Q&A with Claire Chi

Claire Chi, a 2023 graduate from State College Area School in Pennsylvania, shares her insights and experiences as a former speech and debate competitor and current nonprofit community leader.

You’re a newly graduated student from State College Area High School as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Dancing Against Hunger, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to relieve food insecurity, while providing accessible dance education and sparking passions for dance for all. Can you share more about your journey to starting this organization and how you juggle it all with being a student?

I believe everyone has something beautiful and impactful to share with the world. For me, that something was dance. I harnessed dance as a tool to bring my community together to fight hunger.?

Serving my community through Dancing Against Hunger (DAH) was so fulfilling and impactful. It was also extremely fun and never felt like work. I think I was only able to grow DAH to the extent that I did because of this: my genuine love for service, my mentorship of other youth, and my eagerness to share the joy of dance.

What tips do you have for alumni who are interested in starting a non-profit?

The needs of your community can easily change and grow, so be ready to help where you are called to serve. Be eager to share opportunities and show your support. Above all, remember that true leadership serves others, not yourself.

What was your experience like doing a TedTalk and do you feel like your competitive speech and debate experience helped you?

I was assigned a very supportive speaker consultant, who guided me through the brainstorming, drafting, and rehearsing process. My speech and debate experience definitely prepared me to write and speak eloquently, especially as I discussed social issues facing our society and how policy can combat them. Fun fact: I actually used a Public Forum case-writing structure to draft my TED talk!

What part of your speech & debate experience do you reflect on most?

As a novice public forum debater who had no prior experience with public speaking, I really appreciated my captain and her mentorship in my public speaking journey. I cherish the moment when I became captain and realized the impact I had made on my novice debaters, empowering them to develop strong research skills, grow confidence, and uplift one another’s voice.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your speech and debate experience?

Speech & debate changed my life so I could change others’ lives. Four years ago, I never would have imagined myself breaking into government, which is a historically inaccessible space for young people. Since I joined NSDA, I’ve given speeches to thousands of people to help fundraise for charity, served on government advisory boards, and been appointed as a public official at age 18. For that and much more, I am filled with gratitude for speech & debate.?

As it did for me, speech & debate can equip you with strong public speaking and research skills, connect you with invaluable mentorship and lifelong friends, and prepare you to explore a whole world of great possibilities.

Interested in connecting with Claire? You can find her on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram.