WUDL Family Grows -- Adam, Elle, and Nina!
While there is a severe deficit in the public policy and civic discourse among adults in the Greater Washington region, the same cannot be said for it’s youth! Last year, WUDL served more than 1,000(!) debaters, and we expect to easily pass that number this coming season as well. To help us do so, we’re excited to add three new members to the WUDL team!
Adam Mathews:
Adam Mathews is the programming coordinator for the WUDL. A policy debater in Washington, DC, from 8th-12th grade, Adam helped to coach his high school team while simultaneously competing. He credits debate with helping him develop his confidence, strengthen his voice, and shape the way he sees the world. As a result, he is passionate about expanding access to debate while helping coaches, volunteers, and new generations of debaters to grow and succeed.
Adam graduated from Old Dominion University with a B.S. in Communication Studies. He has experience in event management, strategic planning, and media relations. He is excited to use these skills, amongst others, to the benefit of the WUDL
Elle Bischoff:
Originally from New Jersey, Elle attends The George Washington University, where she study International Affairs and Economics. I love learning, and understanding and participating in government policy is extremely important to me. I am a natural optimist and enjoy thinking dynamically about the world surrounding me. Outside of academics, I love practicing photography, hiking, reading, and playing instruments.
You’ll see Elle all over the WUDL community — especially recruiting, training, and supporting the volunteer coaches and judges that make our league work! She’ll also take a programmatic role, supporting schools and visiting practices when possible.
Nina Darden:
Nina is currently a student at Towson University where she competes in policy debate where she has experience helping and working with younger debaters. Debate has given her so much, especially a community and a space to grow into her own voice, so she’s really excited to start this journey with WUDL and be able to give what I’ve learned back to the community. Nina has always enjoyed helping others, staying organized, and making sure things run as smoothly as possible, and is excited to bring those strengths into the program.
She looks forward to supporting our debaters, coaches and volunteers throughout the year while helping create an environment where students can learn, compete, have fun and feel supported throughout their experience. Overall, she prioritizes everyone involved feeling like they have a place here and people to rely on.
Shout Out:
Former WUDL team member and alumnus Alex Montgomery, who is off the college at the University of North Texas on a great scholarship!
We are excited to have the WUDL family grow to 9(!) staff, an eventuality that didn’t feel possible when we started out a decade ago with David trying to coach all of the schools himself.
Please give Adam, Elle, and Nina a warm welcome when you run into them during the season!