Our Club’s History

Moderator Toastmasters Club was founded in 1979 by Lilli Janzen, with the vision of creating a different kind of club where every member could shine. Inspired by her work in the nuclear industry, the name “Moderator” reflects the idea of generating usable energy—and for more than 45 years, our club has been generating enthusiasm, growth, and leadership.

Our core values are encouragement, fun, and inclusiveness. We cultivate the courage to grow by supporting each other, we learn through humour and camaraderie, and we warmly welcome people of all backgrounds to share their voices. Known as the first officially bilingual club in District 61, we proudly conduct meetings in both English and French, offering a truly multicultural experience.

Throughout our history, we have met at many prestigious downtown Montreal venues, from the Mount Stephen Club to our current home in the Scotia Bank building, with a beautiful view of Mount Royal. Alongside our weekly meetings, traditions such as anniversary banquets, annual picnics at Parc Jarry, and “Post-Toasties” dinners strengthen our community spirit.

The Moderator Club continues to be a place where members master public speaking, deliver and receive encouraging evaluations, and step into leadership roles. Join us on a Tuesday evening, and discover the Mod Squad spirit that has made our club flourish for decades!

Past Presidents

The 2020’S

2019-2020
John Torre

2020-2021
Dan Glikstein

2021-2022
Kerry Schacter

2022-2023
Jean Sauvé

2023
Eric Chiniara

2024
John Torre

2024-2025
Wadih Maalouf

2025-2026
Ken Shoujun An