2025 Candidates Corner

Jeff Young is currently the District 57 Club Growth Director, where he’s been challenging clubs to be bigger, better, and put on more Open House Events.

He’s a writer, inspirational speaker, improv and workshop enthusiast, was the I-33 Area Director in 2019-2020 (earning an OATM), Division A Director in 2023-2024 (earning District Director of the Year), and has been a Toastmaster since 2010.

Dennis Dawson is a writer and educator from Silicon Valley, CA. He is past district champion in the Humorous, Tall Tales, and Evaluation contests. Dennis recently completed his 3rd Distinguished Toastmaster award. He volunteers as a drawing teacher at local elementary schools and annually portrays Santa Claus for San Jose Christmas in the Park.

While Dennis has been active in districts 4, 39, 57, and 101 for 18 years, he’d have more impact as Club Growth Director and as a Region Advisor. For the latter he needs more experience. Your vote for Club Growth Director will let him serve District 57, while preparing him for a higher-level role.

Maureen Filler joined Toastmasters in August of 2017. She is a member of Scopemasters East Bay (Division D, Area D12) where she has held multiple officer roles including VP Membership, President, and Treasurer. Maureen has served in various capacities within District 57 including TLI Dean & Open House Chair, Area Director D12 & D14. She is the current Division A Director.

Maureen worked in the Telecommunications industry for over four decades. She was a Project Manager for twenty years. She is now semi-retired. She lives in Union City with her husband, two daughters and seven cats.

Daniel Waas began attending Toastmasters meetings with his parents in 2009 and officially joined as a member in 2022. Since then, he has quietly and consistently contributed to the community, taking on roles such as Club Sergeant-at-Arms, Vice President Public Relations, Vice President Membership, Vice President Education, and Club President across Districts 57, 82, and 109.

He currently serves as the Area Director of Area E4 in District 57. Daniel is passionate about fostering collaboration between clubs and encouraging members to step outside their own clubs to learn from and support one another.

Darya Hoover has been a part of Toastmasters for 2 years. Currently, she is an area E6 director. Darya volunteered for 3 years at John Muir Health Medical Center in Walnut Creek. She loves working with people to understand and meet their needs.

Darya is from the former USSR. She has a bachelor’s degree in Russian Language and Literature. Darya has been in the U.S. for 14 years, mainly in the dynamic and beautiful SF Bay Area. Darya is a U.S. citizen, and she lives in Walnut Creek. She is married and has a young daughter born in 2019.

Aaron Loc Van, was born in Vietnam and raised by his parents, who were born in Guangzhou, China, and had 10 siblings. Aaron’s educational background is in Chemical Engineering and Interior Architecture Design, and his work experience is as a Senior Quality Engineer. He married Anita Tran, who graduated as an accountant. Aaron had a wonderful son, Adrian Van, who was part of the Drama club team at DHS.

Aaron’s hobbies are traveling, golfing, exercising, watching movies, listening to music shows, and engaging in other social activities. Aaron loves pursuing excellence in communication and leadership, fostering collaboration, enhancing club quality, and empowering members to achieve their personal and professional goals under Toastmasters International.