Co-Founders and Co - Presidents
Ameera Karim
Ameera is a senior at The Brearley School. She has been debating since sixth grade and has since had a passion for public speaking. In 2021, Ameera was recognized as the NYCUDL New York State Champion. She continues her longstanding passion for debate through Model Congress, which she is a co-captain of at her school, as well as Student Government, and Mock Trial. She hopes that Speak Up NYC is a catalyst to empower New York youth.
Contact: 25karima@brearley.org
Farhin Chowdhury
Farhin is a senior at The Stuyvesant High School. He has debated since seventh grade with the NYCUDL, where he was a State Championship finalist in 2021. Since then, he has continued his passion for public speaking by judging NYCUDL tournaments. In his free time, he also tutors elementary school students in various academic subjects. He firmly believes that Speak Up NYC is a tool that helps students maximize their public speaking skills and overall potential as future leaders.
Contact: farhinny@gmail.com
Vice Presidents
Katherine Vavouliotis
Katherine is a junior at The Academy of American Studies. She has been debating since the seventh grade and quickly found a permanent love for it. In 2022, she won the NYCUDL’s Parliamentary State Championships. Debate remains fundamental in her life through her membership of her school’s Mock Trial club. She also loves getting involved with her community by helping judge local debate tournaments. She believes that debate teaches students crucial skills. She aspires to help Speak Up NYC in its mission to educate students across the city.
Contact: luchiyadani@gmail.com
Subah Sumaiiyat
Subah is a senior at The Brooklyn Technical High School. She began debating with the NYCUDL in 7th grade and continues to debate in regional and national circuits. She is the current Brooklyn Tech Debate Team President and Lead of Empower Debate’s Policy Branch. She has also been a volunteer judge for HS and MS debate across multiple formats (Parliamentary, Public Forum, Policy, etc). She is excited for Speak Up NYC to make the life skills infused with speech accessible to NYC youth.
Contact: subahs235@gmail.com