by Najaf Dostaliyev DTM Division D Director
“Birds of a feather flock together,” the saying goes, and for the members of District 25, this sentiment couldn’t be more accurate. When it comes to gathering, celebrating, and creating unforgettable experiences, District 25 needs no excuse—members simply enjoy one another’s company and thrive on shared accomplishments.
District 25 recently orchestrated an impressive Summit, blending creativity, organization, and camaraderie into a large-scale event that left attendees both inspired and connected. The day before, a surprising message came through—not from the ever-charismatic Joyce Trimble, who’s known for her event support rallying, but from none other than Krystal Besaw herself. With her on-board, it was clear this event would be something special.
Led by Phylliss Christian-Daniels and Jai Erwin, along with a devoted support team, the Summit was designed to be an interactive and dynamic experience. Reminiscent of the “Who Moved My Cheese” TLIs, this Summit presented a “maze” for attendees, who had to navigate the classrooms and hallways of Texas Wesleyan. Each session location challenged attendees to stay engaged and explore the venue, making the day feel like an adventure. The Game was on, and members had to “Level Up” their participation throughout the day to stay ahead of the game. Session after session, per the color of the participant’s lanyards, the members received yellow, red, and green dots to play the “Connect Four” through the hallways at the complex. That was FUN!
The Summit was packed with educational sessions, interactive panels, and, again, interactive panels led by Immediate Past District Director Emily Murray. District Director Jesse Ford kicked off the day with an energizing opening, leading to a schedule filled with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging panels, and practical workshops. Each session struck a perfect balance between learning and fun, and the three phenomenal keynote speakers (Karen Shadden, Renee Marietta, and Jake Robison) were particularly memorable highlights.
In addition to the educational agenda, the Summit featured a glamorous DTM ceremony, celebrating members for their dedication and achievements in public speaking and leadership. Congratulations to Jim Chappel, Shudi Hashim, and Larry Prince!
The day also included an exciting fundraising raffle, where Division and Trio leaders generously contributed a variety of themed baskets. As raffle tickets were drawn, the room was abuzz with excitement, and a few lucky members had their numbers called multiple times, taking home multiple Division baskets in a lively turn of events!
Once again, District 25 proved that when passionate, like-minded members come together, the result is an inspiring and memorable experience. This successful Summit showcased the heart of District 25’s spirit—one where achievement and enjoyment go hand in hand. Here’s to another year of success, growth, and community!
