Our Team
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Registration for Summer 2025 is open!
Our Leadership Team
Emily Zhang: Founder/President
Emily Zhang founded YDA in 2021. She is a rising freshman at Harvard University. Emily has been named the International Champion in Impromptu Speaking in both 2023 and 2024. In 2024, she was the 1st Place US Speaker at Internationals, during which she led the Winsor School to its first Top School Award ever. Representing the United States at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships, Emily finished in 2nd Place Overall, the highest finish in US history, and 3rd in the world in Parliamentary Debate. She is excited to share her experience and skills with her students!
Zora Chirunga: Outreach Head/Senior Instructor
Zora Chirunga is co-president of the internationally-acclaimed debate team at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. Zora has received numerous Top Speaker and Top Team awards at regional tournaments. As Outreach Head, Zora works towards building partnerships with various schools, organizations, and businesses. Zora is extremely excited to share her knowledge, and hopes to inspire her students to love debate as much as she does!
Emma Birdsong: Curriculum Head/Senior Instructor
Emma Birdsong is co-president of the award-winning debate team at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. She has been recognized by numerous awards at regional tournaments. As Curriculum Head, Emma oversees the development of Youth Debate Academy's online programs. Additionally, Emma is a Senior Instructor at YDA's summer and school-year programs, during which she works directly with students from around the world. Emma loves to share her love of debate with her students!
Sonia Daizadeh: Social Media Head/Summer Institute Counselor
Sonia Daizadeh is a junior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. She has placed first in stand up comedy and received medals for her dual interpretation and monologue work. As Social Media Head, Sonia manages Youth Debate Academy's Instagram account. Sonia is excited to share her love for debate with aspiring middle schoolers and help them grow as public speakers!
Sophie Chan: Communications Head/Summer Institute Counselor
Sophie Chan is secretary of the debate team the Winsor School in Boston, MA, where she debates competitively. As Communications Head, Sophie communicates with students and families about our summer and school-year programs. She also mentors young debaters as a counselor at our annual Summer Institute. Sophie is eager to work with students who want to learn about speech and debate!
Meet our volunteers!
Marissa Hao: Summer Institute Counselor
Marissa Hao is a sophomore at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. 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, and has since returned to Youth Debate Academy as an instructor!
Serena Song: Summer Institute Counselor
Serena Song is a sophomore at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. She and her partner Marissa Hao (also a YDA counselor!) placed first at the Mamaroneck Tournament in New York. Serena is excited to share her knowledge and curiosity with others!
Hiya Singh: Summer Institute Counselor
Hiya Singh is a sophomore 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 wants to help students improve their debate skills!
Shashi Pokhrel: Social Media & Outreach
Shashi Pokhrel is a freshman at Everett High School. Through her experience as a student at Youth Debate Academy, Shashi discovered her passion for public speaking and debating. This experience inspired her to return to YDA as a volunteer, and to help other kids discover that same passion!
Ghazal Mohamed Elgendy: Social Media & Outreach
Ghazal Mohamed Elgendy is a sophomore at Beckham High School. Growing up in an immigrant family, she had to teach herself debate—a skill that became one of her greatest passions. At Youth Debate Academy, Ghazal is excited to help others find their voice!
Andrew Xin: Instructor
Andrew Xin is captain of the debate team at Sharon High School. Having competed at regional and national tournaments, Andrew placed 5th at the New Tech Coppell National Tournament. His favorite part of teaching is inspiring first-time debaters and helping them achieve competitive success!
Sophia Yang: Outreach Team/Junior Instructor
Sophia is a sophomore at the Newton Country Day School in Newton, MA. She hopes she can share her experience with students like herself, who might not have the opportunity to pursue their interest in school. She is excited new people!
Irene Pang: Outreach Team/Junior Instructor
Irene Pang is a sophomore at Newton South High School in Newton, MA. In addition to competing at national and international competitions, Irene has accumulated numerous awards in Public Forum Debate and is excited to learn more about herself and others!
Iris Pang: Outreach Team/Junior Instructor
Iris Pang is a sophomore at Newton South High School in Newton, MA. Most recently, she was a State Finalist in Public Forum Debate. Iris is enthusiastic about public speaking and loves to coach others!
Amber Lan: Former Instructor/Guest Judge
Amber Lan is a senior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. 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!
GET INVOLVED
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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