Gallery
Get to know Ivy through her journey in public speaking, leadership, and performance. This gallery highlights key moments, experiences, and milestones that have shaped her approach to communication and confidence.
Recent Award Spotlight
On May 2, Ivy won the District 49 Toastmasters International Speech Contest, advancing through multiple championship rounds in the world’s largest speech competition. Her achievement was featured in Maui Now in an article titled “Hawai‘i Woman Advances in the World’s Largest Speech Contest.”
Watch the Winning Speech:
Leadership in Action
Ivy Chen serves as the 2026–2027 President of Downtown Business Associates Toastmasters, one of Hawaiʻi’s leading Toastmasters clubs. She is passionate about helping people develop the confidence to share their stories, ideas, and expertise with others.
Through her leadership, Ivy aims to create a supportive environment where members receive thoughtful feedback, grow as speakers, and build meaningful connections beyond club meetings. She is especially passionate about helping adults who may not have had opportunities to develop strong communication skills earlier in life, empowering them to step outside their comfort zones and discover the impact of their voice.
Her work with both youth and adults is driven by a simple belief: confident communication has the power to open doors, strengthen relationships, and change lives.
Experience Highlights
Representing Downtown Business Associates Toastmasters, Ivy earned 1st place at the Area 1 International Speech Competition.
After winning the Hawai‘i State Championships in Prepared Public Speaking, Ivy represented the state at the national competition in Indianapolis, Indiana. She competed against all 48 states and placed in the top four, becoming the first competitor from Hawai‘i to achieve this since 1960.
After placing in the Top 10 at Miss Hawai‘i USA 2021, Ivy was invited to be featured on local news, recognizing her accomplishment and presence on stage.
Ivy was selected as a speaker at McKinley High School’s 2021 graduation, where she delivered a message inspiring her class to persevere and pursue success despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awards
National Finalist in FFA Prepared Public Speaking
Hawaii State Champion in FFA Extemporaneous Speaking
Hawaii State Champion in FFA Prepared Public Speaking
Hawaii State Champion in FFA Creed Speaking
Toastmasters International Speech Competition
1st place in Distrcit 49 & Hawaii State Champion (2026)
1st place in Division A (2026)
1st Place in Area 1 (2026)
1st place in Division D (2021)
1st Place in Area 15 (2021)
1st Place in Paradise Hawaii Toastmasters (2021)
1st Place in Impromptu Speaking in Hawaii Speech League Tournament
1st Place in McKinley High School's Poetry Out Loud Competition
1st Place in Informative Speaking at Neighbor Island Tournament
1st Place in Duo Interpretation at Kamehameha Invitational Tournament
1st Place in Mandarin Chinese Speech Contest by Chinese School of Atlanta