Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 31, 2026
Toastmasters of La Jolla Launches Helen Blanchard Award, Honors Alvarado
TLDR
- Toastmasters of La Jolla created the Helen Blanchard Annual Award of Excellence, giving members a prestigious new honor to strive for.
- The award was established after District 5 merged with Founder's District on July 1, 2026, eliminating the district-level Blanchard Trailblazer Award.
- The award honors Helen Blanchard's legacy of inclusion and helps others develop communication skills and confidence to make tomorrow better.
- Helen Blanchard joined Toastmasters as H. Blanchard in 1970, became the first female International President in 1985, and founded the La Jolla club in 1978.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it ensures that Helen Blanchard’s pioneering legacy of inclusion and excellence continues at the club level, even after district restructuring eliminated a similar award. By honoring Alberto E. Alvarado, the club highlights the importance of mentorship and leadership development in Toastmasters. The award also reinforces the values of dedication and service that Blanchard embodied, inspiring current and future members to commit to excellence. For the broader community, it serves as a reminder of the power of communication skills and the ongoing effort to make leadership opportunities accessible to all.
Summary
Toastmasters of La Jolla, the club founded in 1978 by Helen M. Blanchard, has created the Helen Blanchard Annual Award of Excellence to continue her legacy after District 5 of Toastmasters International merged with Founder’s District (and District 100, Division S) effective July 1, 2026. The merger eliminated the district-level Helen M. Blanchard Trailblazer Award, which had recognized innovative service leadership since 2010. Club member Bob Dietrich, DTM, proposed that the club assume responsibility for the tradition, and the membership adopted the idea. The inaugural award was presented on October 21, 2026, to Alberto E. Alvarado, DTM, for his tireless dedication to helping others find their voice and share it with confidence.
Alvarado joined Toastmasters in 2015 and has held numerous leadership roles, including District 5 Toastmaster of the Year (2023-2024) and Program Quality Director for District 5 (2025-2026). He also served as club Treasurer, Area Director, District Public Relations Manager, and co-chair of the Leadership and Communication Expo. Professionally, he works for the Costco Auto Program and is a consultant in automotive marketing. The award honors individuals who exemplify dedication to helping others develop communication skills and confidence, reflecting Blanchard’s own commitment to excellence and service.
Helen M. Blanchard (1926-2013) was a pioneering figure in Toastmasters International. In 1970, when membership was restricted to men, she began attending a San Diego club under the name “H. Blanchard,” and later “Homer.” In 1973, Toastmasters officially opened membership to women. Blanchard served as District Governor and, in 1985, became the first female International President of Toastmasters International, with the theme “Commit to Excellence.” She founded Toastmasters of La Jolla in 1978 and is known as the “First Lady of Toastmasters.” The club meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037. Guests are always welcome. For more information, call (805) 501-4005 or visit toastmasterslj.org.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by Newsworthy.ai. Read the original source here, Toastmasters of La Jolla Launches Helen Blanchard Award, Honors Alvarado
