Our Team

Emily Zhang founded Youth Debate Academy in 2021. She is a student at Harvard College, studying Social Studies & Applied Mathematics. She currently serves as the Social Chair for the Harvard College Debating Union.

Major Accomplishments:

• 1st Place US/2nd Overall Speaker at World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (highest finish in US history) (2025)

• 2x International Champion in Impromptu Speaking (2023, 2024)

• 1st Place US Speaker at Internationals (2024)

• 3rd Place Worldwide in Parliamentary Debate (2025)

• Led the Winsor School to first Top School Award in school history (2024)

Emma Birdsong oversees the development of Youth Debate Academy's online and in-person programming. She is an incoming first-year at Wellesley College studying Political Science & Biological Sciences, and serves as a volunteer instructor at YDA's summer and school-year programs.

Major Accomplishments:

• (Former) Co-President of the #1 Internationally Ranked Debate Team at the Winsor School

• Internationals-Qualified Public Speaker and Debater

• Recognized by Top Individual and Team Awards across New England

Sophie Chan serves as Youth Debate Academy's Lead Instructor at our summer and school-year programs. She is a senior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. She also mentors debaters directly at our annual Summer Institute.

Major Accomplishments:

• Co-President of the #1 Internationally Debate Team at the Winsor School

• Recognized by Top Individual and Team Awards across New England

Marissa Hao serves as the Head Counselor for Youth Debate Academy's annual summer camp. She is a senior at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. Marissa attended Youth Debate Academy as a student for two years, before returning to teach for the past four!

Major Accomplishments:

• Champion of Cross-Examination Debate at Mamaroneck Tournament in New York

• Member of Nationally-Ranked Debate Team at Lexington High School

• Recognized by Top Individual and Team Awards around the country

Isabella Nguyen oversees communications with students and families at Youth Debate Academy. She is a junior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA, and also serves as a Senior Counselor for our annual Summer Institute.

Major Accomplishments:

• Co-President of the Internationally Award-Winning Debate Team at the Winsor School

• 2nd Place Overall Speaker at the Northfield Mount Hermon Public Speaking Tournament

• Qualified for and competed in numerous national public speaking tournaments

Lilac Nguyen works directly with students, families, and partner organizations as Youth Debate Academy's Head of Community Development. She is a junior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA, and also serves as a Senior Counselor for our annual Summer Institute.

Major Accomplishments:

• Secretary of the Internationally Award-Winning Debate Team at the Winsor School

• Received several awards at regional & statewide speech tournaments

• Qualified for and competed in numerous national public speaking tournaments

Zora Chirunga oversees the process of building partnerships with various schools, organizations, and businesses. She is an incoming first-year at Claremont McKenna College studying Mandarin & International Relations. She also serves as a instructor at YDA's summer and school-year programs.

Major Accomplishments:

• (Former) Co-President of the #1 Internationally Debate Team at the Winsor School

• Recognized by Top Individual and Team Awards across New England

• Founder/President of Giving Soles Africa & Years of Nonprofit Experience

Sonia Daizadeh manages Youth Debate Academy's Instagram page. She is an incoming first-year at Tulane University studying Public Health, with a minor in Exercise Science. She also mentors debaters as a counselor at our annual Summer Institute.

Major Accomplishments:

• 1st Place in Stand Up Comedy at Regional Tournaments

• Top finishes in Dual Interpretation and Dramatic Monologue

Grette Buttner is Co-President of the debate team at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. This spring, she traveled to Bristol, England to represent the United States in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships. She also placed 8th Overall at Internationals last fall. Grette is excited to share her experiences and help others improve!

Sisi Ansari is a junior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA, and has an ardent passion for public speaking and debate. She is the secretary of Winsor’s Speech & Debate team and will be representing Winsor at Internationals in Fall 2026. Sisi is excited to coach new debaters and instill a love for public speaking in others!

Hiya Singh is a junior 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!

Aarna Sundaram is a sophomore at the Winsor School in Boston, MA, where she debates competitively. Aarna has attended both in-person and online programs with YDA in the past, and is excited to return to the organization as a CIT this summer!

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! 

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 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!

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!

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!

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 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 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!