Ivy Yang, DTM
Candidate’s office: Division D Director
Program year: 2023-2024
Member since: 2009
Education: Bachelor of Science
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international and regional level):
VP Education, First Bilingual Wuxi Toastmasters Club, 2011-2012
Founder of First Bilingual Wuxi Toastmasters Club, 2012
Area Q3 Director, District 85, 2013-2014
Division S Director, District 85, 2016-2017
District 85 Conference Chair, 2017
Lead Mentor, District 85, 2019-2022
Mentor of Personal Growth Toastmasters Club, 2022
Area 33 Director, District 6, 2022-2023
Sergeant at Arms, Farmtown Talkers, 2022-2023
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
Distinguished Toastmaster, 2014
President’s Distinguished Division, 2016-2017
Toastmaster of the Year, District 85, 2017-2018
Service Excellence Award, District 85, 2021-2022
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District officer:
I served as Division Director in District 85. At that time, we had 22 clubs in the division, with 4 areas. Some clubs struggled, some Area Directors quit, but our team worked together, achieved President’s Distinguished Division recognition in the end.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
In 2016, we faced the problem that new clubs increased membership sharply and needed to relocate. I visited many clubs in different cities to learn how other clubs dealt with sharp growth. As a result, I submitted a proposal to District 85 leadership to strengthen processes when working with growing clubs. Since then, clubs have managed growth better and relocated less frequently.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
In 2017, I served as District 85 Conference Chair. I needed to find a large hotel to host the 700 attendees for the two days of the conference. We had less money to cover expenses, so we budgeted and managed expenses throughout the entire project. Despite the challenges, the conference was a success and broke even because of the financial discipline I applied.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
I have experience developing speech contest procedures when I served as Area Director and Division Director. Professionally, I also have rich experience developing procedures for import and export work.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
Connect with people. Serve people! We need to connect with and serve those around us because so many challenges are solved by those around us. The leader cannot solve all problems alone. Good ideas come from those around us. Finally, mentors make a difference.
Why do you want to serve as a district leader?
While I have served as Division Director in District 85 (China), I want to serve in District 6. This allows me to serve different members and different clubs. My current Division Director has set a great example for me, and I want to be a leader like him!
In your opinion, what are the district mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
Our District Mission is to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. As a leader, we have the responsibility to serve members and help them grow in public speaking and leadership. We must create an environment for clubs to promote themselves, support members, and sustain the club’s growth.
Additional information about yourself:
Professionally, I’ve worked in the import and export industry for over 20 years. I’ve also been a teacher for 3 years. I now work in freelance, which allows me to spend more time serving in Toastmasters.