Our Executors transform vision into reality, driving the operations that create our impact.

Founders & Presidents

Ellie Mui, Co-Founder & Co-President of the American Philosophical Youth Society (APYS). First Speaker, carries state, national, and international titles in debate.

Co-Founder

Ellie Mui

Ellie Mui is a passionate debater who has won multiple titles, including first place at UC Berkeley and third place at UCLA in Parliamentary debate. She thrives best in competitive settings, where her sharp thinking and strong communication skills stand out. Beyond debate, Ellie enjoys reading novels and playing badminton with her brother.

Notable Achievements:

  • 1st Place in the Berkeley International High School Parliamentary Debate Invitational in Parliamentary Debate (2024)

  • 1st Place in the 14th Annual California State in World Schools Debate (2024)

  • 2nd Place Debater & 5th Place Individual Speakers in Cal Parli (UC Berkeley) Invitational in Parliamentary Debate (2024)

Amanda An, Co-Founder & Co-President of the American Philosophical Youth Society (APYS). Second Speaker, carries international titles in debate.

Co-Founder

Amanda An

Amanda An started her Public Speaking journey in 3rd grade, where she tried Speech through Storytelling and Impromptu. Within a year, she placed 1st place twice in both formats. Later on, she tried debate through Parliamentary and World Schools Debate (WSD), placing multiple times in national and international tournaments. Outside of debate, Amanda likes to read philosophy books and go on walks.

Notable Achievements:

  • 1st Place in 14th Annual California State in World Schools Debate (2024)

  • 2nd Place in Malaysia’s JWSDC in World Schools Debate (2024)

  • 3rd Place in Harvard Debate Council International Championships in World Schools (2025)

Ethan Shu, CTO, Chief Technology Officer of the American Philosophical Youth Society (APYS)

Chief Technology Officer

Ethan Shu

Ethan Shu is a front-end developer with experience in delivering responsive, user-friendly websites for various organizations. He's familiar with sites such as Squarespace and WordPress. Moreover, he understands HTML and Javascript. At APYS, he guides the organization's digital strategy, making sure the site remains optimized, secure, and true to the team's vision.

Program Development Head

(Philosophy Clubs)

Rahsaan Simon

Rahsaan Simon is a passionate philosophical essayist who enjoys reading books and news articles, as well as hearing others’ perspectives. He has self-published essays and articles of political opinions, additionally hosting a weekly blog on the benefits of philosophy in the modern political landscape. Outside of philosophy, he enjoys walks in nature, watching movies, and hanging out with friends.

As Program Development Head, he focuses specifically on APYS’s Philosophy Clubs by coordinating outreach to start new club chapters and guiding the clubs’ growth.

Program Development Head

(Peninsula Pathways Debate)

Katya Chikanov

Katya Chikanov is a competitive debater with over three years of experience in World Schools, Parliamentary, and SPAR/Impromptu formats. She has earned recognition at tournaments such as the Stanford Invitational and NSDA Nationals. Katya has also served as a club president and instructor, strengthening student structure and confidence while working with debate programs at other institutions. Outside of debate, she enjoys tennis, pickleball, and classic films.

Notable Achievements:

  • 1st Place at the Stanford Invitational in World Schools Debate (2025)

  • Co-Champion at the CHSSA Middle School State Championship (2024)

  • Semifinalist and 3rd Place Individual Speaker at the NSDA Middle School Nationals (2025)

Arya Khajuria, a coach at the official 501(c)(3), student-led nonprofit organization, the American Philosophical Youth Society.

Chapter Head: Santa Clara, California

Arya Khajuria

Arya Khajuria is a knowledgeable debater with expertise of over 2 years in specifically Public Forum. She has pursued several forms of speech and debate over the past four years, honing her confidence and speaking skills, even touching upon Congressional Debate. Apart from debate, she enjoys programming with her robotics team and playing volleyball during her leisure time.

Notable Achievements:

  • Gold in the NOF Sapphire Tournament in Lincoln-Douglas (2025)

  • Quarterfinalist & 2nd Place Individual Speakers in the Philhistorian invitational Bay Area Championship in Public Forum (2025)

  • 4 Years of Experience in various Speech and Debate Formats

Chapter Head: Miami-dade, Florida

Nicholas Torres

Nick Torres is an experienced debater with three years of competitive involvement in both Public Forum and World Schools Debate, with particular strength in Public Forum. As the Public Forum captain at his school, he has developed strong leadership and strategic thinking skills while guiding his team through high-level competition. Beyond debate, Nick enjoys staying active by playing football and basketball in his free time.

Notable Achievements:

  • 2x Champion of Wakefield Flying L Invitational Tournament in Public Forum Debate (2024, 2025)

  • Champion of Western Cat Claw ClassicW in World Schools Debate (2025)

  • 3rd Place at National Suninvitational Tournament in Public Forum Debate (2025)