coaching and speaking business, focusing on transformative executive leadership coaching for lawyers. Scott has contributed insights to various media, including books, online magazines, TV, radio, and numerous podcasts. He has hosted four podcasts, including the official podcast for District 46, “Transformational Pathways,” and “The Webdelics Podcast,” which aligns with his co-founded venture, www.Webdelics.com, a leading online resource on plant medicines. Additionally, he co-founded the Podcast Pioneers club in District 46, aimed at enhancing podcasting skills among Toastmasters.
Neerja Purang, DTM, is an accomplished IT Project Manager with a passion for empowering teams and driving impactful change in complex healthcare environments. A dynamic leader both in the workplace and within the Toastmasters community, Neerja served as the District Director for Toastmasters District 46, where she championed communication excellence and leadership development across the New York City metro area. Known for her strategic vision, calm demeanor, and collaborative leadership style, Neerja continues to mentor emerging leaders while managing high-stakes technology projects at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her commitment to service and lifelong learning makes her a respected figure in both professional and volunteer circles.
Bianca Magbujos has been a member of Toastmasters for 8 years and has served as President of New York Toastmasters in 2023. She has 10+ years of experience in the Learning and Development field designing and facilitating workshops that are fun and impactful. She is still nervous when giving a Table Topics speech, but has learned how to use those nerves as a secret weapon.
Dr. Anna Stepanova is a neuroscientist at Weill Cornell Medical College, researching the role of mitochondria and calcium signaling in heart health for patients with Friedreich’s Ataxia. Her work aims to uncover new therapies for FA-related cardiomyopathy. She is also an active volunteer at Columbia University Toastmasters, helping others grow as communicators and leaders. Anna earned her Ph.D. in Physiology from the Koltzov Institute in Moscow and completed postdoctoral training at Columbia University. Outside of science and Toastmasters, Anna enjoys biking, dancing, baking, and reading memoirs and psychology books.
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Date: 10 May 2025
Time: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Location: Monroe University, 380 Main St, Gaddy Hall, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Glen Island Park: A 105-acre waterfront park featuring a crescent-shaped beach, picnic areas, and scenic views of Long Island Sound.
Five Islands Park: A series of islands connected by footbridges, offering playgrounds, hiking trails, and fishing spots.
Hudson Park: A 13-acre park along the harbor front with a beach, greenhouses, and the shore station of the United States Coast Guard.
Ward Acres Nature Preserve: A 62-acre park combining untouched forest, wild lawns, and meadows, with hiking trails and historic horse stables.
New Rochelle Public Library: Located in the downtown business district, the library offers a vast collection of resources and hosts various community events.