Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, September 2025 – Aletta Rochat, DTM, of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, is the new International President of Toastmasters International, the world’s leading organization devoted to communication and leadership skills development. Rochat assumed the one-year term at the organization’s 2025 International Convention, held in Philadelphia, PA, United States, Aug. 20-23.
Rochat is a professional speaker, trainer, and author, and has worked in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years. She owns Voicing your Potential, a company she founded in 2010. She coaches clients on executive presence and communication skills.
Rochat has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Witwatersrand and a diploma in marketing management from the University of South Africa. She is also a certified world class speaking coach. During her time as a student, Rochat was a part of the Rotary exchange program. As a young professional, she was selected for the Rotary Group Study Exchange program. Xtraordinary Women honored her with the Woman of the Month award in April 2018. Outside of Toastmasters, Rochat serves as a trustee of both the Allegro Trust and The Eden, where she manages funds for both nonprofit organizations.
A Toastmaster since 2008, Rochat is a member of her home club, Cape Town Toastmasters Club in Cape Town. She has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.
She says, “Speaking and leadership skills are catalysts for opportunity. Toastmasters provides the environment that allows you to build self-belief and confidence, which are essential for career development. An investment of time and energy into our program delivers results in all areas of your life.”
As an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Rochat is a “working ambassador” for the organization. She works with the Board to develop, support, and modify the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission. As International President, Rochat is the highest ranked officer on the Toastmasters Board of Directors.
About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, with over 265,000 members in more than 13,800 clubs in nearly 150 countries.
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