Leadership

Stanford Debate Society Executive Board 2024-25

The five member student Executive Board is responsible for running and overseeing all aspects of the Stanford Debate Society (SDS). 

President: Amy Chang

Amy is a coterm from San Francisco. Her undergrad was in CS. She served as SDS Chief of Staff from 2022-24 and VP-Competitions from 2024-25. 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.

Vice President, Finance: Claire Beamer

Claire is a senior majoring in Mathematics. Last year, she served as the President. She competed in Public Forum throughout high school (and still coaches) but now thinks BP is superior. Besides debate, she loves cooking, playing/watching sports, and spending time with her four siblings. 

Vice President, Competitions: Darrius Tan

Darrius is a sophomore 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, Operations: Stella Wu

Stella is a sophomore studying Economics and CS. 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, kpop dancing, and finding the best boba shop around (there is a right answer).

Vice President, Events: Carole Darve

Carole is a sophomore 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.

SDS Operations Team 2024-25

The SDS Operations Team members support the Executive Board to implement SDS's competitive goals, operations and team policies. We are currently in the process of selecting the next operations team!

Past Presidents & Leaders of SDS

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