Toastmasters International -

When I turned 23, I wanted to show myself and the world that I could survive and thrive on my own. I completed my bachelor’s degree in China and moved to Kingsville, Texas, to earn my master’s in computer science.

After graduating, my first job was as a software developer, and things were going well until I lost my husband when my daughter was 2 years old. As a single parent, I wanted to be a role model for my daughter and support us independently, rather than moving back in with my parents. However, once I became an information technology architect, I struggled to successfully promote my ideas to upper management. For example, there were times when I had simple technology solutions, but management chose to use costly vendor solutions instead. I was not assertive enough to convince leadership of the benefits of my approach. I knew this had to change.

In 2013, I started attending Toastmasters meetings as a guest at Armadillo Avenue Club, located across the street from my office in Austin, Texas. I remember the warm welcome and kind assistance from longtime members. My strong desire to provide for my daughter led me to officially join Toastmasters in 2014, but it was a daunting task to complete all the leadership and speaking projects.

From 2014 to 2020, I pushed myself to deliver speeches and participate in leadership programs. In 2020, I achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation, and began to wonder what I could do with the DTM. But then the pandemic hit.

As a Division Director at the time, it was extremely challenging to retain Area Directors because people were relocating to different places or jobs. My Division did not achieve Distinguished status in 2020, which was a contrast to my accomplishment as a President’s Distinguished Area Director the previous year. Feeling disappointed and frustrated, I took a break from leadership roles in 2021.

I was not assertive enough to convince leadership of the benefits of my approach. I knew this had to change.

Then, former District 55 Director Wafae Owen, DTM, encouraged me to consider running for the Club Growth Director position after District 55 lost 40% of its clubs and members. Wafae helped me realize that earning the DTM was just the beginning of my leadership journey, similar to how obtaining a degree is just the start of a career. The purpose of leadership is not solely for personal benefit but to address challenges and meet the needs of members.

Despite my busy schedule with a full-time job and raising a teenage daughter, I took on the Club Growth Director role and helped the District grow its membership in 2022. The following year, as the Program Quality Director, I helped organize Toastmasters Leadership Institute programs, speech contests, and the upcoming spring conference. During my tenure, I connected with many Toastmasters who helped me grow as a leader. It felt natural to run for District Director when it was my turn, and I was honored to be the first Asian American elected as the District 55 Director for Central and South Texas.

Reflecting on my journey, Toastmasters helped me become a leader. The communication and public speaking skills that I gained have also benefited me in my career. I became a steering committee member and speaker for public sector conferences, where I was recognized as a successful Asian American leader by Public Sector Network in May 2024. This recognition is gratifying because it proves my choice of being a Toastmaster is the right one for me.

Most importantly, Toastmasters rekindled my passion for leadership during the challenging pandemic year of 2020. I am grateful to have acquired knowledge and skills through Toastmasters, and I am confident that my journey has prepared me to be a successful leader in both the IT field and Toastmasters.