District 114 // East Africa
March-May Issue · Jun 2026
Contributors

The Voices Behind The Words

Leadership

Guests

Authors

DR

Dr. Kevin Rubia, DTM

Kevin Rubia is a medical doctor currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. He joined Toastmasters in 2020 and has since served as Sergeant at Arms, Vice President Public Relations, President, Area Director, Division Director, and Toastmasters Leadership Institute Chair. In 2023, he received the Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year Award, and in 2025, he earned the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation. He is a member of Downtown Toastmasters Club, serves as Vice President Education of Watabaruku Advanced Toastmasters Club, and is the Club Retention Chair for District 114.

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EA

Eptihal Ahmed

Eptihal Ahmed is a General Manager, entrepreneur, and the newly elected Vice President Education (VPE) of Blue Nile Toastmasters Club, where she is passionate about empowering members through education, leadership, and personal growth. A lifelong learner, she enjoys exploring public speaking, Artificial Intelligence, Python programming, and creative writing. As an advocate for sustainable business, she is working toward building premium Ethiopian coffee and leather brands that celebrate Ethiopian heritage, innovation, and responsible entrepreneurship. Beyond her professional pursuits, Eptihal enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures, believing that curiosity, continuous learning, and meaningful storytelling are the driving forces behind both personal growth and creating a positive impact.

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Israel "Lazar"

Israel "Lazar" Terefe

He is one of a kind. Dont bail him out if he gets arrested.

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MD

Maggy, DTM

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MK

Maxmiller Keitany, DTM

Maxmiller Keitany is a legal professional and dedicated Toastmaster who believes that true leadership is learned by doing. Professionally, she serves as a Prosecution Counsel with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Kenya, a role she has held since 2014\. Her career in the legal field has given her a deep appreciation for clear communication, strategic thinking, and running efficient, high-stakes meetings. Maxmiller joined Toastmasters in 2014 and has spent over a decade working on the front lines of club and district leadership. Over the years, she has taken on numerous roles, serving as President and Vice President Education for Downtown Toastmasters, Treasurer for Thika Toastmasters, an Area Director, and currently as the Division B Director. Beyond club administration, she has focused heavily on growth, working as a Club Coach for Ruaraka Toastmasters, a mentor for Dojo Toastmasters, and a Club Sponsor for both Word Crafters and Eldoret Toastmasters. Her dedication culminated in earning the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation in 2020\. Through her journey, Maxmiller has learned that leadership in a volunteer organization relies entirely on serving others rather than commanding them. Outside the meeting room, she is deeply passionate about mentoring children and bringing an grounded, real-world approach to personal and professional development. For Maxmiller, Toastmasters is not just about chasing awards; it is a long-term commitment to getting 1% better each week and helping the next generation of leaders do the same.

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ON

Obed Namahoro, DTM

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TM

TM Gladwell Mwiti

Gladwell Mwiti is an Organization development consultant, certified trainer, and communication mentor with proven expertise in business transformation, leadership development, and strategic growth. With professional experience across the banking and security industries, she has successfully designed and executed high impact strategies, led complex operations, and driven measurable market expansion. As a growth specialist and entrepreneur, Gladwell is dedicated to elevating performance, fostering innovation, and mentoring others to achieve sustainable success.

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TS

TM Meron Sileshi

Meron Sileshi is an expert in strategic communications, learning design, and youth leadership based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Addis Ababa University and has spent over seven years driving marketing and communication strategies across diverse African tech sectors. Believing that impactful storytelling can inspire continental change, Meron founded **NextGen Agri Voices**. This platform collects and amplifies grassroots narratives of young agripreneurs transforming the continent's food systems. Her work takes her to major agrifood forums across Africa to capture these vital stories. Through Toastmasters, she has refined storytelling not just as a skill, but as a crucial tool for creating real community influence. Beyond agricultural communication, Meron is a pre-vetted consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the co-founder of Marketers' Academy in Ethiopia. A passionate youth advocate, she has dedicated nearly a decade to development organizations like AIESEC and Rotaract, notably serving as the 2021/22 Country Chair for Rotaract Ethiopia where she led over 700 members. Grounded in both communication mastery and grassroots change, Meron continues to build platforms that ensure young African innovators are heard and followed.

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TM Nuhamin

TM Nuhamin Abate

I work as a project officer, knowledge management and communication at a local NGO, with aspirations to become a project officer and a communication expert. I've been a member since August, serving as the Assistant Vice President of Public Relations and currently holding the position of Acting VPE.

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TM Sajida

TM Sajida Z. Master

Sajida is a career guidance and mental health counsellor who empowers individuals through workshops and coaching. Focusing on mental wellness and youth development, she blends psychological insight with practical skills. A Toastmaster since 2019, she currently serves as the Mentor Development Facilitator.

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Technical Team