About us
youth debate academy
Speech and debate helps students build life-long skills including, but not limited to: effective communication, team-work, critical thinking, and creativity. Opportunities for middle and even high school students to learn about and gain exposure to speech and debate, however, are scarce and pricy. With private and group coaching oftentimes costing hundreds of dollars per hour, the world of speech and debate quickly becomes inaccessible and exclusive; but it doesn't have to be. Youth Debate Academy saw a gap in debate opportunities currently offered to middle school students, and hopes to inspire today's youth regardless of their social or economic backgrounds. In pursuit of our mission, we created speech and debate programs that are completely free of charge and accessible to anyone with a computer, a notepad, and a ready-to-learn attitude.
Our Team
Emily Zhang: Founder/President
Emily Zhang founded Youth Debate Academy in 2021. Today, she is president of the debate team at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. Among other regional and international accolades, Emily has been named the 2023 International Champion in Impromptu Speaking and finished 8th overall at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships. Emily is passionate and excited to share her experience and skills with anyone who is willing to learn.
Zora Chirunga: Outreach Director/Senior Instructor
Zora Chirunga (left) is the outreach director and a senior instructor at Youth Debate Academy. She is a secretary of the debate team at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. Within a year of debating for the first time, Zora was promoted to an advanced debater, receiving accolades such as Top Speaker and 2nd place in interpretive reading at regional tournaments. Zora joined Youth Debate Academy in 2023, and is extremely excited to share her knowledge, and hopes to inspire her students to love debate as much as she does!
Sonia Daizadeh: Social Media Director/Summer Institute Counselor
Sonia Daizadeh is a social media director and summer institute counselor at Youth Debate Academy. She is a sophomore at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. Sonia's love for speech & debate started in 6th grade, and since then, she has competed in the annual Rose Institute Speech and Debate contest, placing first in stand up comedy and receiving medals for her dual interpretation and monologue work. Sonia joined YDA in 2023 because she's excited to share her love for debate with aspiring middle schoolers and help them grow as public speakers!
Marissa Hao: Summer Institute Counselor
Marissa Hao is a summer institute counselor at Youth Debate Academy. She is a freshman at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. Most recently, Marissa was named the Champion of Cross-Examination Debate at the Mamaroneck Tournament in New York. Marissa attended YDA as a student for two years, taking part in both the Introduction to Speech & Debate and Advanced Speech & Debate classes during the school year. Marissa returned to Youth Debate Academy in 2023, is super excited to return to Youth Debate Academy as an instructor!
Serena Song: Summer Institute Counselor
Serena Song is a summer institute counselor at Youth Debate Academy. She is a freshman at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. Serena's love for debate started in middle school, and she is now a dedicated member of her school's debate team. Serena has competed in several debate tournaments. Most recently, she and her partner Marissa Hao (also a YDA counselor!) placed first at the Mamaroneck Tournament in New York. Serena Joined Youth Debate Academy in 2024 because she is excited to learn more about debate and share her knowledge and curiosity with others who want to start!
Hiya Singh: Summer Institute Counselor
Hiya Singh is a summer institute counselor at Youth Debate Academy. She is a freshman at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. Hiya loves public speaking and debating, and she is excited to share her passion with everyone at YDA! Hiya joined Youth Debate Academy in 2024 because she is excited to work with other students who share her love of speech & debate, wants to help students improve their debate skills, and is eager to become a better debater herself!
Amber Lan: Former Instructor/Guest Judge
Amber Lan (left) is a former instructor at Youth Debate Academy. She is a junior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. Amber was instrumental in the beginnings of YDA in March 2021. Bringing in years of debate experience in parliamentary, cross-examination, and public forum debate, Amber offers a fresh perspective and unique feedback to students. Today, she serves as a guest judge for our summer and year-round programs!
Are you a high schooler interested in speech and debate? Apply today to become a member of the Youth Debate Academy Team!
For other inquiries, about volunteering or otherwise, please contact us at youthdb8academy@gmail.com!
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