Arvind Venugopal joined Toastmasters in 2011. In his words, he initially joined to benefit from the educational program, and he has since stayed on for all the great people he has met, the friendships he has formed, and the leadership journey where he inspires and develops others along with developing himself. Arvind is currently serving as District Director for District 36 in the 2025/26 term year, and his vision is to lead by example, nurture and grow the District, and inspire members. He has served multiple terms as Division Director including leading his Division to President's Distinguished District, multiple terms as Area Director, a term as District Public Relations Manager, has been a part of multiple District committees over the years, and most recently served as Club Growth Director for District 36 in 2023/24, and served as Program Quality Director in 2024/25. Arvind has lived in two countries, is fluent in six languages, has multiple professional pursuits including product management, music, and public speaking with the common thread of service at its core. 

Serving this term as Program Quality Director, Augusta Inniss, DTM is dedicated to enhancing the Toastmasters experience through impactful training, quality club support, and meaningful recognition. With a passion for leadership development and member growth, she is excited to support clubs in achieving excellence throughout the year. Let’s make this a successful and rewarding term—together!

Jill Vanderweit has been a Toastmaster since 2003. As Co-host of the 2016 Toastmasters International Convention in Washington, DC, she was instrumental in initiating the Helping Hands convention volunteer program. In District 36, she has served as Division G Director, Division C Governor, Area 44 Governor, Conference Chair, and TLI Chair. For many years she juggled two careers. During the day, she was the Convention Director for a woman/minority-owned government contractor; and at night she was Business Manager of a professional fringe theatre company. At her day job, she managed a 30-person department of conference planners, assistants, production staff, and proposal writers. She collaborated with researchers, technicians, and clients to design educational content, create planning timelines, and execute successful events. At her night job, she teamed with performing artists, donors, and marketing staff to produce and promote live theatre. Now, as a consultant, she continues to use her strategic planning, project management, teamwork, and communication skills to coordinate volunteers for the annual Smithsonian Folk Life Festival.

Ramu has been a Toastmaster since 2013. He has been a member of multiple clubs in multiple districts. Ramu has served most of the roles in Toastmasters, including club officer, club coach, club sponsor, Area Director, Division Director, Logistics Manager, TLI Chair, Club Growth Director, and Program Quality Director with integrity, service, respect, and excellence. Ramu is a big believer in the Toastmaster platform as the source of continuous growth and excellence. His strengths are to bring new ideas to our district, improve process efficiencies, educate/train members, and mentor new generations of leaders. As Immediate Past Program Quality Director, Ramu led the Program Quality Team during an intense period of transition and transformation. His new priorities as District Director are to help District 36’s leaders and members grow at a faster pace.

I'm an accounting professional with over 15 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and tax. As an Enrolled Agent and owner of a virtual accounting firm, I support small businesses with tax resolution, planning, and advisory services. With a background in internal controls and compliance, I previously served as Audit Committee Chair for District 36 and am excited to contribute again through strong financial leadership and oversight.

Maria-Pia Younger joined Toastmasters in late 2018 and officially became an active member at the end of 2019. A year later, she delivered her Icebreaker speech – a turning point that launched her leadership and communication journey, which is why she tells everyone, “Just do it!” Maria-Pia is a Data Scientist at the U.S. Department of State, where she earned a Meritorious Honor Award and a Franklin Award in her first year. She also received the Ambassador’s Distinguished Appreciation Certificate while serving as a Foreign Service Political Officer, applying her communication and analytical skills in diplomatic contexts. With over a decade of experience in systems and software engineering, she credits Toastmasters for nudging her to pursue a Master’s in mathematics and statistics and co-found the Georgetown University Association for Women in Mathematics. She currently serves as Public Relations Manager for District 36, now in her second consecutive year of district leadership. Previously, she led Division B to Distinguished status, working closely with four Area Directors and a Deputy Director – three of the four areas achieved Distinguished, and the fourth laid strong groundwork for future success. As Club President and VPPR, she guided her club to President’s Distinguished and helped strengthen outreach and member engagement. During her term, she aims to increase club and district visibility, modernize outreach, and strengthen Toastmasters pride – helping people see that the organization is not just alive, but thriving and essential to today’s professional and personal growth.

In 2025, Mike marked 20 years as a Toastmaster. During that time I have served at every level of club officer multiple times; served as Area 52 Governor (Distinguished) and Area 55 Director; served as Division E Director; successfully coached a club to be Distinguished; served on the District Alignment Committee both as a member and as a chairperson; and volunteered at the 2016 Toastmasters International Annual meeting in Washington, DC. I initially joined Toastmasters to overcome my great fear of standing and speaking in front of an audience. It's a continuing battle that waxes and wanes. Outside of Toastmasters, I work in the Public Works Department at the City of Rockville, serving others by communicating with maps, printed and digital, to help them make better decisions.