Our team is made up of exceptional debaters, coders, and more.

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.

Rahsaan Simon is the Program Development Coordinator at the American Philosophical Youth Society (APYS).

Program Development Coordinator (Philosophy)

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.

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

Debate Coach

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

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

Debate Coach

Sunay Miduthuri

Sunay started speech and debate through speech (interpretation) in fifth grade. Throughout his career, he has done various events raging from speech (interpretation) to debate formats like Spar, Public Forum, and Lincoln-Douglas. Outside of speech and debate, he enjoys math, coding, soccer, and music.

Notable Achievements:

  • Champion in Cherry Invitational in Public Forum (2025)

  • 3rd Place in West Valley Invitational in Public Forum (2024)

  • 6-0 Prelim Record in TOC Digital in Public Forum (2025)

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

Debate Coach

Austin Jin

Austin has 2+ years focusing on Public Forum debate. On his third tournament, he became the only person to place on the podium twice—once for his debate performance and once for his speech performance. Besides debate, he enjoys studying chess in his free time.

Notable Achievements:

  • Co-Champion, Undefeated & 3rd Place Individual Speakers in Stephan Stewart Memorial Invitational in Public Forum (2024)

  • Co-Champion in Marist Ivy Street Invitational in Public Forum (2024)

  • Semifinalist in Cal State Fullerton MS and HS Online Invitational in Public Forum (2024)