Our Team

Emily Zhang founded Youth Debate Academy in 2021. Today, she is president of the debate team at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. Emily has been named the International Champion in Impromptu Speaking two years in a row, in both 2023 and 2024. In 2024, she was the 1st Place US Speaker at Internationals, during which she led her team to its first Top School Award ever. Representing the US National Team in Australia, Emily finished 8th overall at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships. She is excited to share her experience and skills with her students!

Zora Chirunga is secretary of the debate team at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. Zora has received numerous Top Speaker and Top Team awards at regional tournaments. She is extremely excited to share her knowledge, and hopes to inspire her students to love debate as much as she does!

Sonia Daizadeh is a junior at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. She has placed first in stand up comedy and received medals for her dual interpretation and monologue work. Sonia is excited to share her love for debate with aspiring middle schoolers and help them grow as public speakers! 

Sophie Chan is a sophomore at the Winsor School in Boston, MA, where she debates competitively. Sophie is eager to work with students who want to learn about speech and debate!

Marissa Hao is a sophomore at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. Marissa was named the Champion of Cross-Examination Debate at the Mamaroneck Tournament in New York. Marissa attended YDA as a student for two years, and is super excited to return to Youth Debate Academy as an instructor!

Emma Birdsong is a secretary of the debate team at the Winsor School in Boston, MA. Recognized by individual, partner, and team awards at regional tournaments, Emma hopes to share her love of debate with her students! 

Serena Song is a sophomore at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. She and her partner Marissa Hao (also a YDA counselor!) placed first at the Mamaroneck Tournament in New York. Serena is excited to share her knowledge and curiosity with others! 

Hiya Singh is a sophomore at Lexington High School in Lexington, MA. Hiya loves public speaking and debating, and she is excited to share her passion with everyone at YDA! Hiya wants to help students improve their debate skills!

Sophia is a sophomore at the Newton Country Day School in Newton, MA. She hopes she can share her experience with students like herself, who might not have the opportunity to pursue their interest in school. She is excited new people!

Irene Pang 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!