“On a flight home from a national championship tournament in Chicago, I was filled with gratitude as I saw our mission come to life firsthand watching our students become their best selves,” recalled SVUDL CEO Rolland Janairo during his opening remarks. “They deserve to be at the table, and once they are there, they succeed.  Our community is a shining example of what‘s possible with the impact of Speech and Debate. Ten years ago, Jennie Savage and John Dawson started this organization. I stand on the shoulders of giants and am honored to hone and elevate the voices of the youth here today.”

When Rolland Janairo’s flight touched back down in Silicon Valley, he overheard a student say to their mother that they were going to apply to the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. “Their mother and I looked at each other with a moment of recognition -  knowing that this student could get in and thrive at these schools,” he shared.  “Let’s open as many doors and windows as we can, especially for those who don’t normally have access to them.”

Next to the podium was SVUDL alumnus Erick Zaragoza who currently attends Princeton University. “SVUDL taught me how to write this speech,” he stated. “I started Speech and Debate during my sophomore year of high school. This is what began my love of curiosity and always asking myself why - it is the key to what makes a great debater.”

And then, it was time for the main event. The Honorable Julia Alloggiamento introduced California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero as 2024 SVUDL Speaker of the Year.  

The 29th Chief Justice of California is also the court’s first Latina Chief Justice. A true leader and visionary, she is committed to justice, equity, and due process while fighting for the protection of vulnerable families. With grace, intellect and vision, she’s wholly committed to civic engagement and teaching students about democracy.

Event attendees were in for a treat as both women held a fireside chat about current topics of the day. “I am amazed and impressed by the students I have met here tonight. It is so important to be here talking together, building the pipeline of diversity and emerging future leaders. They all have the talent. They just need the opportunity,” said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she encourages students to leverage their unique experiences.  “Typically, I don’t like talking about myself.  But this is my family’s story. My father had to leave school after 5th grade to work to support the family.  My parents came here for opportunities. They always stressed the importance of education, hard work and perseverance. They instilled in us the importance of helping other people and being compassionate,” Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero shared. “Our life experiences may seem routine or insignificant, but they are not. I started working at age 16 in a grocery store and had to learn to manage my time well by necessity. My parents ensured that their sacrifices made the difference and always reminded me not to squander the opportunities that I have been given. These early lessons inform the work that I do even now.”

“My parents' strength and humility ground me. Your experiences are unique to you and they matter. They give you a voice and you belong. The best way to change an organization is to be a part of it. Speak about your experiences. You have a lot to contribute. Share your voice. Build the pipeline,” she reflected.

Following the lively fireside chat, Senator Dave Cortese and Supervisor Cindy Chavez made presentations to SVUDL founders Jennie Savage and John Dawson in honor of the organization’s 10th anniversary. The moment underscored how the founders have touched so many lives.  SVUDL creates a sense of belonging and teaches youth to raise their voices, to say what they want to say. After all, what more could the world need now than to argue a point in a thoughtful manner and to debate with love and curiosity?

Then it was time for SVUDL Board Chair and Kirkland & Ellis Partner Jim Basile to open the auction and Fund a Need. “SVUDL is a swiss army knife This multipurpose tool goes where the need is and this means providing access to young people to learn the life long skills of critical thinking and determination. We are a small but mighty organization and have a solution to so many problems in our society,” he said. “Our country is polarized right now.  The SVUDL solution is civility and logic. With guardrails, rules and procedures, we can identify logical fallacies.  SVUDL students learn to ask what the evidence is for what you are saying. They will also ask how you propose to do something and what the unintended consequences might be.”

“SVUDL is the superpower our society needs right now,” Jim Basile continued. “Jonathan Haidt’s latest book The Anxious Generation underlines the anxiety and isolation from lack of community. SVUDL provides an answer to both issues by helping to develop confidence and community. For most adults, the scariest thing is to say something in a room and have someone disagree with you. SVUDL students develop their voices and learn preparation, determination and resilience. They also learn how to win and lose. This independence of mind, coupled with creativity of spirit and strength, nurtures life long relationships and our alumni demonstrate this every day.”

Jim Basile also pointed out that SVUDL provides the answer to inequality by providing opportunity. Programs for students and teachers seed the necessary skills to grow and thrive. The numbers show the impact: 2,300 students were reached across Santa Clara and San Mateo County this past year. Approximately 97% of SVUDL students are of color and 24% speak English as a second language; 100% of SVUDL students graduate high school and 100% attend college.  All of this is achieved at the cost of only $1,700 per student.

Finally, the voice of the Golden State Warriors, Franco Finn, powered the Live Auction and Fund a Need. “I did Speech and Debate in high school. It built my confidence. Who knew I would get to use the gift of gab as my career?” he quipped.

Together, we raised more than $400,000 to help students uncover and hone the power of their voices. SVUDL Co-Founder John Dawson captured the spirit of the event: “I never debated professionally or in school, but I've been around debaters for decades and I've seen what a huge change it makes for them. It's not just a home away from home. It is kind of their first home: the team bonding, collaboration and support mean so much to so many kids and it's inspiring to see.”

Thank you to all of the attendees, sponsors, volunteers, Board members, Legal Advisory Committee members, and staff who all made this event possible.