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MEET THE TEAM
Iniya Amarnath
Founder and Executive Director
I’m a high school student passionate about debate and education. After four years in competitive speech and debate, primarily in Lincoln-Douglas, I’ve developed strong skills in research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication. Debate has shown me that the ability to speak confidently and advocate effectively is transformative, which is why I founded Take The Mic to expand access to public speaking and advocacy skills for students who need it most. Outside of debate, I enjoy doing taekwondo, hanging out with friends, and listening to music!
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Hi, I'm Amy and I am a high school student involved in World Schools Debate and dance. Through debate, I have developed strong skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and persuasive communication while engaging with complex global issues. Outside of debate, I am passionate about dance, where I enjoy expressing creativity and building confidence through performance.
Hi everyone! I’m Sharika, a high school student who is involved in speech and debate. Through debate, I have developed strong skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and analyzing complex issues from different perspectives. Because of this, I am passionate about helping younger students learn these skills give them confidence and a voice when discussing important issues.
Outside of debate, I play volleyball, which has taught me teamwork and how to stay focused under pressure. I am also involved in performing music at senior homes, where I play songs for residents.
Amy Li
Events Manager
Sharika Shinha
Content Manager
Uyen Hoang
Web Manager
I’m Uyen Hoang, an international high school student from Vietnam. Growing up in an environment where English was not a primary language, I faced many challenges and language barriers when I first arrived in the U.S. Speech and debate allowed me to speak up and express my voice in front of others. This experience helped me realize the power of expressing oneself. And that is why I wanted to be a part of this project. I hope to ensure that no student is left behind simply because they faced barriers in communication or expressing themselves. Outside of speech and debate, I’m deeply passionate about physics, which has taught me to think logically. At the same time, I also practice graphic design, which allows me to think creatively and break boundaries. I believe visuals can bring ideas to life and communicate meaning in powerful ways.
Hi! My name is Alisa Solnit! I've been involved in speech and debate ever since seventh grade and it has become one of my biggest passions. I currently compete in original oratory and informative speaking. My favorite part of competition speech is meeting all of the different kinds of people and getting to hear their speeches. Outside of speech and debate I love holding my snake and hanging out with friends.
Alisa Solnit
Chapter Manager
THE PROBLEM
Many students do not have the same opportunities. Schools in low-income communities often lack speech and debate programs, and many families cannot afford private coaching. As a result, countless students never get the chance to develop essential skills such as communication, leadership, and analytical thinking.
WHY IT MATTERS
Speech and debate can be life-changing. They empower students to gain confidence, strengthen their research abilities, and develop a voice capable of making an impact. Yet only 15–30% of schools in the United States offer speech and debate programs, and millions of students worldwide are never exposed to them.
THE SOLUTION
Take the Mic was created to close this gap, by making speech and debate accessible to students who are eager to learn, grow, and be heard.
OUR VALUES
EQUITY
Every student deserves the opportunity to learn speech and debate.
EMPOWERMENT
We give students the skills and confidence to share their voice.
GROWTH
We provide tools that foster learning, leadership, and confidence.
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