HP: Championing the Next Generation of Leaders

Irene Chang, Trademark, Copyright and Marketing Counsel at HP, explained how her personal journey connects to HP and its support of SVUDL.   

Her transformative experience on the Moot Court team in Taiwan as a college student opened her eyes to the power of respectful discourse.

"I came from a homogeneous culture in Taiwan," Irene reflects. "Being on the Moot Court team in college was the first time I really thought about how there are fundamentally different views as well as ways to look at and address issues.  I learned how to voice opinions with respect, and to hear other views while also finding common ground. I'm grateful that SVUDL is supporting the ability of students to grow as communicators."

Building Skills That Last a Lifetime

During her undergraduate years in Taiwan, where law school begins at the undergraduate level, Irene competed in the prestigious Jessup International Moot Court Competition. This experience proved foundational in shaping her communication philosophy.

"It really helped me understand how the common law system works and how to present arguments so my voice could be better heard," she explains. "It also taught me to actively listen and to organize and formulate my thoughts proactively. I realized that becoming a truly effective communicator requires extensive preparation and practice."

This revelation has stayed with Irene throughout her career. She firmly believes that Speech and Debate skills create ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom or courtroom.

"These skills enhance our ability to communicate in ways that build trust, even when we fundamentally disagree with each other," she emphasizes. "Whether in professional settings or personal relationships, strong communication is the foundation of everything we do."

Irene sees HP's support of SVUDL as a natural extension of the company's core values and mission. The partnership represents more than financial support—it's an investment in the kind of future HP envisions.

"HP champions a culture of inclusion," she notes. "I believe that building Speech and Debate skills fosters appreciation for different perspectives and teaches civility in communicating those differences. This directly contributes to creating the inclusive culture we strive for at HP."

The partnership also represents an accessible way for HP to make a meaningful impact. As Irene points out, "Supporting SVUDL doesn't require an enormous time investment, but it creates significant opportunities to get involved in something that truly matters."

Through this sponsorship, HP demonstrates its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who can navigate complex conversations with empathy, respect, and skill—qualities that will serve them throughout their lives and help build a better tomorrow.