Annual Awards

Area Director of the Year 2020-2021 – Chie Kawahara

I’m glad I returned to Toastmasters after a 17-year hiatus. In addition to becoming a better speaker, I’ve grown as a leader in the last 4 years.

One of my goals as the Area A4 Director was to have all five clubs participate in the Area Speech Contest. I remembered how much I grew when I competed. I wanted the club members in my area to experience this too. So, early on, I gave a short pep talk about this to all the clubs during my club visits. Then for the few months leading up to the contest I continued a steady drip of sharing tips, videos, and contest information. When the club that had not participated before sent in a competitor and a functionary, I was thrilled!

Another goal was to set up each of the clubs for success when my term ended. During the last three months of my term as an area director, I worked with an exceptional guidance committee for my High Performance Leadership project to help clubs identify future leaders, have club elections early, and encourage knowledge transfer. I invite current and future ADs to use and improve on the tool I’ve created.

Division Director of the Year 2020-2021 – Kalpana Aroda

When I began my professional journey two decades ago, I  very quickly realized that I needed to work on my communications skills. It wasn’t broken,  it was just not dependable..  What do I mean when I say dependable, it’s simple, Presentations were simply a hit-and-miss scenario. Some were excellent and some were borderline embarrassing. Like any normal human being, I identified the problem and thought it would go away with time.  Guess what? It did not, on the contrary, I  passed on opportunities at work where I lacked the confidence to speak in public and then life happened, priorities changed…. 

One day an opportunity came along my way and I decided I will not let this pass by.  It was an opportunity to introduce a guest speaker in a room full of 100+ participants.  When my name was proposed to introduce the speaker, I knew I had to do all I could to give my 100%.  I immediately searched for the Toastmasters clubs meeting near my home,  I spoke in front of 10 people as a guest and I knew I had a long way to go…I joined the club on that very day I walked in as a guest and never looked back.  I took on officer roles, district roles and with each opportunity have only learned that there is so much more to learn in the field of communications and leadership… and my journey now continues as a program quality director for the district.  I have to totally acknowledge one simple fact, Toastmasters is and will always be a part of my life and hopefully so will my growth. Thankful to all who have mentored me these past five years, looking forward to where growth takes us next.   

Division Director of the Year 2020-2021 – Megan Mayer

This year’s team of Area Directors was Awesome, as was the entire District leadership team.  At the very start, we supported each other, working closely together, to craft excellent Online Club Officer Trainings that maximize our Club Officers’ learning experience.  Learn. Troubleshoot. Grow. Repeat.  I learned more tech in our first 3 months than…ever? – and had great fun doing so.

This same teamwork and support carried through the rest of the year, at every level of leadership in the District.  I learned how to work effectively with multiple styles of leadership while finessing my own, and made wonderful friendships while serving our members on their growth journey.  Watching future leaders blossom in their roles as Contest Chairs, Chief Judges, Club Officers, District Officers, and public speakers has proved heartwarming.

Identifying how to equip your team for success is liberating – and Toastmasters teaches us just that!  Thank you all for making this year one of learning and friendship.  My goal was to reflect upon a productive and educational year with fondness for my team members.

Mission accomplished – you are all Awesome!  Thank you for a great year.