Toastmasters of La Jolla, the club founded in 1978 by Helen M. Blanchard, has created the Helen Blanchard Annual Award of Excellence to carry on her legacy after a district reorganization eliminated the previous district-level award. The inaugural award was presented on October 21, 2026, to Alberto E. Alvarado, DTM, recognizing his dedication to helping others develop communication skills and confidence.
The award was established after District 5 of Toastmasters International merged with Founder’s District (and District 100, Division S) effective July 1, 2026, forming a new Founder’s District. That merger eliminated the 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 take responsibility for continuing the tradition, and the club membership adopted the idea.
“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 new award honors individuals who exemplify dedication to helping others develop their communication skills and confidence.
Alvarado received the first award for “his tireless dedication to helping others find their voice and share it with confidence.” He joined Toastmasters in 2015 and has held numerous leadership roles at 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.
Helen M. Blanchard (1926-2013) 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”; 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. Her presidential theme was “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.
The club’s decision to continue an award in her name reflects her lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and helping others grow. Toastmasters of La Jolla maintains a commitment to three core practices: beginning on time, ending on time, and always making meetings fun. 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.
