A Grateful Heart and a Very Surprising Moment

I am still feeling honoured, grateful, and a little shocked after receiving the District 42 Citation Award at the District 42 Toastmasters Conference.

The District Citation Award recognizes members who have made outstanding contributions that further the Toastmasters spirit and ideals. Recipients are selected through a nomination process by the Past District Directors Committee and have their name placed on the District Citation Banner. 

This award humbles me because I know many deserving Toastmasters give their time, talent, and heart to this organization every day. Any one of them could have received this honour. That makes it even more special.

A Big Surprise

When I saw my name and face on the slide, I froze for a moment. Then they called my name and asked me to say a few words.

The moment felt even more special when Daisy Wei, Immediate Past District Director, presented me with the plaque. Having her share that moment with me added another layer of meaning to an already unforgettable experience.

How It All Started

I joined Toastmasters over 13 years ago to support my daughter, Jovana. My first vision was simple: to be there for her, encourage her, and help her gain confidence.

I never expected Toastmasters to give so much back to me.

Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the people, especially my Calgary Pace Setters club members. I met wonderful friends, learned from amazing mentors, and was inspired by both seasoned Toastmasters and newer members who showed courage, enthusiasm, and heart.

The Little Things Matter

It is funny how we sometimes think people do not notice the little things we do. I have always enjoyed promoting Toastmasters and helping behind the scenes. I do not do it looking for praise, but when recognition comes, it touches your heart and makes you want to do even more.

I have also been lucky to work with an amazing content-creator team, and I always have so much fun with them. Whether we are creating posts, sharing stories, promoting events, or celebrating members, it never feels like work when you are surrounded by people who care and bring such great energy.

I am also grateful to all the District 42 leaders I have worked with over the years. Thank you for your trust, encouragement, guidance, and support. Working with you has helped me grow, learn, and better understand the bigger picture of service and leadership in Toastmasters.

Of course, anyone who knows me knows I often say I need to learn how to say “no.” Everyone laughs and tells me to let them know when I figure it out. After this award, someone joked that I have now been “handcuffed forever.” They may be right!

Vision and Legacy

Looking back, my Toastmasters vision started with supporting Jovana. Over time, that vision grew into helping others feel supported, too, especially new members who are still finding their voice.

For me, legacy is not about titles or awards. It is about leaving people a little more encouraged than when you found them. It is about helping new members feel welcomed, capable, and eager to step into bigger shoes when the time is right.

If I have helped even a few members believe in themselves, take on a role, give a speech, or say yes to a leadership opportunity, then that is a legacy I am proud of.

A Historic Conference and a Proud Club Moment

This conference was also historic because it was the final conference for District 42. One chapter closed, and a new one begins as we move into District 208 and District 210.

It was also a weekend where Calgary Pace Setters truly shone. Sandra Boszko won the District International Speech Contest, our club received many awards for outstanding work, and many of our members were there cheering each other on. It was a beautiful reminder of how much we support and appreciate one another.

Thank You

My club members often call me a “Mama Bear,” and I wear that title proudly. I care deeply about my club, our members, and this amazing Toastmasters community.

Thank you to District 42, the Past District Directors Committee, the wonderful content creator team, the District leaders I have worked with, and everyone who believed in me, trusted me, supported me, and nominated me for this award.

I also want to thank my family for their patience, understanding, and sense of humour through it all. Thank you for not complaining when dinner is not ready, when I am busy finishing “just one more Toastmasters thing,” or when a birthday celebration has to be moved to another day. Your support behind the scenes means more than you know.

Most of all, thank you to my Calgary Pace Setters family. You continue to inspire me, challenge me, and remind me why I fell in love with Toastmasters in the first place.

Vesna Ivkovic, DTM
District 42 Dispatch Designer/ Webmaster