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From Homer to Madam President
Not long ago, women lived the
lives that tradition dictated. Few dreamed of becoming anything other than a wife, mother, or perhaps secretary
or teacher. This is the story of Helen Blanchard who broke through the barriers of tradition. Her journey took
her from simple beginnings as a teacher in a Midwest oneroom 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. Hers is a story 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. |
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