Psst… Want to hear a secret?
Well, it’s not really a secret — but it is something worth knowing.
Over the past several years, the iHub Youth Leadership & Public Speaking Program and Gavel Club have been quietlyhelping young people find their voice, grow their confidence, and step into leadership. Along the way, the program has been enriched by the encouragement and engagement of Toastmasters mentors connected through District 83 and beyond, creating a meaningful space where youth are empowered to speak, create, and lead.
Founded by Toastmaster Jaclyn Lee in 2020, iHub at DICE is an award-winning nonprofit Next Gen Talent Incubator committed to empowering youth through leadership, innovation, and service. The Youth Leadership & Public Speaking Program is one of iHub’s flagship initiatives, grounded in storytelling, communication, and service as core leadership skills. Through structured activities, mini-workshops, and mentoring, the Youth Leadership Program and Gavel Club helpyoung people discover not only what they want to say, but who they want to become. Its growth has been entirely organic, fueled by referrals, community trust, and the meaningful impact on every participant.
At the heart of this program are two remarkable mentors from the Impact 21 Toastmasters Club: Jaclyn Lee, founder of iHub and program lead since its inception, and Kehinde Adewuyi, DTM, current co-lead (2024–present). Week after week, they show up with dedication, patience, and genuine care, guiding students through speeches, leadership exercises, and moments of
self-discovery. Their mentorship has helped countless young people step into their confidence and realize that their voices matter.
The program’s growth has also been shaped by the contributions of many accomplished Toastmasters over the years. Foundational guidance and mentorship from Mario Lewis, a longtime mentor to Jaclyn and a key source of inspiration behind iHub’s landmark Gen Z Masterclass for Youth Leaders and Speakers International Conference, along with theearly and continued support of Margarita Estrada, helped sustain the program even before iHub was formally established in 2020.
Over time, the program has benefited from the generosity of mentors connected through Impact 21, District 83, and the broader global Toastmasters community, as well as leaders and influencers from other ecosystems. These include former Toastmasters International President George Yen, Immediate Past District 83 Director Cyndi Wilson, Marc Williams, Beverly Howard, Karla Alvarez, Hoa Mattaliano, and many others whose mentorship reflects the depth, reach, and generosity of the Toastmasters network.
Equally important is the partnership of parent leaders, including Founding Toastmaster Cindy Chen (Emeritus) and current council lead Dr. Hanmi Xi, along with other dedicated parents whose support has been instrumental in sustaining the program across cohorts.
And the results speak for themselves. Students who once hesitated to speak now lead discussions. Young artists whodoubted their abilities now perform with pride. Emerging leaders who once blended into the background now stand tall, ready to make a difference.
Participants in the program have earned distinction across a variety of areas, including Community Service & Congressional Youth Leadership Awards (2022 - 2024)
Gen Z Masterclass for Youth Leaders and Speakers (2019, 2020, 2023)
Youth Delegations and National-Level Advocacy for AAPIs on Capitol Hill (2022, 2024) iHub × IBM SkillsBuild AI & Data Analytics Program for Teens (2025)
Young Professional innovation initiatives
These accomplishments reflect not only the talent of the youth involved, but also the supportive culture of mentorship and community engagement that makes programs like this possible.
The iHub Youth Leadership Program isn’t just teaching skills — it’s shaping futures. And with the passion of mentors likeJaclyn and Kehinde, the steadfast support of Toastmasters mentors and parent leaders — many connected through District 83 — the ripple effect of this work will continue for years to come.
So maybe it was a secret.
But it’s one worth sharing — loudly, proudly, and often.
If you would like to be part of this amazing program, reach out to Jaclyn at ihubatdice@gmail.com or Kehinde at toastmasterkehinde@gmail.com.
Learn more about iHub at www.ihubd-i-c-e.org, YouTube channel: Ihub at D-I-C-E @ihubatd-i-c-e711
