February 11, 2026

This week at Women L.E.A.D., members gathered for an exciting evening of competition and creativity featuring two events: the Club Speech Contest and the Tall Tales Contest. The night was dedicated to stretching imagination, embracing humor, and sharing powerful stories with confidence and heart.

Our Contest Chair, Ramya, opened the evening and helped guide the flow of both contests, while our Chief Judge, Preetha, walked participants through contest eligibility, timing rules, and judging procedures, ensuring a fair and supportive experience for all. Once the stage was set, the creativity truly came alive.

Audrey kicked things off with “Confessions of a Totally Normal Office Worker,” a hilarious tale about discovering she might unknowingly be the main character of a reality TV show. From mysteriously multiplying cameras to coworkers with suspiciously inconsistent names and unsolicited cactus gifts, Audrey’s delivery drew laughter while playfully exploring what it means to question reality.

Lily followed with “My Pet Lingo,” a whimsical story about receiving a mysterious device that translates what pets are really thinking. What begins as a lighthearted conversation with fish and shrimp evolves into a touching realization about human intent, love, and the unspoken ways we care for one another.

Nadya transported us to a tiny island off the coast of Florida in “How Many Years Until I Get Back to Paradise?” Through vivid imagery — roosters at dawn, commuting to school by boat, coral reefs, and a beloved pet monkey named Mimi — Nadya painted a nostalgic portrait of home and reflected on the longing to return to a simpler, deeply connected way of life.

Nitin closed the Tall Tales contest with “My Grandpa Comes Out of the Closet,” an imaginative and mysterious story involving a strange attic discovery, extraterrestrial revelations, and family secrets. Blending humor with surprise twists, Nitin invited the audience into a world where nothing is quite what it seems.

The International Club Speech Contest showcased powerful and inspiring speeches from Sarah and Akila. As part of the only Toastmasters contest that advances beyond the district level to the World Championship of Public Speaking, this contest challenges speakers to deliver compelling, personal, and impactful messages.

Sarah shared a powerful speech titled “Pink” about her journey of accepting the color pink and what it represents, as well as her hopes for her niece and future generations — that you can like pink and still be a girl boss.

Akila delivered a moving speech titled “The Wake Up Call” about her growing awareness of what it truly means to be woke, sharing a story of her cousin’s friend who is visually impaired and how witnessing her determination and accomplishments shifted something deep inside of her.

Both Sarah and Akila brought authenticity, confidence, and depth to the stage, demonstrating the courage and preparation that define strong competitive speaking.

After the speeches, contestants shared what motivated them to participate. A common theme emerged: curiosity, creativity, and the desire to try something new. Several speakers expressed that both contests offered a refreshing departure from traditional speech formats and gave them permission to experiment, play, and challenge themselves.

For some, this was their first speech contest. For others, it was another step in their Toastmasters journey — all fueled by the same intention: growth. Whether filled with laughter, wonder, or heartfelt moments, every story reinforced what makes Women LEAD special: a supportive community where growth and creativity are always welcome.

Congratulations to everyone who participated and helped make this evening such a success. And congratulations to our contest winners, Nitin and Akila, who will be representing our club at the Area level speech contests coming up on March 15th!

We hope to see you at our Open House meeting next week!