“The art of literacy is fundamental to a human” - Neha Parthasarathi

“The first of September in 2020 marks a day I will forever be grateful for. Staring at my Zoom screen filled with minuscule faces, my nervousness left me gripping the edge of my seat. As a shy freshman, I blindly ventured on a journey I would soon grow to love. I even recall reciting my introduction over and over: ‘Hi! I’m Neha Parthasarathi and I joined Speech & Debate to learn how to argue,’ was my line,” said Neha. 

This was the beginning of SVUDL Silver Creek High School Senior Neha Parthasarathi’s college essay. She continued, “Stepping out of my comfort zone back on September 1, 2020 empowered me to find my voice buried within me - enabling me to accomplish goals I had never dreamed of before,” shared Neha. 

It is that discovery of voice that reveals the opportunity to step into the future as a professional and community leader. “The art of literacy is fundamental to a human. SVUDL has not only taught me to voice my thoughts unapologetically, but for a long time helped me pave the path to actually participating within institutions that allow for youth to express their opinions.”

Validating her Zoom prediction, Neha did in fact learn how to argue. This led to even more discoveries. “Debating topics ranging from international relations to social welfare legislation helped expand my general knowledge in other aspects of my academic life,” she recalled.

Over time, Neha’s confidence grew in parallel to her increasing knowledge. As high school progressed, she found herself speaking without rehearsing.  Her ease for words and critical thinking influenced her passion for solving global issues through entrepreneurial innovation.

Neha was introduced to new opportunities through SVUDL and this expanded access widened her interest in the legal field and even inspired her to co-found a nonprofit. “SVUDL empowered me to advocate for others through my student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Voicepedia, where my team aspires to provide literacy skills (speaking, reading, and writing in English) to refugee youth in America and globally,” she said.

She also developed a passion for social activism and public service. A youth commissioner for the Juvenile Justice Commision of Santa Clara Superior Court, she advocated by authoring reports on County facilities and inspections of law enforcement agencies, and meeting community partners that contribute to the wellbeing of youth. “Veering from the norms of my daily life opened my eyes to the reality that many of my peers face and bolstered my support for youth advocacy,” she noted.

Neha recognizes that a diversity of voices builds a more equitable and brighter world. “Diversity of voices allows communities to better support all populations equitably and is fundamental to a stronger community. Listening to these voices not only allows us to gain a wider perspective of global issues, but we also learn through collaboration,” she described.

SVUDL has changed her perspective on her life. “SVUDL has opened my eyes to the world of social justice within communities. The experiences I have gained have been indelible to my adulting years, educating me about the importance of uplifting underserved populations. I hope I will continue to carry out principles of equity, diversity, and justice within every endeavor I participate in,” she described.

She recognizes and appreciates the tools she has gleaned from SVUDL to help her advocate for what she feels is important. “SVUDL has provided me with a platform in which I can voice my thoughts unapologetically. I have learned to effectively communicate my opinions to others and advocate for what at times I feel is not the ‘majority opinion’. I have learned to be confident in my voice,” she said.

Neha credits SVUDL with helping to express her thoughts, ideas, and arguments eloquently. “Speech and Debate didn’t just teach me how to speak, but also who to cater my ideas and thoughts to in crafting my language. The debate drill of ‘how would you explain this to a child’ helped me understand how to simplify arguments based on who I am speaking with, and this will carry over into a lifetime of advancing my interpersonal skills in my future educational settings and workplaces,” she said.

SVUDL has impacted her goals for the future, and she is inspired to pursue a career path in law. The legal field within business has always been an interdisciplinary field of interest from her experiences as an entrepreneur and a youth committed to public service. She is passionate about exploring juvenile law further, continuing her involvement with the Juvenile Justice Commission, and even potentially the civil grand jury.  

Debating topics ranging from international relations to social welfare legislation helped expand her general knowledge in other aspects of her academic life. Her ease for words and critical thinking influenced her passion for solving global issues through entrepreneurial innovation.

“When I initially joined SVUDL, I had the perception that it was solely a debate organization that mentors high school students within public speaking. It was surprising to learn that it was an organization that also promotes career technical education in not only direct legal fields, but also different facets of law. I am so grateful to have experienced their programming whether this was their field trips to Santa Clara Superior Courts, partner events, or debating forums,” she said. “I think the biggest gift I gained from SVUDL was my voice. I wasn’t a great public speaker prior to joining my debate program and struggled immensely with being able to articulate my thoughts in a way that was compelling. I am grateful for all the experiences I have gained, whether this was from the curriculum taught, the friends I made, or the competitive opportunities. Now, more confident than ever, I have learned to be a better advocate not only for myself, but also for others.”

From the beginning of her freshman year, she has been competing in the Public Forum (PF) Debate. Neha and her partner were the only Public Forum team in Silver Creek and SVUDL. “My favorite memory was watching the PF division grow into 10 strong active teams that I coach with my partner. Our drive with SVUDL prospered as Dr. Burns allowed us to form a PF division. Now, I am so happy to see several teams from other schools compete in our league tournaments within PF debate,” she proudly recalled.

Some of Neha’s favorite moments also include expanded access to networking opportunities with industry professionals, participation in Moot Court for three consecutive years, and the experience of role-playing an appellate court attorney with real time feedback from current Ninth Circuit judges. 

Neha is waiting to find out where she will attend college in the fall.  “The college application process has been very demanding – although hopefully worth its triumphs. I believe that my foundational skills in speaking translated to writing college essays. The majority of my college applications consisted of supplemental essays in which I wrote about many high school experiences, including referencing my journey within Speech and Debate of overcoming my speaking fears!” she shared.

When she packs her bags for college, she will also bring her SVUDL skills to campus. “I will definitely take my work ethic produced from Speech and Debate from preparing for competitions. My research and literacy skills have improved and will come in handy,” she said.

“Participating in Discussions about Free Speech at BILL was a Transformative Experience for Me as a Public Speaker.” - Katelynn Nguyen

Cindy Owyoung, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at BILL, opened the exciting event by sharing how BILL has made a tremendous commitment to DEI across its more than 2000 employees in California, Texas, and Utah.  She described how proud BILL is to partner with SVUDL on this event.

Raj Aji, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at BILL, then shared how he enjoyed volunteering as a debate judge for 4 years when his daughter was a debater in high school. The mission of SVUDL resonated with him as he feels strongly about using the power of debate to excel and make a difference in the world.

“As humans we possess this unique ability amongst all species to debate, and we have the capacity to settle disputes through reasoned discourse, rather than resorting to violence,” shared Raj. “Our institutions at the core of a democratic society are based on debate, and the reliance on the principle of debate in our institutions is what inspired me to go to law school.”

As the first in his family to immigrate to the US at age 22, he appreciated the opportunities to use the power of his voice to be heard and engage with society. This is part of what he is particularly drawn to about SVUDL - the chance to hear and offer different perspectives.

SVUDL Executive Director Rolland Janairo spoke next and shared the concept that although talent is everywhere, opportunity is not, and that SVUDL fosters the chance for students to explore careers they might not have known existed before to help imagine a bigger and brighter future.  He also extended his gratitude to the Makahakama Foundation that helped make the partnership with BILL and this event possible. He urged both SVUDL students and BILL professionals alike to use the evening’s opportunity to exchange information, make connections, and network.  He also expressed excitement that the SVUDL students would probe hot button topics relating to free speech on public campuses in order to explore (and model!) a more nuanced understanding while modeling argumentation, disagreement, and civic discourse.

SVUDL alum and Program Specialist Najma Ali served as the event facilitator. She set the stage with the question of whether we should allow unrestricted speech on moral and political issues at colleges and universities, and how it should be balanced with an institution’s obligation to create a culture of mutual respect.

Each of the SVUDL students took a different stance. Independence High School Junior Frank Shau advocated for absolute free speech. Silver Creek High School Junior Kaitlynn Nguyen advocated for freedom of speech with limitations on speech that incites violence. Mt. Pleasant High School Sophomore Ria Tyagi advocated for freedom of speech with limitations on offensive discussions involving immutable characteristics.

Each student had prepared three separate original oratories, and although not a standard debate structure, the audience would get to hear both areas of disagreement and concessions of agreement during the night.

Frank began the program.  He argued that free speech is as important as freedom of religion and that we would not be a nation itself without it. He quoted Benjamin Franklin that whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation, must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. He passionately urged that society cannot give power to oppressors to restrict people’s voices – that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

He asked why one governing body, institution or university should get to decide who protects others from themselves or what others think. He warned of a dark future, an abyss where ideas are suppressed and a gray and monotonous world.

The other students each had a turn at cross examining where they posed queries about reconciling unlimited freedom of speech with the harm it may cause, such as  hate speech, and the issue of misinformation being able to be addressed only with freedom of speech.  They also discussed accountability for individuals who use their free speech to deceive and manipulate others.

Katelynn had her turn at the podium next.  She cited a poll that found 85 percent of Americans think free speech is more important than not offending others.  She also noted that the US has some of the strongest protections of free speech of the 195 countries recognized worldwide.

She urged a middle ground where balance is the focus: a compromise between restricted and unrestricted speech in that freedom of speech should be fair so long as an individual's safety isn’t directly threatened.

She urged that everyone has the right to equal participation, and with regard to student civil liberties, we should as a society allow freedom of speech so that everyone can express their beliefs and opinions freely without fear of censorship or reprisal.

“It must be balanced with protection to individual harms or direct threats. Education exists solely to facilitate discussion of ideas. Universities have to safeguard freedom of speech and individual safety for all on campus. Hindering an exchange of ideas hinders education,” she said.

She quoted UC Berkeley Professor Robert Reich who said that the best way to learn anything is to talk with somebody who disagrees with you. She asked how we can reconcile the freedom of speech while understanding that it doesn’t entail the freedom of consequences.

Institutions should create environments where debate can occur, but the reinstatement of slavery or promoting child exploitation should be rejected. These topics don’t merit debate, she urged. And with the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian war, she said campus administrators must make sure that students do not feel unsafe. “Blame is the issue,” she said. “By absolving one side we are polarizing the narrative. Don’t censor discussion; but foster constructive dialogue.”

She suggested that campus administrators convene professors and students with divergent views for dialogue, but one in which they also actively listen to each others’ views and grievances, such as programs recently held at University of Michigan and Rice University.

‘By examining your own bias and position, and holding discussions with solution-oriented questions, there is a freedom of speech integral to the educational environment, along with participation by all in discourse. We can uphold free expression while advancing inclusivity, tolerance and intellectual integrity,” she said.

Questions from the other two students centered on speech that contributes to violence directly or indirectly as well as conspiracy theories and distortion of information.

The final student to have their say was Ria Tyagi who argued that exceptions to free speech must be made in order to properly protect our country, and that speech must be regulated in school settings. She noted that we must be mindful in particular to culture, race, body type, gender, and other immutable traits in terms of forms of hate speech. “If we close our mind to the ability to change, then we would still stand for slavery,” she said. “Now, we appropriately recognize that all people are inherently equal.”

She talked about campuses at Harvard and UC Berkeley and the negative effects of unrestricted free speech on Jewish students in a world dominated by systemic hate and violence. She called for a healthy learning environment for all students where everyone feels safe and protected.

She urged that the school environment must still welcome sharing of opinions and a healthy debate with respectful opposing opinions. The curtailing of speech in a school environment would be solely to address hate speech in relation to immutable traits. “Students struggling with gender and identity suffer from bullying at school: two million students are quitting school,” she urged.  “Absolute freedom of speech costs the health and humanity of our children.”

The other students’ cross-examination centered on the topics of religious classes, the realities of trying to moderate speech and the prioritization of freedom of speech. Next up were summary speeches by all three students who had taken a few moments to reconstruct them based on the questions they had just addressed.

Frank argued that we must fight the beast of misinformation and hate to stop the evils of the world from hiding in the shadows in order to protect America. Katelynn called for universities to create truly inclusive learning environments conducive to intellectual growth: venues where debate can have dissenting views but without hate speech or denying historical injustices as those are beyond civil discourse.  

Ria focused on mental health in school and that safety is key. “You can’t exercise rights if you fear retribution.  Academic spaces should be safe places you can trust,” she said.  

Next came a chance for the audience to ask questions. These questions ranged from the value of unlimited free speech should there be no repercussions to what type of speech crosses the line and who decides when that line has been crossed. Questions also included trigger words on social media; restrictions on freedom of speech setting dangerous precedents; how states vary in their definitions of immutable characteristic values such as trans rights and the challenges educators face in handling these issues. 

The SVUDL students learned so much from this event: “Participating in discussions about free speech at BILL was a transformative experience for me as a public speaker. I felt genuinely listened to and empowered to express my thoughts in a professional, inclusive, and open environment,” said Katelynn Nguyen. “I enjoyed being able to speak and interact with the BILL community and the experience reminded me of why I joined debate in the first place,” said Ria Tyagi.

Thank you to BILL and the Makahakama Foundation for the tremendous opportunity to hold this event!

“I’m an immigrant and my experience and feelings about a topic is something that no one else can describe better than myself.” - Anderson Ortiz

SVUDL enables students to uncover and hone the power of their voices so that they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders: Anderson Ortiz is an excellent example of this. Not only is he a senior at Oxford Day Academy in East Palo Alto, but he has earned a spot in the coveted Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula for the Youth of the Year finals, securing a spot in the nationals in Sacramento!

Anderson recognizes that having a diversity of voices helps to build a more equitable and brighter world. “We can all share experiences and feelings about a social conflict that is affecting our society. I’m an immigrant and my experience and feelings about a topic is something that no one else can describe better than myself.  Perhaps I was there and people around the world can learn from my unique perspective. This is true for many around the globe. If we all have a voice, we can start to address those conflicts,” he noted.

The tools he gleaned from SVUDL help him advocate for what he feels is important. “The skills I have learned and value most are public speaking and the ability to express my thoughts and feelings about what is happening around me:  the ability to speak in public is a skill that not only helps me in the academic arena, but also in the social arena. Being able to express my thoughts and feelings about any problem or any situation will always be invaluable to me,” said Anderson. 

SVUDL has changed the perspective of Anderson’s life in a multitude of ways. “Now, in every situation, I want to see two sides of the same coin,” he said. Since he joined SVUDL, he realized that the way he sees the world has changed. “Being positive and seeing the positivity in life is part of that. No matter what I’m going through or what the situation is around me, I’m always able to flip the coin and see the pros of that situation. Making decisions has always been hard for me, but my perspective has changed and now I make better decisions by seeing both the pros and cons of every situation I’m facing,” he said.

SVUDL has also impacted his academic goals for the future. He is excited to go to college and put his impromptu skills into practice in this outside world. “I’m ready for college and for life, and part of that is because of SVUDL. The skill of communication and critical thinking is something that makes me feel ready for my goals for the future, and SVUDL has been the key to me feeling comfortable in that area,” Anderson reflected.

The encouragement of every culture is something that surprised him during  his journey through Speech and Debate. “As an English language learner, I was scared about how the experience was going to be in the SVUDL environment. But, when I saw that everyone understood my situation, and gave me the opportunity to participate in my first language, Spanish, it changed everything for me. It was incredible to see the encouragement of everyone around me without them ‘seeing’ my nationality, race or religion,” he said.

Anderson will be heading to college this fall with the goal of majoring in Kinesiology.  Wherever he goes, we know he’ll be ready for the challenges as he brings his full experiences and skill set from the past few years to campus.

HP Senior Legal Counsel Usha Narayanan Joins SVUDL Legal Advisory Committee

In 2022, there were approximately 195,000 active, licensed attorneys in California but this population does not begin to reflect the state’s incredible diversity. 

From the start, diversity has always been in HP’s source code —from hiring the first known Asian-American engineer in Silicon Valley history in 1946 to expanding the way the company hired by recruiting talent in the 1960’s. Every employee at every level plays a part at HP in weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of the company.  HP’s Senior Legal Counsel Usha Narayanan is no exception.   She currently works with HP worldwide legal volunteerism as a liaison with many different volunteer organizations. 

“The origins of HP stemmed from the key concept of giving everyone an opportunity in life. Diversity is built right into our DNA here. More and more companies are beginning to recognize that they need to have different voices at the table. At HP, we are striving in partnership with SVUDL to make sure that we are growing the pipeline,” said Usha.

Part of Usha’s commitment to HP and diversity is best exemplified by her mentorship of a SVUDL student. Her first intersection with SVUDL occurred when she was asked to become a mentor seven years ago. Ultimately, Usha’s mentee started college at University of California, Berkeley,  majoring in political science. 

Capturing and drawing from diverse points of view improves the world as a whole. By helping students uncover and hone the power of their voices, they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders to ensure a future where broader perspectives are reflected and represented at the highest levels of government and industry, and in which people from all sides are able to find common ground.  

Please join us in welcoming Usha to SVUDL’s Legal Advisory Committee!

Intellectual Property Rights Selected as 2024-2025 National Policy Debate Topic

On January 10, 2024, ballots from 38 states were counted.  These ballots were tabulated from the National Speech and Debate Association, National Catholic Forensic League, National Association for Urban Debate Leagues and Nation Debate Coaches Association for the 2024-2025 national high school Policy debate topic. A total of 42 states and organizations participated. A bit of background on the process:  three stages of voting were used to determine the winning topic. That list included “Agricultural Subsidies,” “American Arctic Policy” and “Critical Infrastructure” before it was narrowed down to two topics.

Here is the full wording of each topic for the National Policy Debate Topic Area Balloting:

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly strengthen its protection of domestic intellectual property rights in copyrigh , patents, and/or trademarks.

NUCLEAR WEAPONS REDUCTION

Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce the size and/or restrict the roles of its nuclear weapons arsenal.

Intellectual Property Rights was selected over Nuclear Weapons Reduction by a vote of 25-17.  Here is a map of the voting during 2024-2025 that resulted in intellectual property rights as the winning topic:

Do you work in IP?  Calling all attorneys to share their knowledge, expertise, anecdotes and insights for SVUDL students! Your experience in property rights, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets will be invaluable as our students navigate this powerful and fascinating area of the law right here in Silicon Valley. We’re going to be scheduling topic lectures for our students over the summer and early fall - reach out to us today if you would like to help out!

“I have Learned that My Voice Matters” - Addis Arciniega

Imagine how busy Addis must be to skillfully juggle being both a student in college while also working for SVUDL. This blending of worlds is a shining example of the ripple effect SVUDL has on an individual. Addis once said that "what SVUDL has really taught me is that there is community in everything.” She decided to join the staff of SVUDL because of the people involved. “I found one of the best communities at SVUDL and it's one of the best support systems I could've asked for. I believe I can thrive while juggling both school and being on staff because of my community,” she said.

Addis once also said that “another benefit from SVUDL is that I have become more attentive overall. That connection between political science and SVUDL stemmed from my coach’s mentoring that I didn’t make false statements about what was going on politically in the world.”

Political science is still Addis’s focus as she navigates her college career with this subject matter as her intended major. “I have applied what I learned from debate to my education and have shown skills a bit more advanced than other students. Political science requires a lot of research, and I can do that at a more advanced level than my peers because of the skills I learned in debate,” she noted.

Addis also still considers law school to be a major goal. “I hope that with my current role at SVUDL and my education, I can continue to pursue that path! I have networked a lot with folks in SVUDL’s community of support, and am learning about various roles I am potentially interested in,” she recalled.

SVUDL has helped her to uncover and hone the power of her voice, so she can confidently step into her full potential as a professional and community leader. “SVUDL has helped me understand that I belong wherever I land. Whether it be in college, meeting the Attorney General, or in the office, I have learned that my voice matters. In fact, it matters in all of these settings, and it is important that I use that to my full potential. I was able to advocate when I was in high school about school closures to ask questions of the Attorney General with confidence that what I had to say was important. I learned this throughout my debate career with the ability to discover arguments that weren't so popular in the space and used my voice to amplify,” she described.

Addis also remembers how challenging she used to find public speaking. In fact, in a past interview, she said that "SVUDL has changed me as a person in that I’m better at public speaking. I didn’t like it before.” But, with all of these SVUDL experiences, she has started to love public speaking even more. “I can be in front of a group of my peers or students and speak confidently. I love being in front of a classroom and teaching others what I have learned. It has become one of my passions,” she recalled.

SVUDL further expanded her access to new opportunities: she joined an Alumni Retreat with NAUDL; met Attorney General Merrick Garland and asked questions about his experience as a debater; and networked and built connections in Washington D.C. “I wouldn't have been given that opportunity without SVUDL and the connections it allowed me to form,” she described.

It is this diversity of voices that builds a more equitable and brighter world. “It allows for people who are often silenced and ignored to be listened to: every single idea each person has is important – even if people may disagree. It matters to be heard. I believe debate allows for even the smallest arguments to be considered by peers. This space is ideal for students to learn more about the world. It enables more people to speak up about important topics,” Addis.

Addis has acquired multiple tools gleaned from SVUDL to help her advocate for what she feels is important. One of the main skills she took away from SVUDL was the skill to research. She has the ability to think critically as she navigates networking and advocating for students' education. “It's amazing what advocating for someone or something can do to change an environment,” she said.

SVUDL has changed her perspective on her life on so many levels. “I can create what I want to do. I used to believe that spaces were created for people who did not look like me,” she said.

SVUDL has also impacted her goals for the future. “Before I joined SVUDL in high school, I had a completely different career path planned out for myself. I once aimed to become a forensics pathologist. Buw now I am aiming for a path in law and I couldn't have done that without SVUDL. I believe advocating for others is one of the true passions I discovered during my time here,” she said.

“It is Critical that People in Positions of Power Learn from a Young Person's Perspective.” - Savana

Imagine how busy Addis must be to skillfully juggle being both a student in college while also working for SVUDL. This blending of worlds is a shining example of the ripple effect SVUDL has on an individual. Addis once said that "what SVUDL has really taught me is that there is community in everything.” She decided to join the staff of SVUDL because of the people involved. “I found one of the best communities at SVUDL and it's one of the best support systems I could've asked for. I believe I can thrive while juggling both school and being on staff because of my community,” she said.

Addis once also said that “another benefit from SVUDL is that I have become more attentive overall. That connection between political science and SVUDL stemmed from my coach’s mentoring that I didn’t make false statements about what was going on politically in the world.”

Political science is still Addis’s focus as she navigates her college career with this subject matter as her intended major. “I have applied what I learned from debate to my education and have shown skills a bit more advanced than other students. Political science requires a lot of research, and I can do that at a more advanced level than my peers because of the skills I learned in debate,” she noted.

Addis also still considers law school to be a major goal. “I hope that with my current role at SVUDL and my education, I can continue to pursue that path! I have networked a lot with folks in SVUDL’s community of support, and am learning about various roles I am potentially interested in,” she recalled.

SVUDL has helped her to uncover and hone the power of her voice, so she can confidently step into her full potential as a professional and community leader. “SVUDL has helped me understand that I belong wherever I land. Whether it be in college, meeting the Attorney General, or in the office, I have learned that my voice matters. In fact, it matters in all of these settings, and it is important that I use that to my full potential. I was able to advocate when I was in high school about school closures to ask questions of the Attorney General with confidence that what I had to say was important. I learned this throughout my debate career with the ability to discover arguments that weren't so popular in the space and used my voice to amplify,” she described.

Addis also remembers how challenging she used to find public speaking. In fact, in a past interview, she said that "SVUDL has changed me as a person in that I’m better at public speaking. I didn’t like it before.” But, with all of these SVUDL experiences, she has started to love public speaking even more. “I can be in front of a group of my peers or students and speak confidently. I love being in front of a classroom and teaching others what I have learned. It has become one of my passions,” she recalled.

SVUDL further expanded her access to new opportunities: she joined an Alumni Retreat with NAUDL; met Attorney General Merrick Garland and asked questions about his experience as a debater; and networked and built connections in Washington D.C. “I wouldn't have been given that opportunity without SVUDL and the connections it allowed me to form,” she described.

It is this diversity of voices that builds a more equitable and brighter world. “It allows for people who are often silenced and ignored to be listened to: every single idea each person has is important – even if people may disagree. It matters to be heard. I believe debate allows for even the smallest arguments to be considered by peers. This space is ideal for students to learn more about the world. It enables more people to speak up about important topics,” Addis.

Addis has acquired multiple tools gleaned from SVUDL to help her advocate for what she feels is important. One of the main skills she took away from SVUDL was the skill to research. She has the ability to think critically as she navigates networking and advocating for students' education. “It's amazing what advocating for someone or something can do to change an environment,” she said.

SVUDL has changed her perspective on her life on so many levels. “I can create what I want to do. I used to believe that spaces were created for people who did not look like me,” she said.

SVUDL has also impacted her goals for the future. “Before I joined SVUDL in high school, I had a completely different career path planned out for myself. I once aimed to become a forensics pathologist. Buw now I am aiming for a path in law and I couldn't have done that without SVUDL. I believe advocating for others is one of the true passions I discovered during my time here,” she said.

Before Joining SVUDL, I Thought I Had Nothing Worth Saying

Nicholas Carrubba, a senior at Summit Everest High School in Redwood City, won the Impromptu Speech division this past Saturday at our annual Dolores Huerta Tournament. This is no small feat as Nicholas joined SVUDL in 2021.

The power of SVUDL helped him to uncover and hone the power of his voice: “SVUDL has given me stage after stage and each time told me to get up there and give it my best shot. My time with SVUDL has made me an unfathomably more outgoing and outspoken individual, allowing me to truly make my mark and do my part in places such as student government at my school and in almost every class I have. As an aspiring lawyer, I have no doubt that the skills I’ve learned from SVUDL will be invaluable in the furtherance of my career ambitions, both inside the firm and out,” said Nicholas.

He first got involved with SVUDL during his sophomore year of high school when he took SVUDL’s Speech and Debate class, taught by Senior Program Specialist Kwodwo Moore. “That was my entry point and it was there that I truly learned how to speak, and of course how to debate. It was a class like no other, to say it was my favorite of all time would be no exaggeration,” said Nicholas.

SVUDL helped him to identify and practice specific tools that are essential for advocacy. “By using the new speaking ability they’ve helped me to cultivate, I am now more capable than ever of advocating for changes in my school, community, classroom, or wherever,” said Nicholas. “The Speech and Debate class run by Mr. Moore taught me how to properly write a speech, and my writing ability has been massively improved by SVUDL, and further honed by trials of the keyboard. My speaking ability was also entirely developed there as well,” said Nicholas.

SVUDL changed his perspective on life by convincing him to place more value upon himself. His time in the league revealed to him that he can indeed make an impact. “I lead my club; I’m on the Student Leadership Council; and I make speeches. Without SVUDL, I would not have found such self worth and I would instead still be within the mindset of negative perspective,” said Nicholas.

SVUDL has also impacted his goals for the future, entirely cementing his desire to pursue a career in law. “I had been considering such a career for years, often telling people it was what I wanted to do; however, there were times when that desire faltered and I found myself wondering if it was right for me. SVUDL has changed that. The league has shown me what I can really do, and now I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I am a speaker and that the California State Bar is where I belong,” said Nicholas.

The most impactful part of his experience with SVUDL was getting to meet and compete with unbelievably talented people. Nicholas cannot fully express the joy and exhilaration that he had over the course of various tournaments in which he has participated. “I will never forget these people, and they undoubtedly were what drove me to be a better speaker,” he said. “I am surprised by how much the SVUDL journey has been in every possible sense of the word. Tournaments have countless participants and spectators, and there are various events, as well as many awards to compete for – during my first year, I was utterly astonished by it all.”

SVUDL has made Nicholas a more joyous, open, and outgoing person.

“Before joining the league, I was quiet beyond belief, as I thought I had nothing worth saying or that no one would listen even if I did. SVUDL made it abundantly clear to me that I was wrong. I’ve found countless people who do indeed wish for my input, to hear what I have to say - and that has truly changed me. I now seek discussions of all sorts in life, and I am always an active participant,” he reflected.

The 2022 John Lewis SVUDL Invitational is Nicholas’s favorite memory of his time with SVUDL. “It was a harrowing and exhilarating experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I made it to the semifinals and ended up receiving a medal on stage for my efforts. It was a weekend that I shall always remember fondly for my effort, skill, and resilience in the face of solitude and masterful opponents,” he recalled.

Nicholas has found SVUDL to be an important part of his college application process. “My activities and awards with the league, time on the Student Leadership Council, and extracurricular activities helped to round out my application. I also appreciate that multiple individuals within SVUDL have offered to either write letters of recommendation or to look over my essays,” he said.

When Nicholas does pack his bags for college next year, he knows that the Speech and Debate skills he’s learned through SVUDL will be with him for his entire college experience. “Having such capabilities allows me to truly advocate for myself, which I gather will also be of exceeding importance in college. These skills already come in handy constantly in high school, so I can only imagine how useful and perhaps even necessary they will be in the coming years,” he said.

He recognizes the new opportunities that he has access to through the organization. “I’ve judged a round of team-based debate, and acted as a mentor to other up and coming speakers and debaters. I’ve had the chance to meet new people and to help them. What opportunities could be better than those?” reflected Nicholas.

He underscores how a diversity of voices builds a more equitable and brighter world. He feels that this diversity is undeniably critical to a more equitable and brighter world, as without a multitude of opinions, backgrounds, and experiences being represented in the discussions at large, the world cannot improve. He emphasizes that the differences that can be found in the lives of all sorts of people cannot be understated, and input from all is necessary for the continued advancement of humanity.

“Decisions cannot be made by a select few who are all alike, for that would be entirely unfair to countless others. Instead, each and every single one of us must contribute our voices to diversify the discussion and to make universally beneficial decisions for the betterment of the world,” he urged.

I RESOLVE: Amplifying Voices

I RESOLVE is a public debate presented by The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL) and the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL). This event brings together high school debaters, distinguished civic and community leaders, school leaders, and supporters of debate for a public debate series that showcases the power of debate for a public audience, exploring some of the most pressing issues in our society through the perspective, voice and values of the next generation of leaders — high school debaters.

Last week’s event was held at the Google offices in Silicon Valley. The Bay Area is a region of extreme wealth and poverty, making this year’s topic especially timely and relevant: the viability of guaranteed income as a policy solution to economic inequality.

Google Senior Counsel and SVUDL Board Member Bryson Santaguida spoke about how it first surprised him as a young adult when initially asked by people as to what he thought about certain topics, but he has seen how that has remained a constant in his life and career. Sharing what he thinks in a clear and persuasive way is a skill derived from his own high school debate experiences - a skill that he utilizes both at work and to influence people in his community. In his role at Google, he is well aware of the increasing polarization of our society, exacerbated by emerging new technologies as the world learns how to grapple with both simultaneously. Bryson emphasized that it is more important than ever to have the skills of Speech and Debate offered by SVUDL as a training ground for future leaders to help shape the future for good.

The two student debaters were Chloe Truong from Independence High School in San Jose, and Cristel De La Cruz Bonilla from Summit Everest High School in Redwood City. Panelists included Senator Dave Cortese and Scarlet Corona. Senator Dave Cortese represents State Senate District 15 which encompasses much of Santa Clara County. Along with his accomplished career as an attorney and business owner, the Senator previously served on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for over a decade, with four years as Board President, on the San Jose City Council for eight years, including two years as Vice Mayor, and as a trustee for the East Side Union High School District for eight years.

Scarlet Corona started her career in the nonprofit sector providing mobile showers to individuals experiencing homelessness in San Francisco and Oakland. They have continued to work providing case management to our unhoused population in Oakland, focusing on housing and access to health care. Scarlet is the Program Manager for the Rise Up Alameda Guaranteed Income Pilot Program created by the City of Alameda to reduce economic instability for program participants.

Chloe Truong began her opening argument with the statement that everyone in America has a story as to how they got where they are today. She urged that racial capitalism has affected everyone, and that as a nation of immigrants and a country built on equal opportunity, we have decades of injustice that people of color have to contend with and yet, history has not changed as we continue to perpetuate the same oppressive system coupled with resentment to one another. She argued that we need a society of solidarity and universal basic income is part of that structure because of its simplicity, unifying force, and realism.

She believes that universal income would alleviate the tedious and complex nature of paying taxes and the stress of families trying to navigate archaic and complicated governmental systems. She gave the example of a family losing their Medicaid just before their 4 year old’s surgery due to a requirement they weren’t aware of and reinforced her statement that we must make universal income unconditional. A cross examination followed as Chloe answered questions about the redistribution of wealth and its impact on the economy.

Cristel De La Cruz Bonilla took her turn to make her stand. She contended that the US should acknowledge its immoral actions against historically oppressed groups and apologize in the form of reparations. She argued that we must address the lack of generational wealth for the first time in history as a consequence of historical racial oppression. White Americans hold 84 percent of US wealth, and yet Black Americans are 13 percent of the population but hold only 4 percent of the wealth. She also noted the impact of injustice of racism on indigenous peoples who still suffer from crowded housing and sewer system connectivity issues. Her cross examination focused on the impact of selecting one minority group over another to benefit from programs. She focused her answer on the importance of starting somewhere now, and that the work is not solely about the money but also the apology.

Senator Dave Cortese and Scarlet Corona took their turns to ask questions of the SVUDL students. Senator Cortese focused on how the unconditional and universal aspects of universal income could address both the racial aspect and the safety net delivery as overly prescriptive in terms of an administrative burden. The discussion followed about universal income as essential because paperwork can be overwhelming and the universal nature of the income’s potential positive impact on the divisions in our society. The conversation with Senator Dave Cortese and Scarlet Corona also included how wealthy people would also benefit from universal income, as well as a noting of the recent $14.3 billion dollars in military aid made by the government in terms of relative economic burdens on the current budget.

A conversation followed where the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions. Senator Cortese made reference to SB 333 that addresses the 15,000 unhoused high school seniors in California that lose their benefits when they graduate before they go on to college, the workforce or an apprentice program. This bill proposes a guaranteed income of $5,000 a month for these students as a way to prevent more people from becoming homeless.

Scarlet Corona spoke about their work with the 150 families randomly chosen to participate in the City of Alameda’s program of guaranteed income of $1,000 a month. They noted that the best form of apology is real change.

Both Senator Cortese and Scarlet Corona appreciated the students’ hard work of preparation for I Resolve and their ability to respond to spontaneous questions. Both noted how each student was able to return to their core messaging and weave in their arguments to use the opportunity to reinforce their points.

Chloe Truong reflected on the experience of I RESOLVE. “Honestly, leading up to the event I was super nervous. This was the first time many members of my family even saw me debate, and I wanted them to understand why I love it so much. However, during the actual debate, I felt comfortable. I felt prepared enough to respond to panelists' questions and present my speech due to the immense amount of support from SVUDL and NAUDL. I remember attending the same event last year. I never could have imagined that one day I would be doing the same event. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to discuss the topic of economic inequality, while connecting it personally, from an Asian American perspective. Many members of my family who came had experienced the same historical injustices described in my speech and I was grateful for the opportunity to highlight their personal stories,” she said.

Cristel De la Cruz also had much to share about her own experience. “I RESOLVE provided a space where I learned that when working with others, we were able to bring out the best in each other. What was most difficult was answering the questions that were asked on the spot. However, preparing for these questions made it a little easier to answer them. I learned that if you want your voice to be heard, you have to take a step and be confident to participate in any event that can help you do that,” she shared.

Thank you to the NAUDL, our event sponsors, and Google for opening their doors for this event, along with Senator Dave Cortese and Scarlet Corona for serving as our expert panelists.

“Debate has been the single most influential force in shaping my career.” - Li Zhu

As a Partner and trial lawyer at Robins Kaplan LLP, Li Zhu has spent more than a decade litigating bet-the-company cases for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and Silicon Valley startups. But his path to this prominent career role didn’t come easily. As a first-generation immigrant, he truly understands the obstacles that must be overcome. This is part of why he is also a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the legal profession.

“SVUDL’s mission resonates with me at a personal level: debate has been the single most influential force in shaping my career. High school Policy debate helped me overcome a deep-rooted fear of public speaking. Weekend tournaments helped me develop confidence based on my own skills and hard work,” he said. “Eventually being elected president of my Speech and Debate organization taught me leadership skills that have proved invaluable decades later.”

Li looks forward to helping students uncover and hone the power of their voices, so they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders. With Li and the other members of the SVUDL community, together we will ensure a future where broader perspectives are reflected and represented at the highest levels of government and industry, and in which people from all sides are able to find common ground.

Welcome to SVUDL’s Legal Advisory Committee, Li!

Amplifying Student Voices

By preparing diverse, skilled leaders right now, SVUDL is ensuring a future where broader perspectives are reflected and represented at the highest levels of government and industry. Because they’re equipped with empathy and understanding, those future leaders will be able to unite people from all sides with respectful discussion. Part of that organizational core effort includes the SVUDL Legal Advisory Committee, and we are excited to welcome our newest member, attorney Jennifer Kim, currently an Associate in the Litigation Department of Davis Polk & Wardwell, LLP.

At Davis Polk, Jennifer’s pro bono work is a significant part of her practice. She was part of the team that represented the family of Eric Garner and police reform advocates in a judicial inquiry seeking transparency regarding Mr. Garner’s arrest and death in 2014. She is also currently a part of the team that represents three cities and a county in Colorado that were sued after enacting ordinances that ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines. Jennifer has also worked with Stop AAPI hate over the past two years, leading projects ranging from addressing systemic racism against the AAPI community to educational equity.

“Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a Teach for America corps member and taught elementary school in East Harlem for five years. While a teacher, I saw firsthand the importance of amplifying student voices and empowering students through the use of their words. I incorporated Speech and Debate into my curriculum as a teacher and could see the benefit of public speaking even for younger students in subjects like history or science,” reflected Jennifer.

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer to SVUDL’s Legal Advisory Committee!

“I deserve to be here.” - Kastella Nguyen

“Even though I no longer debate, I find myself going back to my roots more often than not. As I wait for office hours at Stanford University, I still pace the halls listening to my favorite song. And just like in high school, I always push forward, holding my head high even when I am afraid. Despite the fear racing through me, I know that I am ready. I enter the room and sit down,” describes SVUDL alum and current Stanford University sophomore Kastella Nguyen during her speech at Words To The Wise 2023.

Her passionate words had everyone spellbound as she described the impact SVUDL had in helping to raise her expectations of what she can achieve — and equally important, to take the steps toward making it happen. As her accomplishments mounted in Speech and Debate, her confidence grew.

“My perseverance followed me into college. As a first-generation student, college felt pretty similar to debate. It was an unfamiliar place with people who seemed smarter and more privileged than me. And while I no longer compete against high school students across the country, I must continue to fight and make space for myself at Stanford. I spent a lot of time learning how to be on my own for the first time. It forced me to face the challenges ahead of me. Even after finishing my first year, college still feels scary and unknown,” continued Kastella. “However, unlike high school, I feel more prepared to take on the challenge. Even though I often still feel intimidated by my peers, I know deep down that I deserve to be here. That is because, against all odds, I am here.”

Her road to success was not an easy one. She established the first debate team at her high school with a fellow sophomore, and although she initially lost many tournaments, she persevered, breaking countless barriers as she eventually became a nationally ranked debater and won more rounds than she could have ever imagined.

“In a lot of ways, college feels the same. Despite everything, I made it to Stanford. Debate gave me the skills to succeed in college and beyond. Office hours are a lot like debate rounds. I must be ready to cross-examine my professor who may or may not have a direct answer to my questions, which is like a lot of the debaters I’ve faced,” said Kastella.

Office hours are no longer daunting to Kastella. Her diligence and questions have allowed her to build a connection with her professors, creating mentors who will help her throughout college. “Even as our conversations slowly move away from academics, I’m not worried. Debate has prepared me for anything that may come my way,” reflected Kastella.

SVUDL’s transferable skills helped her to build stronger relationships,stemming from her critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills which are applicable to all aspects of life. Learning the skills SVUDL teaches ensures students can advocate for themselves in every facet of their lives. They are empowered to take hold of their agency, advocating for what they feel is important in their personal and academic relationships, as well as in their communities. The connections students make with professionals and mentors support students on their academic and professional journeys, now and for years to come.

HP and SVUDL Help Students Step Into Their Full Potential

“One of my family’s favorite pastimes is to argue about current affairs and I always enjoyed it, especially when I won an argument. I joined my high school debate team because I thought it was a natural fit for me. I also knew at a young age that I wanted to be a lawyer and thought being on the debate team would help build the necessary skills. I discovered, however, that being on the debate team provided so much more than I could have imagined,” recalled Neysa Fligor, HP’s Division Counsel of Gaming, PC Consumer and Peripherals Business. “Debate allowed me to learn and converse about different topics, form deep friendships with my teammates and advisors, and think quickly on my feet.”

The power of Speech and Debate that Neysa tapped into is similar to how SVUDL helps students uncover and hone the power of their voices, so they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders.

“Speech and Debate boosted my self-esteem and confidence to speak up and express myself in different settings. I was undaunted by the opportunity to be my school’s valedictorian because Speech and Debate truly prepared me for that moment. I also learned to look at challenges from different perspectives and be more empathetic because as a debater, you sometimes have to argue a position you may not have originally agreed with but through research, you develop a deeper understanding of that position,” she stated.

One of the prime benefits of participating in SVUDL is that students, for the first time, can see themselves not only going to college, but succeeding there. Neysa remembers immediately joining the debate team in college because she knew that as a young black female immigrant from a family with limited resources in the United States, debate would provide the kind of community, access, and skills that she needed to thrive in college and beyond.

She competed in both high school and college and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. In fact, she was one of only a handful of first year law school students selected to be on the Georgetown Law School Mock Trial team, and she attributes it to the skills she learned from her debate team experience.

Analogous to Neysa’s experience, SVUDL students begin to grow as communicators who can captivate and persuade audiences of peers and colleagues. Students become agents of change, thoughtfully considering the issues facing their communities, taking on the responsibility to speak out, and becoming people who bravely stand up for what's right.

“As a practicing lawyer and elected official, the skills I learned from debate continue to pay dividends in my legal, policy and advocacy roles. I know my effectiveness in those roles stems from the skills I learned in Speech and Debate,” she said.

Neysa knows that being part of a Speech and Debate team has benefits that continue throughout life’s different stages and experiences. “Many people believe that Speech and Debate is only useful if you want to be a lawyer. To the contrary, the skills learned from debate are essential regardless of your career path. Speech and Debate prepares you for the classroom, courtroom, and boardroom,” describes Neysa.

SVUDL is preparing diverse, skilled leaders today, and shaping stronger communities for tomorrow — ensuring a future where broader perspectives are reflected and represented at the highest levels of government and industry, and in which people from all sides are able to find common ground. HP naturally aligns with the mission of SVUDL stemming from a core principle upon which HP was founded: HP has always believed and understood that having a diverse workforce makes companies stronger and the world a better place.

“HP appreciates the positive impact Speech and Debate has on young minds and the doors the experience can help open. The HP Way is and continues to be focused on ensuring that how HP supports local communities, builds products and delivers services are all for the betterment of society,” emphasized Neysa. “They discover jobs and industries they didn't know existed. They envision themselves pursuing a career. And they begin to imagine a bigger, bolder future.”

Working with SVUDL, students raise their expectations of what they can achieve — and take steps toward making it happen. “HP is honored to be a sponsor again for the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League and its 2023 Words to the Wise event. HP understands that SVUDL changes lives and the trajectory of many students’ futures. HP is fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with students in the underserved school communities that SVUDL serves. As a black female attorney at HP, I am proud that HP is a sponsor of SVUDL,” reflected Neysa.

By preparing diverse, skilled leaders, we're ensuring a future where broader perspectives are represented at the highest levels of government and industry. And because they’re equipped with empathy and understanding, those future leaders will be able to unite people from all sides with respectful discussion.

Thank you HP for your generous and continued support of SVUDL and Words To The Wise 2023.

Intermedia and SVUDL Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow

Words to the Wise 2023 is on the horizon, and this week we shine the spotlight on our generous Platinum sponsor, Intermedia Cloud Communications.

Intermedia Cloud Communications CEO Michael Gold’s connection to Speech and Debate stems from his younger brother, SVUDL Board Chair Andrew Gold, who was an extremely successful debater in high school and college.

“I observed him win numerous tournaments, locally, statewide, and nationally, travel regularly, speak intelligently and with passion about significant issues, and earn a college scholarship for his debate prowess. I was always super impressed, older-brother jealous, and very proud of what he was accomplishing,” said Michael with a smile.

Although Michael didn’t debate himself, he recognizes the immense impact it can have on an individual, especially over the course of a lifetime.

“Many of the most successful people I know debated in high school, and I also see them as people who were well prepared at young ages to operate and engage in business, government, politics, and law, as well as discuss and advocate for or against important issues and topics at a sophisticated and effective level,” Michael recalled.

Michael is a staunch supporter of SVUDL and a repeat Platinum sponsor of Words To The Wise because the nonprofit organization aligns with his company's overall mission and vision.

“Intermedia is a leading provider of communications and collaboration technology and solutions to businesses. Communication drives deeper connections, allowing us to learn about others, their points of view, their passions, and their concerns. SVUDL teaches the young adults of today the role that strong, confident, respectful communication plays in helping to shape them into the leaders of tomorrow,” said Michael.

“We are proud to support SVUDL’s mission because all students should have the opportunity to develop the skills they need for future academic and professional success,” he added. “As a company that values talent, collaboration, work ethic, integrity, and diversity, Intermedia has SVUDL alums participating in our summer internship program every year. We know first-hand how wonderfully bright and productive these young people are, and look forward to watching their impact grow in the years to come.”

A note of deep gratitude is extended to Intermedia - thank you for your support of Words To The Wise 2023.

Think Fast. Talk Smart.

Think Fast. Talk Smart. That phrase is powerful, but what exactly does it mean?

Matt Abrahams has built his career around precisely this concept: helping thousands of people who want to hone and develop their speaking to harness the power of their voice and message. Working on building the ability to think fast and talk smart can positively impact every area of one’s personal and professional life.

The recurring need to speak in an impromptu, off-the-cuff manner unnerves so many of us. But this skill is essential to develop because public speaking comes up often – most of our professional and personal communication is spontaneous (e.g., answering questions, giving feedback, making small talk, fixing our mistakes, etc.).

That’s where Matt’s expertise comes in -- as a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator and coach. His book Think Faster Talk Smarter is a strategic resource for so many. Matt is also founder and principal at TFTS Communications LLC, a presentation and communication skills company based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills. Matt has worked with executives to help prepare and present keynote addresses and IPO road shows, conduct media interviews, and deliver TED talks. Matt also hosts the Stanford GSB podcast called Think Fast Talk Smart: The Podcast.

Matt’s ties to Speech and Debate go back to his days at Los Gatos High School where he primarily competed in Speech events. He recognized immediately that participating in this activity would be life changing – the ability to think critically and communicate confidently would be the core foundation of everything to come. He won 5th place in the California Expository division and 1st place in Original Advocacy.

“My company's mission of helping people hone and develop their communication skills aligns perfectly with SVUDL. My teaching, coaching, writing, and podcasting are squarely focused on what SVUDL does. Sponsoring the 2023 Words to the Wise event is a natural extension of my personal and professional experiences. When students have the ability to think critically and communicate confidently, their options and opportunities expand. As a former high school teacher and forensics coach, along with being a community college communication instructor, I have seen first-hand the power of effective communication in young people’s lives and the empowering it can do. Communication is critical to success in business and in life. We rely on it to formulate, articulate, and motivate people towards our ideas, positions, and beliefs,” said Matt.

He recognizes that Words to the Wise not only provides the financial resources for SVUDL to be successful in its work, but it brings together a supportive community that can help SVUDL expand its work even further to reach more schools and students.

Our Words to the Wise sponsors help youth who have less opportunities tap the power of their voices to compete, excel, and change the world. Thank you to Matt Abrahams and all of our 2023 Words to the Wise sponsors!

A Different Kind of Summer Camp: the California National Debate Institute at UC Berkeley

Ryan Nguyen and Vu Quang had the exceptional opportunity to attend a three week California National Debate Institute (CDNI) held at UC Berkeley this summer.

Both Ryan and Vu are from Yerba Buena High School, and they boast an impressive track record in debate. They've participated in various internal and national tournaments, including the CAL Berkeley Invitational and the Urban Debate National Championship.

CDNI brings together some of the brightest and hardest working high school coaches, college coaches, and current college debaters to provide students a variety of educational perspectives.

A special emphasis is placed on helping students refine their speaking and argument techniques through a number of practice debates and speeches, as well as an end-of-camp tournament.

“If it weren't for camp, I probably would have spent the whole summer sleeping in and playing video games. I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone to invest in debate,” said Ryan as he reflected on his  summer experience. “In a word, I would describe it as fulfilling.”

His partner Vu agreed with how wonderful a summer it turned out to be. “I was ecstatic when I found out I was attending. I couldn't believe that I was given such an amazing opportunity by SVUDL,” Vu said.

Ryan was also very surprised and excited. He had heard that debate camp was somewhat of an elite experience and was looking forward to such an opportune journey. “The coaches were really engaging, helpful, and very enthusiastic about debate,” added Ryan.

Both Ryan and Vu appreciated the variety of educational perspectives they found themselves exposed to in this unique environment. “Since there were students coming in from different states around the country, they came with various backgrounds and preferences. There were a lot of debaters who stuck to traditional Policy debate, some teams who exclusively ran Kritiks and read their varying philosophers, and some who researched a mixture of both,” said Ryan.

Vu emphasized that during camp, he really got to explore a variety of different arguments on this year's topic ranging from politics to economics to more critical works. He enjoyed diversifying his debate arsenal and learning about this year's new topic on economic inequality.

Ryan particularly appreciated the staff to student ratio which was relatively low, and allowed for more accessible and personalized help and teaching.  Vu noted that the ratio may have been 1 lab leader per 10 students.

Ryan liked that there was lots of time to refine his speaking and argument techniques via speaking drills every day to increase reading speed and clarity. He also thought the topic-specific lectures and seminars, and practice debates throughout the duration of the camp were especially helpful.

Vu thought the drills and exercises helped him to improve upon his speeches. He also found that the lectures on how to properly strategize and prepare for a debate tournament were invaluable.

“Over the course of camp, we did 6 practice rounds and 6 camp tournament rounds, totaling up to 12 rounds. We also redid our rebuttals a few times after our practice rounds,” he added.

Ryan found that his feelings about the end-of-camp tournament shifted over time. “At first, we were nervous about the tournament, but then we just treated it like the 6 practice rounds we had before and tried to learn the most from them,” he said.  Vu noted that “while the camp tournament was definitely stressful, I found the improvement we made during camp was astonishing!”

Ryan found that at UC Berkeley, the lab leaders definitely had connections to other people as well as their own respective universities and experiences. All of the students had access to a large literature base, archives, and support with research skills. While there, Ryan felt he definitely improved his research skills, and learned various outlets with which to locate sources and articles and how to use them, in order to build upon his prior research experience.

Ryan has one particularly fond memory: “I had one seminar where the topic was adapting to small school debate. I was able to talk to other people who came from similar experiences, and we felt connected through the empathizing of having a small debate team and having access to fewer resources. It felt almost like therapy.”

He adds that he  brought home the understanding that the debate community is really a small world. “There are names, famous debate teams, and schools that you hear frequently, and my ears could probably pick up on a specific author, the mention of a lab leader, or a team that made it to finals,” he said.

Vu has his own favorite moment to share:  it was the team bonding activities of the lab, playing charades and Pictionary together. That was a nice evolution from the inevitable challenges at the start of the transition to camp: “I think the first week was definitely very tough.  We were feeling a bit homesick and were also not used to the workload of camp. However, with the support of Dr. Burns (SVUDL Director of Programming) and Najma Ali (SVUDL Program Specialist), who were helping and checking in on us, we were able to adapt to camp and really enjoy the experience,” said Vu.

Now that they’re back in school, Ryan and Vu look forward to sharing all that they learned with their Yerba Buena High School teammates.

SVUDL extends enormous thanks to SVUDL board member and Kirkland & Ellis LLP Partner Jim Basile for making this spectacular opportunity real.

SVUDL Goes to Boston

From August 14th - August 18th, SVUDL staff Dr. Robert Burns (Director of Programming) and Rachel Zubrin (Program Specialist) flew to the glorious city of Boston to learn from experts in the field of Debate Centered Instruction (DCI). They were welcomed by the Boston Debate League, who hosted this amazing opportunity in the form of a week-long professional development session. A glorious friendship was forged between the two leagues, and together they will continue to fight for the right to debate inside the classroom!

The Boston Debate League (BDL) offers debate and argumentation programs for young people in Greater Boston, with a commitment to serving students of color and other students who have been denied these educational opportunities. The BDL tailors their programs to address the educational inequities they experience, and strives to create inclusive learning communities where all participants are welcome and supported in achieving the transformative, lifelong benefits of debate.

The Boston Debate League is an enthusiastic provider of the Debate-Inspired Classroom program. BDL’s Instructional Coaches work with teachers, school leaders, and entire school communities to cultivate exciting and buzzing classrooms in which students experience both rigor and joy in learning. The BDL’s team of Instructional Coaches provide professional development and 1:1 support to educators at partner schools across content areas and grade levels.

This model is teacher-driven; teachers design and implement their Debate Inspired Curriculum using tools and guidance provided by the BDL.Once a year, teachers within the BDL congregate to host a workshop to inspire other teachers on how to use DCI to elevate student voices and increase engagement within the classroom. Within the BDL’s annual workshop, educators learn to utilize the Debate-Inspired Classrooms instructional approach in order to create classroom communities where students build argumentation skills; talk with, question, and collaborate with each other; and lead and learn from one another. These are essential skills that give students power and agency over their own education. This year, SVUDL had the honor of being in attendance.

This Debate Centered Instruction workshop featured three different tracks, allowing teachers to learn from their DCI-experienced peers on how to develop lesson plans that meet the needs of their curriculum. The options included a STEM track, a General Humanities track, and an Advanced Humanities track. Rachel Zubrin enrolled in the STEM track, while Dr. Burns enrolled in the Humanities track.

“This was an incredibly valuable experience! It was so wonderful to be able to see how debate can be used effectively to increase knowledge and engagement within the realm of math and science. The best activity was when we all designed and defended a superhero using our knowledge of chemistry. It was the first time I felt actively enthusiastic to learn about how different molecules react to one another!” says Rachel Zubrin.

SVUDL has an ongoing commitment to serving teachers within our community by providing them with tools to utilize the educational and inspirational value of debate within their classrooms. In September, SVUDL will be hosting a professional development session for high school teachers in San Jose, using much of what we have learned from our time in Boston. The Boston Debate League and SVUDL will continue to work together, learn together, and thrive together as we pursue equitable and empowering education!

Introducing Our Newest SVUDL Board Member, Carrie Williamson!

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. SVUDL’s newest board member Carrie Williamson understands this first hand.  She grew up in a small, rural town in Ohio and benefited immensely from two professors who changed her life in college by mentoring her and teaching her about critical thinking and public speaking. She is committed to similarly helping mentor students and developing opportunities so they can find career paths that they might not have known about otherwise.

As the Deputy Managing Partner for DLA Piper’s East Palo Alto office and a Partner in their patent litigation group, Carrie tries patent infringement cases. She first connected with SVUDL through her work as a member of the ChIPs Silicon Valley Advisory Board, a non-profit organization that connects and advances women in technology, law and policy. Carrie has led ChIPs Silicon Valley’s ALI (Advocacy, Leadership, Innovation) programs for female-identifying high school students to introduce them to different legal careers, areas of law, and other  women leaders. Carrie also created a three-week summer program in 2014 for the Boys & Girls Club in East Palo Alto where high school students argued contract interpretation issues in a courtroom.

Carrie’s career pathway is a shining example of innovative ways to support students to uncover and hone the power of their voices, so they can confidently step into their full potential as professional and community leaders.

Welcome, Carrie!

Learning about The Power of Community during a Visit to Stanford

On Wednesday, July 26th, a crowd of 13 SVUDL students and alum gathered by the freshly trimmed grounds of Stanford Oval, eagerly anticipating a rare opportunity to glance into the world of higher education at Stanford University. They were soon greeted by their tour guide, SVUDL Board member and Stanford Lecturer Matt Abrahams, who proceeded to take the curious and excited crew on a walking journey through all that Stanford has to offer.

Independence High School’s Juan Moreno marveled at the sheer size of the university, as Matt’s tour introduced the SVUDLers to the lively community of Stanford, informing them of Stanford’s traditions, values, and most importantly, their rivalry with UC Berkeley. Students had the opportunity to visit a variety of facilities and classrooms, and each left the tour with a better understanding of what to expect from the next phase of their lives.

SVUDL Young Professionals Network member Elizabeth Lee continued the tour of the Graduate School of Business (GSB). A former debater herself, Elizabeth is currently the Associate Director of Communications & Marketing at Stanford’s GSB and shared insights on what graduate studies was like at Stanford.

Following the tour, SVUDLers bonded over fantastic sandwiches and meaningful discussions. Friendships were made as futures were envisioned. “Being able to tour Stanford with a close-knit group made the experience exceedingly more memorable. From this experience I learned how being in a community, especially with support systems and resources, allows students to thrive within professional settings,” says Chloe Truong (Independence High School).

After lunch came the main event! Elizabeth welcomed some of her GSB colleagues from the Office of External Relations and hosted a career panel. Panelists discussed the lessons they learned and the obstacles they overcame as they traversed their respective paths into their current careers. Students were given the invaluable opportunity to ask these panelists personalized questions and to gain wisdom from their eclectic experiences. “Having the insights of actual professionals specializing in marketing and communications at Stanford was inspiring as they proved how grit and determination took them from small places to big heights,” commented Ojas Gandhi (Independence High School).

We at SVUDL would like to express our gratitude to Matt Abrahams, Elizabeth Lee, and everyone at Stanford involved in making this opportunity possible. This experience has been so valuable in illuminating a clear path forward for our students to achieve their goals. Ashley Estrada (Silver Creek High School) summarized it perfectly: “Thank you so much, Stanford GSB, for sharing your invaluable insights and advice! It was truly enlightening to tour this incredible university and get a firsthand look at all the fantastic work being done here. Your generosity in opening your doors to us is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

Kicking off the School Year with a BBQ

As the warm summer days drew to a close, the excitement of the upcoming debate season filled the air. To bid farewell to the season and embrace the new one, we organized a delightful BBQ, an event that not only celebrated but also strengthened our close-knit SVUDL community. Bringing together a diverse gathering of over twenty people, including students, family members, and dedicated staff, the event exuded a sense of camaraderie and unity. Underneath the clear skies, we officially welcomed everyone back for the highly anticipated 2023-24 Speech and Debate Season.

The day was filled with activities that kept everyone engaged and entertained. Laughter echoed through the air as students immersed themselves in the spirit of friendly competition, indulging in an exciting game of Red Light, Green Light. The fun continued with multiple rounds of water balloon toss, splashes of water adding to the refreshing atmosphere. To cater to various interests, an assortment of card games was set up, providing an opportunity for both casual and intense gaming sessions.

Amidst the laughter and games, the aroma of freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs wafted through the gathering, tantalizing taste buds and filling the atmosphere with a sense of shared delight. The sizzling sounds were a testament to the grilling skills of SVUDL Staff, Kwodwo Moore (Senior Program Specialist) and Rolland Janairo (Executive Director), ensuring that everyone relished the delicious treats.

Beyond the casual fun and enjoyment, the BBQ also served as a unique occasion for SVUDL students to interact with their league competitors in a more relaxed setting. Chloe Truong from Independence High School said her, “Favorite part of the summer barbecue was how we were all able to get to know each other outside of the typical competition environment. It was nice being able to bond with members from my team as well as others.” Ryan Nguyen, a student from Yerba Buena HIgh School said, “It was an interesting experience that allowed me to meet and talk with other debaters. I was grateful that they accommodated for transportation.” Moreover, it provided an excellent opportunity for the current students to reconnect with SVUDL alumni who had already graduated, fostering a sense of continuity and mentorship within the community.

The success of our summer programming was a source of immense joy for all of us. Throughout the break from school, we endeavored to serve our students not only with enjoyable games and sumptuous food but also through valuable professional development (find out more about our visit to the Orrick Law Firm here) and academic access (explore our visit to the Stanford Graduate School of Business here), enriching our student’s lives and learning experiences.

In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and made the event a resounding success. It is the dedication and support of each individual that makes the SVUDL community flourish, and we eagerly look forward to an inspiring and rewarding Speech and Debate Season ahead!