Breaking the Ice: The Story of Helen Blanchard, DTM

Helen Blanchard's journey took her from simple beginnings as a teacher in a Midwest one-room school to an exciting life of travel, adventure and worldwide leadership. Helen tells the story of how she left Nebraska to pursue a larger life, complete with travels as a Navy wife and the challenges she faced as a civilian employee of the United States Navy.

When she needed help in her professional pursuits, Helen joined Toastmasters International, then a male-only organization. Forced to join under the assumed name, Homer, she ultimately rose to lead this organization as its first female president.

Helen's story is one of hard work, dedication, guts, smarts and friendship. Helen has won the hearts of acquaintances, supervisors, co-workers and most of all her fellow members of Toastmasters International. She paved the way for women to join Toastmasters, to participate fully, and to dare to dream of leadership roles.