I RESOLVE 2025 Tackles the Topic of Affordable Housing

When high school students Katelynn Nguyen (Silver Creek High School) and De'Angelo Quintero (Andrew P. Hill High School) took the stage at DLA Piper in Palo Alto, they didn't only debate about the topic of affordable housing — they also demonstrated why the art of Speech and Debate itself is so powerful.

The I RESOLVE series, a partnership between the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues and SVUDL, brings the most pressing issues in our society into sharp focus through the eyes of tomorrow's leaders.

"SVUDL students grow as communicators who can captivate and persuade audiences. Critical thinking skills prepare students for leadership roles. Students become agents of change, thoughtfully considering the issues facing their communities," said SVUDL CEO Rolland Janairo.

Katelynn Nguyen made a compelling case for Housing First—an approach that prioritizes getting people off the streets immediately. Her argument cut through the complexity with a plea for action. The problem isn't the Housing First model, she argued—it's the execution.

De'Angelo Quintero focused on structural solutions: reforming the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and zoning regulations to implement rent control and expand development opportunities. His message was also based on urgency, but this time with an eye to rising costs.

This year's panelists - Mariam Ahmed, SVUDL Program Specialist and SVUDL alum, and Erin Baldassari, Senior Editor on Housing Affordability at KQED - praised the students for their nuanced understanding of the topic as well as their distinctive, yet equally effective, communication styles. The panelists’ feedback affirmed that both proposed solutions are powerful, and both are necessary as part of comprehensive change.

I RESOLVE demonstrates that students aren't just learning the skills of Speech and Debate—they're learning to lead, to analyze complex problems, and to articulate solutions with clarity and conviction. They're becoming the voices our communities need.

Thank you to NAUDL and our sponsors for making this event possible, as well as to DLA Piper as our hosts. And much gratitude as well to our panelists Mariam Ahmed and Erin Baldassari!