WEST HARTFORD – Joan Walden has been elected president of West Hartford Toastmasters. Established more than 20 years ago, West Hartford Toastmasters is one of 14,350 clubs in 122 countries that comprise Toastmasters International.

The mission of Toastmaster clubs is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which members can develop their communication and leadership skills. The club focused on improving speaking, listening and thinking.

“After attending my first meeting as a guest, I knew that I wanted to be involved in this organization for professional and personal reasons,” said Walden, who lives in West Hartford. “I encourage anyone who is interested in meeting new people and hearing interesting speeches on diverse topics to attend as a guest.”