What’s Inside
From the Desk of the District Director — Anna Garcia, DTM recaps the 2025 Toastmasters International Convention
August Recap & Recognitions — Celebrating achievements across the district
Important Announcement — Toastmasters new member fee increase
GREAT Event — Save the date for this district-wide signature program
Humorous Speech Contest — Key announcements and how you can participate
Spotlight Feature: Bay to Bay — The return of the Toastmasters TV show!
New Podcast — AI, Leadership, and the Four Pillars of Growth
Incentive Programs — Current opportunities to grow and earn rewards
Club Spotlight — Meet First Street Speakers: building skills and meaningful connections
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2025 Toastmasters International Convention: A Celebration of Voices, Leadership, and Global Impact
Inspired by a question that Thao Tran's from Friends TM Club, asked me when I returned from Philadelphia.
The 2025 Toastmasters International Convention was more than an event—it was an experience that awakened our collective purpose. From the moment we arrived, there was an unmistakable energy in the air, a feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Surrounded by fellow Toastmasters from across the globe, I was reminded that no matter where we come from, we are united by one mission— to grow as leaders and communicators so we can make a positive impact in the world around us.
The leadership training sessions challenged us to think differently about how we serve our clubs, our communities, and each other. We learned that leadership isn’t about position; it’s about influence, compassion, and the courage to step forward when others hesitate.
In the marketing sessions, creativity and strategy collided. We discovered fresh ways to tell our story, to show the world the value of Toastmasters, and to invite more people into this journey. Every idea was a reminder that the world needs what we have to offer—a proven path to growth, confidence, and leadership.
The speech contest semi-finals left us inspired as voices from every continent shared stories of perseverance, humor, heartbreak, and triumph. Each speech was a reminder of the universal power of human connection and the courage it takes to stand on a stage and speak from the heart. We witnessed Henry Miller leave an audience inspired with a solid close to his semi-final speech, despite the challenges he faced while on stage.
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We got to see Abhijeet Joshi's heart through all the interviews, the Q&A session, and his powerful speech at the business meeting. He had the support of his campaign team, Shweta, Helen, Sara from California and Avis from the Bahamas. It wasn't the result we expected but it solidified that in D101 we develop leaders. He will come back stronger than ever.
And then, the pinnacle—the World Championship of Public Speaking. Here, we witnessed the very best rise to the challenge, demonstrating how words, when used with purpose, can stir emotions, ignite action, and even transform lives. I was happy to see a speech with so much humor can be a winner!!
Yet, what truly set this convention apart was not just the training, the learning, or the competition. It was the spirit of unity. Being in the presence of Toastmasters from around the world reminded us that leadership has no borders, that every culture has wisdom to share, and that together, we form a movement of growth-minded individuals determined to shape a brighter future.
Now, as we return home, the question before us is clear. How will we carry this energy forward? The world needs leaders, now more than ever. And each of us has a role to play in inviting others to join this incredible journey. With every new member, we add another voice to the chorus, another leader to the movement, another ripple in the impact we are making.
The 2025 Convention wasn’t just a gathering. It was a call to action—a reminder that when we raise our voices, support one another, and lead with courage, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.
Let’s bottle this energy. Let’s share it. And let’s continue to build a world filled with confident speakers and bold leaders. The future is waiting and Toastmasters is ready.
Speak Boldly, Lead Fearlessly
Anna Garcia
D101 District Director
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Toastmasters Bay to Bay is Back!
A Monthly TV Show - Returning October 2025
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Imagine giving your speech on a real TV show—filmed in a professional studio and broadcast to the community. From 2008–2015, Bay to Bay gave 200+ Toastmasters (in District D4) that chance across 70+ episodes, helping members shine under studio lights and connect with unseen audiences.
Now, after a decade, Bay to Bay is making its return—led by Producer Stan Ng and District 101—with a brand-new pilot episode recording on October 14, 2025!
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Award-Winning Legacy
During its eight-year run, Bay to Bay earned acclaim across six western states—named a 5-time finalist and 3-time winner of the Western Access Video Excellence (WAVE) Awards.
How You Can get Involved
Join the pilot episode—we need 2 speakers, 2 evaluators, and 1 host.
Want to spotlight your club? Volunteer for a 3-minute video profile in a future episode—a great way to showcase your club’s culture and attract new members.
Contact
To volunteer to appear on the show, send an email to pr@d101tm.org or visit D101 Public Relations Contact
| | Announcing the Fall Humorous Speech Contest! | | |
Get ready for laughter and fun at the District 101 Humorous Speech Contest (5–7 minutes per speech), happening on:
📅 Saturday, October 25
🕗 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT
✨ What’s happening?
- Division-Level Contests will be held in the morning.
- Winners from each division will move forward to the District-Level Contest in the afternoon — all on the same day!
📌 For Division-Level Contests:
Please reach out to your respective Area / Division Directors for details.
💲 This is a paid event.
📍 Stay tuned for agenda, venue, and, registration details.
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🎙️ Destination 101
AI, Leadership, and the Four Pillars of Growth
Guest: Jaymol George | Host: Sneha Sharma
In this episode of Destination 101, host Sneha Sharma speaks with Jaymol George about how AI is transforming leadership and communication.
| | Together they explore balancing technology with mindfulness, health, and spirituality—guided by Jaymol’s four pillars of growth: physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual. A practical, inspiring conversation on thriving in modern life. | | |
Club Name: First Street Speakers
Motto: A community that is safe and supportive for each of us to flourish and we celebrate each other.
Contact
For over two decades, our club has upheld this tradition of creativity and support, from themed meetings to heartfelt celebrations.
| | What makes us unique is not just skill-building, but the meaningful connections we form—where every milestone is honored, and every member’s growth is shared. | | |
At First Street Speakers Toastmasters, we don’t just practice speeches—we celebrate each other’s journeys like family. In May 2025, we hosted a “Wedding Toasts” potluck for members Mitchell and Jessica, who grew side by side as speakers, leaders, and friends. From their first speeches to leadership roles, they supported one another every step.
Bonnie Tomei
President
| | Mitchell and Jessica get married! | | | | |
