June 2026 Issue 1

What's Inside

📩 Director’s Message – A year of growth, service, and impact.

🏆 May Highlights & Big Wins – Celebrating district achievements.

🚨 Pathways Update – Price increase coming July 1.

🎓 District Programs – Incentives, campaigns, and club growth opportunities.

🌟 GREAT Event – Ace That Interview with Declan Shalvey (June 17) – Register now.

🎤 Bay to Bay Toastmasters – New episode and next taping on June 21.

🎬 Annual Conference – Keynote highlights and contest winners.

📝 Featured Blog – Gaming and the Pathway for Growth.

📸 PR Corner – Spotlight on SCC Speak to Lead Club & D101 PR Team.


What a Year I Witnessed!  


Dear Toastmasters,


What I witnessed this year was magnificence wrapped in human form.

Through speeches, I was given glimpses into the lives of so many remarkable people. Some stories celebrated life's beginnings. Others revealed struggles, perseverance, and resilience. Some reflected on life's endings and the lessons left behind.


Many speeches shared new insights that expanded our understanding, while others prepared us to face the future with greater confidence. Every speech was a gift to those who listened.


We also celebrated the Toastmasters who came before us—those who generously poured their wisdom, encouragement, and experience into those who followed. Barbara Busch left us for the big stage in the sky, but her impact remains with us. Their example reminds me how grateful I am for the people who held themselves to high standards, giving the rest of us permission to do the same. They showed us that our voices matter and that we are capable of becoming better versions of ourselves.


I hope you feel that too.


Reflecting on this year fills me with pride that I said "yes" to the leadership journey within our District. The experience has deepened my appreciation for the power of community and the extraordinary potential that exists within each member.


And yet, there are still 20 days left to make an impact.


If your club is struggling to fill meeting roles, perhaps the answer is inviting more people to experience what Toastmasters has to offer. If there is a passion you want to pursue, maybe now is the time to form a new club around that passion and discover where it can take you.


History has proven time and time again that when people come together as a community, remarkable advances are possible. Together, we learn. Together, we grow. Together, we create opportunities that would be impossible alone.


This is the time to lead.

This is the time to create the change you want to see.

This is the time to share the stories that need to be heard.

I believe in each and every one of you.

Seek your truth.

Speak boldly, Lead fearlessly


With gratitude,

Anna Garcia, DTM

District Director

May Recap

Announcement

Price Increase Coming — Lock In Pathways at $20

Incentive Programs

Events

GREAT Event — Wed, June 17, 2026

Toastmasters Bay to Bay

Episode 6 Recap & Next Taping on Sun, June 21, 2026

Episode 6 - Watch on YouTube

Led by host Sharon Yu, the episode features powerful speeches by Katherin Gallardo, “The Questions Nobody Answers,” and John Estrada, “Three Questions”.

Evaluators Meiying Forney and Raji Bandanapudi, DTM provide thoughtful feedback, helping elevate each story to the next level.

The episode also spotlights the outstanding ArtIccultaors club and shares inspiring member stories that uplift and empower the audience.


Want to be part of future episodes? Sign up!


🗓️ Next episode recording: June 21, 2026


Questions?

Email pr@d101tm.org

D101 Annual Conference

Highlights

Blog

Gaming and the Pathway for Growth

I recently spoke with Vincent Tang, the incoming District 101 Club Growth Director, and asked him what gaming taught him that he can apply to Toastmasters. He replied, “It teaches you to learn one skill at a time...

— Pramathesh Borkotoky


Read More

PR Corner

Club Spotlight

SCC Speak to Lead Toastmasters continues to inspire Santa Clara County employees to Speak Boldly and Lead Fearlessly. This year, the club achieved the prestigious Smedley Distinguished Award, the highest recognition in Toastmasters. Under the leadership of President Poorva Desai, members also served in prominent District leadership roles, including Tommy Le as Area Director and VP Membership Latha Sreekumar as District 101 Speech Contest Chair.


Beyond awards, the club creates meaningful moments through powerful storytelling and connection. A recent speech by Noushin Farrokhnia, “What Does a Free Iran Taste Like?”, deeply moved members with its heartfelt message and emotional impact. Combined with a supportive culture built on collaboration, compassion, communication, and connection, SCC Speak to Lead helps members build confidence, grow as leaders, and make a lasting impact across Santa Clara County.


Contact: GiGi Griffin, VP Public Relations | gigi.griffin@hhs.sccgov.org | 408-595-3378

D101 PR Team in Spotlight

"Proud to Serve" Thank you for a remarkable year. It has been our honor to inform, inspire, and amplify the voice of District 101 in 2025–2026.

Want to spotlight your Club or Member? Submit your entry here.

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