To connect with Urmi -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain/

https://www.instagram.com/wil_victoriachapter/

https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain

Urmi's Book: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle – Available on Amazon

In this episode, I welcome Urmi Hossain, a passionate Toastmaster, now living in Montreal. Urmi joined Toastmasters in 2019, inspired by her love for TED Talks and a desire to one day deliver a TEDx talk. Initially hesitant, it took her eight months to deliver her first speech, an icebreaker creatively centered on the meaning of her name—Urmi, meaning “wave.” She used this metaphor to reflect her personality: calm like the ocean but powerful like a tsunami when provoked.

Born in Sicily to Bangladeshi parents, Urmi shares her journey of growing up as a “third culture kid,” navigating her identity across Italian, Bengali, British, and Canadian cultures. Though she once struggled to fit in, she has since embraced her multicultural heritage, calling herself "Italian-Bengali."

Urmi credits Toastmasters for building her confidence and leadership, especially during her roles as VP Education and President. It helped her professionally in finance, and personally through public speaking opportunities, panel hosting, and launching her own YouTube channel. She also serves as social media lead for the Victoria chapter of Women in Leadership Canada, where she hosts Instagram Lives with coaches and experts.

Urmi is also a writer and self-published her memoir, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, in 2022. She mentors women and students, believing deeply in the power of mentorship and community.

Her advice for new Toastmasters? Step up for Table Topics at your first meeting—it reveals your speaking style and shows you what to work on.