By day, Mary-Anne is a Financial Crime Governance Manager at Barclays, specialising in risk, controls and decision-making. In Toastmasters, she has progressed from Club President to Division Director, driven by a passion for building thriving communities. Known for her wit, warmth and lively energy, Mary-Anne brings a dynamic presence as an MC, keeping events engaging, seamless and enjoyable.
Chris Binns is a professional Master of Ceremonies and public speaker with 25+ years of experience engaging live audiences. A longtime Toastmaster and member of Berkeley Square Speakers, he is known for bringing warmth, precision and calm authority to every event. Chris ensures audiences feel at ease, speakers are supported, and every moment flows seamlessly with energy and professionalism.
Elangoraj Thiruppandiaraj is a Data Scientist at Just Group, where he leads the development of practical AI solutions within a regulated financial environment. With over a decade of experience, he focuses on making AI accessible and impactful for business users. He is also a Toastmaster leader and passionate about blending AI adoption with strong communication skills.
Priscilla Leigh is a psychoaudiologist and communication strategist who helps leaders communicate with greater impact and influence. With a background in psychology and audiology, she explores how sound shapes attention, trust and behaviour. Her work brings unique auditory insights into public speaking and leadership, helping others connect more effectively and communicate with clarity.
Lydia McDowall is a Confidence Coach and Mentor who helps women speak up, step forward and be seen with clarity and confidence. Once held back by fear of public speaking, she now supports professionals and entrepreneurs to overcome self-doubt. A Toastmaster since 2015 and experienced Event MC, Lydia combines coaching, structure and real-world insight to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Hephzibah Emereole is a technology professional and passionate communicator focused on empowering communities through connection and service. With an international career across Africa, the US and the UK, she brings a global perspective. An Area Director and experienced MC, she is known for her energy, clarity and engaging, memorable presence.
Since discovering his voice on the school stage, Adam has built a reputation for powerful delivery and commanding presence. A former English teacher and accomplished guitarist, he understands the stage’s ability to inspire growth. Alongside a career in international affairs, he is President of Excalibur Speakers in London and a sought-after host, known for his high-energy, engaging style.
Kevin Harrington is a business leader and exit planning specialist who helps UK owners build companies ready for sale and life beyond business. With senior experience across multiple sectors, he specialises in strategy, marketing and growth. A long-standing Toastmaster and Area Director in District 91, Kevin is known for his practical, supportive style and belief in the power of communication.
Jean Gamester is Second Vice President of the Toastmasters International Board (2025–2026) and previously served as a Board member. A Business School Lecturer and Academic Manager at The Open University, she specialises in leadership, strategy and organisational change. With a background in global consulting and transformation, Jean combines research and practice to help others grow their potential through creativity, self-care and innovation.
Speech Title: The Butterfly Effect
Tina Valand is a London-based Generative AI Director specialising in AI and Conversational AI innovation. She helps organisations adopt AI in practical, responsible and scalable ways while building confidence across teams. A co-founder of Women in Alliances and advocate for diversity in tech, Tina also supports startups and invests across fintech, data and consumer brands, driving meaningful and responsible innovation. transformation, Jean combines research and practice to help others grow their potential through creativity, self-care and innovation.
Panel Discussion: Shaping the Future of Leadership
Naveed Sheikh is an Internal Auditor, School Governor, and public speaking coach who has delivered keynotes across Toastmasters District 91 and professional organisations. He believes consistent practice builds confidence and resilience. His session, Shaken but Still Standing, focuses on overcoming public speaking fear.
Speech Title: Shaken but still standing
Marissa D’Cunha is a Youth Development Lead for the South of England Young Ambassadors with over 12 years’ experience in youth support. She currently works at The King’s Trust, supporting NEET young people to build confidence, achieve their goals, and move towards sustainable futures. Marissa is passionate about inclusive, youth-centred practice that amplifies young people’s voices.
Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
Dr Sabrya Carim is a scientist with a PhD in Cell Biology and a science editor at a leading research journal. A TEDx speaker and Toastmaster of eight years, she is passionate about representation and empowering diverse women in science. Combining science and communication, Sabrya helps others elevate their voice and will share practical AI tools to enhance impactful speaking.
Panel Discussion: Al tools and Human skills Al can’t replace
Dhiresh is a London-based AI professional and passionate Toastmaster who believes in the transformative potential of AI for society. He is dedicated to inspiring others to embrace an AI-first mindset in their personal and professional lives.
Panel Discussion: Al tools and Human skills Al can’t replace
Elangoraj Thiruppandiaraj is a Data Scientist at Just Group, where he leads the development of practical AI solutions within a regulated financial environment. With over a decade of experience, he focuses on making AI accessible and impactful for business users. He is also a Toastmaster leader and passionate about blending AI adoption with strong communication skills.
Speech Title: AI & The Future of Communication
Dr. Cybele Wong is an experienced data scientist with over a decade of global experience delivering more than 100 digital products and projects. Her expertise spans data management, analytics, artificial intelligence, and AI/ML adoption, with a focus on creating smart, sustainable solutions across the built environment. She works across sectors including infrastructure, water, transport, energy, and public health, transforming complex business objectives into integrated digital outcomes.
Speech Title: Al for Storytelling & Speech Creation
Tina Valand is a London-based Generative AI Director specialising in AI and Conversational AI innovation. She helps organisations adopt AI in practical, responsible and scalable ways while building confidence across teams. A co-founder of Women in Alliances and advocate for diversity in tech, Tina also supports startups and invests across fintech, data and consumer brands, driving meaningful and responsible innovation. transformation, Jean combines research and practice to help others grow their potential through creativity, self-care and innovation.
Panel Discussion-Shaping the Future of Leadership
Dr Sabrya Carim is a scientist with a PhD in Cell Biology and a science editor at a leading research journal. A TEDx speaker and Toastmaster of eight years, she is passionate about representation and empowering diverse women in science. Combining science and communication, Sabrya helps others elevate their voice and will share practical AI tools to enhance impactful speaking.
Workshop: AI tools and Human skills AI can’t replace
Marissa D’Cunha is a Youth Development Lead for the South of England Young Ambassadors with over 12 years’ experience in youth support. She currently works at The King’s Trust, supporting NEET young people to build confidence, achieve their goals, and move towards sustainable futures. Marissa is passionate about inclusive, youth-centred practice that amplifies young people’s voices.
Workshop: AI for Storytelling & Speech Creation
Chris is the District 91 Table Topics Champion and a public speaking trainer who has coached over 15,000 professionals worldwide. He works with senior leaders to communicate with clarity and confidence in high-stakes situations, using practical techniques that deliver immediate results.