Leadership
Stanford Debate Society Executive Board 2026-27
The five member student Executive Board is responsible for running and overseeing all aspects of the Stanford Debate Society (SDS).
President: Darrius Tan
Darrius is a rising junior majoring in International Relations and Economics. He's from Singapore, and was very happy to have served as Debate Chair in his High School. He also enjoys running, cycling, long walks and good movies. SDS has been a true highlight in his Stanford journey, and he hopes to see you in SDS!
Vice President, Finance: Stella Wu
Stella is a rising junior studying CS and Philosophy. In high school, she served as the President of her Speech & Debate program and competed in Public Forum Debate. At SDS, she has also been convinced by the BP Superiority propaganda machine. Outside of debate, Stella enjoys writing poetry, K-Pop dancing, and finding the best boba shop around (there is a right answer).
Vice President, Competitions: Peem Puangmaha
Peem is a rising sophomore from Thailand, studying Computer Science and Economics. Before joining SDS, he primarily competed in the World Schools Debate format. Now in his free time, you'll find him playing all sorts of sports, cooking delicious new foods, and hanging out with new people. Most importantly, he's so excited to meet everyone soon!
Vice President, Operations: Kayla Chan
Kayla is a rising Junior, majoring in Communications on the Journalism track. She was incredibly lucky to spend her high school years as the captain of the Macau National World Schools team. Outside of debate, she enjoys ballet, news writing, and reading.
Vice President, Events: Carole Darve
Carole is a rising junior from the Bay Area considering Computer Science and/or Symbolic Systems. She was introduced to the world of debate through the Stanford Debate Society! In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry and novels, hiking, hanging out with friends, and trying out new arts and crafts projects.
Senior Advisor: Amy Chang
Amy is a coterm from San Francisco. Her undergrad was in CS. She served as SDS Chief of Staff from 2022-24, VP-Competitions from 2024-25 and President from 2025-26. In the past, she debated with the City College of San Francisco in NPDA and IPDA formats, from which she has made a successful switch to BP and APDA. Outside of debate, Amy enjoys traveling, running obscure historical fiction cases, and playing Sid Meier’s Civilization.
SDS Leadership Team 2026-27
The SDS Leadership Team supports the Executive Board to implement SDS's goals, operations and team policies.
Chief of Staff: Anya Phan
Anya is a rising junior from San Diego, studying Economics and English. She participated in Mock Trial in high school, but SDS is the first competitive debate team she has been a part of. In her free time, she loves trying new foods, reading fantasy novels, and sharpening her film and digital photography skills!
Chief of Staff: Nancy Dalakoura
Nancy is a Philosophy major at Stanford from Greece. On the Stanford Debate Team, she serves as Chief of Staff and competes in parliamentary debate. Outside debate, Nancy works as a Post-Conviction Legal Intern at the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office and as a Research Fellow at the Stanford Existential Risks Initiative. Before Stanford, she captained the Greek National Physics Team and founded SciBridges, an international nonprofit supporting competitive science education across 12 countries. She has been recognized nationally and internationally in science, debate, philosophy, and art.
Social Chair & Community Manager: Advika Sadasivan
Advika is a rising junior from Houston studying Economics and Philosophy. She debated for Team USA in high school and now debates primarily in BP. Outside of debate, Advika loves listening to music and visiting coffee shops.
Training Officer: Daniel Stein
Daniel is a rising sophomore from Long Island, New York majoring in Economics. Before joining SDS, they primarily competed in congressional debate but has had experience with most formats. They now primarily compete in BP. Outside of debate, Daniel is interested in housing policy and running.
Past Presidents & Leaders of SDS
Amy Chang, President 2025-26
Claire Beamer, President 2024-25
Muhammad Dhafer, President 2023-24
Vivian Jiahui Zhu, President 2022-23
Enshia Li, President 2021-22
Gaeun Kim, President 2020-21
Danielle Mitalipov, President 2019-20
Ben Anderson, President 2018-19
Harry Elliott, President 2017-18
David Slater, President 2016-17
Elana Leone, President 2015-16
Christina Gilbert, President 2014-15
Ilya Gaidarov, President 2012-14
Emma Pierson, President 2011-12
Rich Boltizar, President 2008-10, Director of Debate 2013-21
Professor Mark A. Lemley, Founder