Mark Victor Hansen
Keynote (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcOGtqD8uHNNM_ZaxSvq3kjNYucPw5Fg9
Mark will be presenting on “Fueling Your Desire to Speak.” You were coded at birth with a destiny to speak. Flaming your white-hot desire to speak and love and enjoy doing it. Growing in service, notoriety, fame, and fortune—if you choose to grow and advance—serving evermore people
Mark Victor Hansen is best known as the co-author for the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series and brand, setting world records in book sales, with over 500 million books sold. Mark also worked his way into a worldwide spotlight as a sought-after keynote speaker, and entrepreneurial marketing maven, creating a stream of successful people who have created massive success for themselves through Mark’s unique teachings and wisdom. With his endearing charismatic style, Mark captures his audience’s attention as well as their hearts. Having spoken to over 6,000 audiences world-wide with his one-of-a-kind technique and masterful authority of his work, time and again he continues to receive high accolades from his audiences as one of the most dynamic and compelling speakers and leaders of our time.
Mark’s has appeared on Oprah, CNN and The Today Show), and in national print media including TIME, US News & World Report, USA Today, The New York Times and Entrepreneur, Success as well as being featured on countless radio and newspaper interviews as he assures people everywhere that “with the right principles and mentors, you can easily create the life of your dreams.”
Mark is also known as a passionate philanthropist and humanitarian, working tirelessly for organizations such as: The Horatio Alger Association, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Childhelp USA, the March of Dimes, among others. He is the recipient of ten honorary doctorates and countless awards, his favorite being the Horatio Alger Award for Distinguished Americans. Passionate is about creating a clean planet, Mark is a co-owner and founder of Natural Power Concepts and Co-Chairman of Metamorphosis Energy. He lives in Scottsdale Arizona with his wife, Crystal Dwyer Hansen.
Crystal and Mark released a new co-written book called ASK! The Dreams from Your Dreams to Your Destiny in Spring of 2020.
Juris Kursulis / C&L Award (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqfuqsqj0vEtSPCfyKg8WeLJPCCvdmxi7a
The Juris Kursulis Spirit Award
The Juris Kursulis Spirit Award is bestowed at each District 3 conference upon the person who demonstrates unusual enthusiasm, dedication, and caring for District 3 and its members. The award is in the name of Past District Governor Juris Kursulis, DTM.
Juris and his wife Betty were regular attendees of District 3 conferences for over 30 years. Juris always sported his vest from the 1981 International Convention hosted in Phoenix, and continued to festoon the vest with memorabilia, ribbons, pins, and awards. In 2004, when Juris knew that he had not much longer to contribute to the District, he asked International Director Nancy Starr-Cassidy to take possession of his beloved vest with the promise that it would be used to do something “good for the District.” What better way to honor Juris than to honor those who continue the tradition of caring and giving?
The award is presented at the Hall of Fame Luncheon at each District conference. The winner must be present to receive the award and to earn the right to wear the Vest!
About Juris Kursulis
Juris came to America as a teenaged immigrant, escaping war in his homeland of Latvia. He became a U.S. citizen and joined the Air Force, where he met his bride, Betty, and her two amazing daughters in New Mexico. The family moved to Arizona where Juris went to work for Motorola. He became a member of Voice of Motorola Toastmasters (now Voice of Many), where he remained a member the rest of his life. In 1995, Juris helped form the Leaders Plus club, where he also remained an active member until his passing in 2005.
Juris was a man “bigger than life”–passionate about family, service to the nation, and Toastmasters. He was an outspoken, active member of the Past District Directors Committee and was always willing to challenge leaders to ensure they were doing the right things for the right reasons. In later years, as he needed a cane to assist with his walking, he was known to wave the cane to add emphasis to an important point.
Unknown to many, this bear of a man was truly a gentle giant, always ready to share a quiet word of encouragement to leaders as they made difficult decisions or took other actions that showed their growth as Juris’s Vesta leader, and was a friend to many. He held us to a higher standard, and for that we were grateful.
About the Vest
In 1981, Phoenix served as the host District for the International Convention at the Phoenix Convention Center. The host committee volunteers received vests made of blue denim and embroidered with the conference theme and date. Juris served on the host conference committee and wore his Vest at every conference thereafter.
Year | Awardee |
| Spring 2021 | Wendy Durfee |
| Spring 2019 | Don Griffith |
| Spring 2018 | Sandee Brogan |
| Fall 2017 | Laurie & Lou Rangel |
| Spring 2017 | Michelle Zalak |
| Fall 2016 | Jim Davis |
| Spring 2016 | Connie Weiss |
| Fall 2015 | Eddie Davis |
| Spring 2015 | Jennifer Sarracino |
| Fall 2014 | Ryck Klecak |
| Spring 2014 | Glenn Barber |
| Fall 2013 | Debby Waugh |
| Spring 2013 | Lynne Brasher |
| Fall 2012 | Scott Holly |
| Spring 2012 | Nancy Goins |
| Fall 2011 | Maggie Sherwood |
| Spring 2011 | Diane Travers Shipman |
| Fall 2010 | Kristin Gramando |
| Spring 2010 | Jeannie Enders |
| Fall 2009 | Marc Dratch |
| Spring 2009 | Mike Kaml |
| Fall 2008 | Emi Bauer |
| Spring 2008 | Susan Ball |
| Fall 2007 | Judy Norris |
| Spring 2007 | Steve Broe |
Communication and Leadership Award: Pat Griffen
Pat Griffen, Executive Director of Against Abuse, Inc. known as AAI will be presented with the 2022 Communication & Leadership Award, the highest honor bestowed to a non-Toastmaster. The award recognizes individuals within our Arizona communities who have demonstrated outstanding communication and leadership skills.
In October 1981, a group of concerned Casa Grande citizens who had been studying the phenomena of domestic violence, started Against Abuse, Inc. which was officially incorporated and opened as a domestic violence agency with Pat Griffen as its first Executive Director. Forty years later, Pat Griffen continues as the Executive Director and the agency, known as AAI, continues to grow.
Within five years of opening, Pat built AAI’s services and reputation to the point that La Casa de Paz, a shelter for women and their children, had filled immediately. In 1986, Pat began the Taste of Casa Grande, a fundraiser for AAI, an idea presented by local restauranteurs Nancy and Michael Jackson. For over thirty years under Pat’s guidance, the Taste of Casa Grande expanded to presenting 25-30 local restaurants. The community gets involved, volunteering and donating prizes and gifts for the 90 plus raffle baskets and door prizes. La Casita de Paz was opened in 1989 as an emergency shelter for children removed from their homes for cause.
Under Pat’s guidance, the AAI staff has grown and is now a full-service domestic violence agency that offers all victims of domestic violence shelter services and community-based services for those not wishing to come to a shelter. AAI also developed La Paloma, a supervised visit/safe exchange program that permits non-custodial parents to see their children in a manner so the custodial parent need not fear more violence. AAI also offers an animal safe home system, which keep the pets of women in the shelter.
AAI’s Thrift Store provides basic household items for women preparing to move back into their communities, as well as a clothing bank for women and children.
Against Abuse, Inc. was also recognized nationally in 2009 with the Sunshine Lady Foundation Inc’s Sunshine Award. This award recognizes organizations and programs dedicated to providing opportunities for advancement of education, well-being, and new life choices for disadvantaged people. AAI celebrated their 40th anniversary last year, long with Pat as its Director for 40 years, the agency provides the widest possible range of services to all victims of domestic violence.
In 2005, the city of Maricopa who had seen Pat’s work in Casa Grande, went to Pat seeking her guidance in their efforts to raise the necessary funding to build La Casa de Paz in Maricopa. The shelter opened last year and continues to provide the same excellent services expected from AAI.
Presentation Time
This award will be presented by District 3 at the Hall of Fame Luncheon at the upcoming District Conference.
Criteria
The recipient must:
- Not be a Toastmaster
- Reside within District 3 boundaries
- Agree, in advance, to attend the luncheon to receive the award and to speak at the awards presentation
- Have made a significant contribution to the communities within District 3, through his/her communication and leadership skills
- Not have previously received this award
- In addition, the Selection Committee should select a recipient whose stature and contributions facilitate the efforts of District 3 to generate publicity in the community for Toastmasters and promote Toastmasters attendance at the Spring Conference
| Year | Awardee |
| Spring 2021 | Debbie Nez-Manuel AZ Democratic National Committee Woman |
| Spring 2018 | Jody McPhearson Three C’s Youth Project |
| Fall 2017 | Dr. Gerard Van Belle |
| Fall 2016 | Jessica Cox |
| Spring 2015 | Courtney Klein, Co-Founder & CEO of SEED SPOT |
| Fall 2014 | Kristi Tedesco, KVOA News Anchor/Reporter |
| Spring 2014 | Sharon Bates, Anthony Bates Foundation |
| Fall 2013 | Dr. Ron Barnes |
| Spring 2013 | Dr. David Beyda, Medical Director, Medical Mercy |
| Fall 2012 | Dr. Lynn Olslen, Educator and Community Organizer and Facilitator |
| Spring 2012 | Scott Jacobson, Leadership & Community Developer |
| Fall 2011 | Helen Handler, Nazi concentration camp survivor |
| Spring 2011 | Rosie Romero, Radio Personality |
| Fall 2010 | Jason Schechterle, Phoenix Firefighter and community activist |
| Spring 2010 | PJ Dixon, Motivational and Inspirational speaker |
| Fall 2009 | Lew Reese, Radio Personality & community servant |
| Spring 2009 | Brenda Combs, Educator and community activist |
| Fall 2008 | Pat McMahon, Television & Radio personality |
| Spring 2008 | Bill Pepicello, PhD, President, University of Phoenix |
| Spring 2007 | Betty Fairfax, Educator and Philanthropist |
| Spring 2006 | Linda Cobb, “Queen of Clean” |
| Fall 2005 | Bob Walkup, Mayor of Tucson and his wife Beth Walkup |
| Spring 2005 | Dan Davis – KTVK Channel 3 |
| Spring 2004 | Jane Robertson – 2004 Arizona Teacher of the Year |
| Spring 2003 | Laura Lawless – Miss Arizona 2002 |
| Fall 2001 | Robert A. Khan – Firefighter & Spokesman |
| Spring 2001 | Marshall Trimble – Arizona Historian and Storyteller |
| Spring 2000 | Kathleen Mitchell – Community Leader |
| Spring 1999 | Jana Bommersbach – News Commentator |
| Spring 1998 | Jerry Traylor – Motivator |
| Spring 1997 | Dr. Jack Copeland – Heart Transplant Surgeon |
| Spring 1996 | Sheriff Joe Arpaio – Maricopa County Sheriff |
| Spring 1993 | Kent Dana – News Anchorman |
| Fall 1992 | Linda Turley – News Anchor |
| Spring 1991 | James H. Click – Chairman of Board, Interwest Bank |
| Fall 1990 | Michael Dixon – Radio Talk Show Host |
| Fall 1989 | Idelia B. Riggs – Educator |
| Fall 1988 | Jerry Foster – Helicopter News Reporter |
| Fall 1987 | Sister Mary Kathleen Clark – Community Leader |
| Fall 1986 | Joy E. Marx |
| Fall 1985 | Sandra L. Tarlen – Ashes to Life – Burn Support Group |
| Fall 1984 | Larry Nielsen |
| Fall 1983 | Joseph Black – Corporate Leader |
| Fall 1982 | Ken Coy – News reporter and volunteer |
| Fall 1981 | Joel M. Weldon – Professional Speaker |
| Fall 1980 | Mary Jo West – Television Reporter |
| Fall 1979 | Jesse Owens – 1936 Gold Medal Olympian & Humanitarian |
| Fall 1978 | Lori Cox – High School Student Activist |
Michael J Holian, DTM, PDD, Region 3 International Director
DCP Panel (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkdOiorD8iGNK0P2ve0iuT_YxEGSLB96zC
Learn best practices for your club to become distinguished
Neil Giuliano
Keynote (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM)
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpcumspjgiHtPl8w6SDhanEYP6G_1adKCR
Neil with be presenting “Stories of a Public Leadership Journey: How to Build a Lake in the Middle of the Desert” The dream of Rio Salado had been discussed for nearly 27-years when Neil Giuliano was elected mayor of Tempe in 1994, with his expressed goal of making it a reality or toning back the fervor of the decades old dream if it was unlikely it could happen. Three years into his tenure, construction of the massive urban redevelopment project commenced and in 1999 Tempe Town Lake at Rio Salado was a reality. Giuliano will share stories and insights of Rio Salado, being the first directly-elected openly gay mayor in the US, winning an anti-gay recall election at the height of the culture wars and other tales of his decade long tenure as mayor of Tempe.
Neil Giuliano serves as President/CEO of Greater Phoenix Leadership, the forum for CEO leaders to collaborate with the government, education, and philanthropy sectors to create and sustain a safe, healthy and prosperous community.
From 2010-2015, Giuliano was President & CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF). Prior to his work in San Francisco, Giuliano was bi-coastal (NYC & LA) as President/CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and executive producer of GLAAD Media Awards from 2005-2009.
Before becoming a national activist and NGO executive, Giuliano was councilmember, 1990-1994, and then the youngest person ever elected mayor of Tempe, Arizona, a post he held from 1994-2004.
Giuliano is the author of “The Campaign Within: A Mayor’s Private Journey to Public Leadership” (Magnus Books 2012) and has received numerous awards for his work in public policy and community activism.
He currently resides in Tempe, Arizona.
International Speech Contest (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYucOitrDgrHtZ5pdznZ0IKvrzm86yQM7S-
Contestants:
Rhiannon Allard
Kelli Bradstreet
Helen Chapman
Sarah Gayle Galbreath
Annamarie Harris
Serban Morea
Lisa Pivin