New Toastmasters Meeting Location Forming at the SOVA Innovation Hub
Thursday, August 1, 2025 – South Boston, VA – A new Toastmasters meeting location is forming at the SOVA Innovation Hub to help local professionals and community members strengthen their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. As the only active Toastmasters club in the area, the Danville Toastmasters Club is teaming up with the SOVA Innovation Hub to expand access and extend the reach of the Toastmasters International program. The new meeting location will serve the Southern Virginia region, meeting twice a month at the SOVA Innovation Hub, located at 715 Wilborn Avenue in downtown South Boston.
The new meeting location is supported by Toastmasters International’s Area 11 leadership and is part of an effort to expand access to professional development opportunities in the Southern Virginia region. It is open to adults aged 18 and older of all backgrounds and experience levels who are interested in building confidence and improving their communication skills in a welcoming, supportive environment.
“Toastmasters is a great organization for helping people develop public speaking skills and is excellent overall for personal development and networking,” said Keith Washo, SOVA Innovation Hub coworking member and volunteer leader for the SOVA Innovation Hub Toastmasters meeting location. “I’m excited to team up with the other leaders to be a founding member of the Toastmasters meeting location in South Boston, VA.”
“Toastmasters has provided me with a safe place to practice presenting and leadership skills. The increase in my self-confidence, listening retention, and feedback skills has impacted my life in ways I never imagined,” said Venus Wilmer, Toastmasters International member, District 66, Area 11 Director, and Secretary for Danville Toastmasters club. “I look forward to working with the SOVA Innovation Hub team and Danville club leaders to start this new meeting location and support the community members in South Boston and Halifax County.”
The club is currently welcoming new members and hosting interest meetings to introduce the Toastmasters program to the community. Two kickoff meetings will be held at the SOVA Innovation Hub on Thursday, September 11, 12pm to 1pm and Thursday, September 25, 12pm to 1pm.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced Toastmasters members, learn more about how Toastmasters works, and get involved in shaping the club’s future.
“We’re excited to host this new Toastmasters meeting location at the SOVA Innovation Hub as part of our mission to support personal and professional growth in our region. Toastmasters offers a proven framework for building essential leadership and communication skills that benefit entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community leaders alike. It’s a perfect fit for our coworking community and the broader ecosystem we serve,” said Lauren Mathena, Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement, SOVA Innovation Hub & Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation.
To learn more or to register to attend a kickoff meeting in September at the SOVA Innovation Hub, visit sovainnovationhub.com/toastmasters-kickoff.
About SOVA Innovation Hub
The SOVA Innovation Hub is a nonprofit organization working to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia by advancing digital skills and entrepreneurship. Located in South Boston, VA, it provides coworking, training, and collaborative space, and serves as a lead partner for RISE Collaborative. Learn more at sovainnovationhub.com.
About Toastmasters
Toastmasters is a nonprofit educational organization that helps people become more effective communicators and leaders. With over 16,000 clubs worldwide, Toastmasters empowers millions to speak confidently and lead with purpose. By joining, you can improve your public speaking skills, build confidence in communication, gain leadership experience, and connect with local professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members. Learn more at toastmasters.org.
Media Contacts:
Liz Smith | SOVA Innovation Hub | hello@sovainnovationhub.com
Venus Wilmer | Toastmasters Area 11 Director | venuswilmer@gmail.com
Keith Washo | Toastmasters Member | keithwasho@gmail.com