Toastmasters of La Jolla, the club founded in 1978 by Helen M. Blanchard, has established the Helen Blanchard Annual Award of Excellence to carry forward her legacy after a district reorganization eliminated the award that previously bore her name. The club presented the inaugural award on October 21, 2026, to Alberto E. Alvarado, DTM, recognizing what the club described as his tireless dedication to helping others find their voice and share it with confidence.
The new award was created in response to the merger of District 5 of Toastmasters International with Founder’s District, effective July 1, 2026, forming a new Founder’s District. That consolidation also absorbed District 100, Division S, and it removed the district-level Helen M. Blanchard Trailblazer Award, which had recognized innovative and exceptional service leadership in District 5 since 2010. Bob Dietrich, DTM, proposed that Toastmasters of La Jolla assume responsibility for continuing the tradition, and the club membership adopted the idea. The result is an award intended to honor individuals who exemplify dedication to helping others develop their communication skills and confidence.
“Helen Blanchard opened the door for so many of us,” Dietrich said. “She showed that excellence and leadership belong to anyone willing to commit to them. It felt right that her own club should carry that tradition forward.” The creation of the award matters because it preserves a recognition program that otherwise would have disappeared when the district structure changed, and it keeps Blanchard’s name attached to the values she championed: service, leadership, and helping others grow.
Alvarado joined Toastmasters in 2015 and has held numerous leadership roles at the club and district levels. He previously served as District 5 Toastmaster of the Year for 2023-2024 and currently serves as Program Quality Director for District 5 for 2025-2026, overseeing educational programs, club officer training, contests, and efforts to help clubs and members achieve Distinguished status. Earlier service includes three terms 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 also reinforces the historical significance of Helen M. Blanchard, who lived from 1926 to 2013 and was a pioneering figure in Toastmasters International. In 1970, when membership was still restricted to men, she began attending meetings of a San Diego club. Club members submitted her application under the name “H. Blanchard,” and when World Headquarters requested a full first name, they chose “Homer.” Three years later, in 1973, Toastmasters officially opened membership to women. Blanchard went on to serve as District Governor and, in 1985, became the first female International President of Toastmasters International, with a presidential theme of “Commit to Excellence.” In 1978, she founded Toastmasters of La Jolla, which was chartered on June 1, 1978. She is widely known as the “First Lady of Toastmasters” for breaking barriers and opening the organization to women worldwide.
By taking ownership of the award, Toastmasters of La Jolla ensures that Blanchard’s commitment to leadership and service continues to be recognized at a time when the district-level structure that once honored her has been reshaped. 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, and guests are always welcome.
