Members Rise
District Thrives!
Katia
Burdet, DTM
Key projects for District Member Satisfaction and Growth
Empowering Member Voices
Prepare an official proposal for changes to procedures and guidelines, based on feedback from District 109 members.
The proposal will incorporate insights from both experienced members and newcomers to ensure it reflects a balanced and inclusive perspective.
Support the expansion of TI in new geographical areas
Capitalize on the best practices from the strategic expansion in Albania to further extend our presence across the Western Balkans.
Support the expansion of TI in the new markets
Capitalize on the best practices from the strategic expansion into new markets such as Switzerland and Austria to further grow our presence in corporate clubs and support existing ones in achieving excellence.
Increase in membership and engagement
Increase membership engagement by helping clubs motivate more members to take on club officer roles and by supporting members in understanding the benefits of following the Pathways program. Enhance communication within and across clubs in our district, ensuring that weaker clubs, which may lack Pathways mentors for new members, can connect with stronger, larger clubs that can provide mentoring support.
Continue the Sponsorship Plan Initiative
This year, for the first time in District 109, the current District Director and I created and implemented the District Sponsorship Plan to secure financial support. We successfully raised €4,000 in funding for the District Conference, which allowed us to slightly reduce the ticket price, along with securing several in-kind sponsorships.
I am committed to further refining this plan in the coming year so that club, division, and district event organizers can benefit from it—gaining valuable skills in sponsorship acquisition and leveraging the advantages of partnering with sponsors.
To support this, a dedicated team of sales experts—backed by the Finance Manager and the Public Relations Manager—will assist event organizers in securing sponsorships for club and district events, helping clubs grow and contributing to lower ticket costs for Division and District Conferences.
Actions for a District where Members Rise
- A strategic meeting in July with Division Directors to align priorities, budget, and timeline
- A big District event in November with a corporate summit, district contest, and training
- A District App to connect members, share feedback, and never miss a chance to grow
- A Sponsorship Team to reduce event costs and increase access
- An Harmony Team, active listeners ready to support our Officers and members in challenging moments
- An Education Protocol building partnerships with schools, universities, and training institutions to officially recognize Pathways as a certified soft skills development program, enhancing Toastmasters’ value and attracting students and professionals
Vision
A trusted home for our members. A magnet for new guests. A benchmark for our life.
A strong District: one that honors and respects our past, reinforces what works, and empowers our future—supporting our members and launching new ideas.
Operative Principle: Collaboration with Other Functions
Work closely with other district leaders to ensure an integrated and consistent experience for all Toastmasters members. Collaboration fosters synergies and opens up opportunities for mutual growth!
Key achievements as Program Quality Director 2024-25
The greatest achievement I am experiencing during my term as Program Quality Director has been the design and execution of a strategic plan made up of 16 impactful projects. This framework allowed 15 members to grow beyond their club comfort zone and gain recognition through Level 4 projects and Toastmasters Award Projects. Seeing members grow and excel is an indescribable joy.
Membership orientation
An initiative from the Program Quality Director and the Club Growth Director Teams to support new members in gaining confidence, navigating the Toastmasters environment, and taking their first steps toward becoming active and independent participants.
Increase attendance at DOT and COT
97% attendance at District Officer Training
69% attendance at Club Officer Training
Recognition hub
The Recognition Hub initiative was born this year in my team. I developed the Recognition Hub and appointed a dedicated Project Manager to oversee the delivery of certificates and awards—ensuring timely and meaningful recognition for our members. Next year goal is to implement this hub in our District Webpage.
OUTSTANDING PROJECTS & MEMBERS
- TLIx Project led by Harry Loots, DTM: 80 hours of club officer–oriented training spread over 20 weeks.
- Peer to Peer Mentor Community led by Meltem Altinay, DTM: 12 Months; 11 VIPs; 12 Hours; 1 Global Community of 100+ Members Around the World
- TRAINATHON led by Deniz Şenelt Kalelioğlu, DTM:
24 Continuous Hours | 50 Team Members | 600+ Entries
WinTIR: D109 Winter event is back after 5 years
By trusting and supporting a country that recently joined the district to organize a District Event, 120 Toastmasters members had the opportunity to experience three days filled with learning and fun in Tirana. Highlights included:
- 10 hours of training sessions (DOT and COT)
- Gala Dinner
- Tour of Tirana
- Karaoke
Impact Galerie
As 2024 – 2025 Program Quality Director, I committed to listening to members’ needs—integrating additional training based on their requests alongside the official educational offering. I also focused on creating space for leaders to coordinate their own innovative initiatives, and offered opportunities for those who wanted to lead by taking ownership of district-level projects I designed.
Membership orientation
An initiative from the Program Quality & Club Growth Directors Team to support new members in gaining confidence, navigating the Toastmasters environment, and taking their first steps toward becoming active and independent participants.
Led by Francescka Davidhi (DivA)
TLIx – by Toastmasters Leadership Institute
20 Weeks – 40 Days – 80 Hours
20 Speakers – + of 100 members
The TLX was created to offer additional opportunities to all members who couldn’t attend the Club Officer Trainings organized in their area, ensuring everyone had access to essential leadership development.
Led by Harry Loots, DTM (DivE)
On-demand Webinar
We launched dedicated interviews, panels, and workshops for all members interested in becoming TEDx speakers or coaches. The initiative began in January with an insightful online panel discussion featuring three experienced TEDx coaches and organizers, who shared valuable tips and advice on the journey and key elements of becoming a successful TEDx speaker.
Find more about PQD Projects by visiting our District Web Page https://district109.org/
Testimonials from supporters
Excellence is, of course, one of Toastmaster’s four values. It is always a pleasure to encounter a person who exemplifies that value, and this is most certainly the case with the most excellent Katia Burdet.
Carol Bausor
Company owner, Coach & Confrence Chair, Speaker and
Enthusiastic Toastmaster!
Katia played a key role in testing new Club Officer Training materials for Toastmasters around the world. Katia played a leading role in the planning and implementation of the training session displaying both great organisational and leadership skills in a multicultural session. These are both key skills in required of a successful District Director.
Diane Richardson
IPDD D91
I have known Katia since 2017, she was my first mentor and during these 6 years we have shared so many experiences and events in Toastmasters for which I feel much gratitude.
What I most appreciate in Katia is her inexhaustible enthusiasm and contagious energy, combined with a strong sense of responsibility that leads her to be a leader and a communicator of the highest value, always striving for excellence.
Annalisa Librè
AD A1 2021-22; Civil lawyer, Professional Coach
It’s hard to put into words how much of an impact Katia Burdet has had on my Toastmasters journey—and on our club as a whole. From the moment she stepped into a leadership role, she brought with her a sense of purpose, warmth, and a deep desire to see others grow.
She initiated and leaded the Membership Orientation Program, which she ran with care and consistency for six months.
Franceska Davidhi
VPE 2024-25; Electrical Engineer
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Katia for being an incredible mentor. She has played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my Pathway goals in Toastmasters by guiding me through the process of delivering speeches and completing related projects. One of the most valuable experiences was preparing for the Panel Discussion, which required a great deal of organizational skills and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. Thanks to Katia’s support, everything was thoroughly discussed, and the Panel Discussion was organized and executed at a high level, on time.
Ainur Shamkelova
D59 Odissey Ambassador 2024-2025
Tel: +39 3471054858
burdet.katia@gmail.com
Katia Burdet DTM, leadership and communications expert with an innovative vision for the Toastmasters District 109
Katia Burdet, DTM
aspiring District Director
Vote for me if you want
1) A home where members feel seen, heard, and empowered.
2) A place that honors our past, builds on what works, and embraces innovation to grow together.
3) A Strategy Based on Actionable Values:
- Openness – Open access to projects, resources, and updates, through a shared, evolving platform.
- Trust – A safe space where feedback and even conflict lead to growth, supported by a Conflict Resolution “Harmony Team.”
- Inclusivity – Tools like the District App will help us connect, simplify access, and celebrate every voice.