Celebrating Our Community
National Debate Coaches Association ChampionshipApril 12, 2008
Michigan State University
"The people I have met and conversations I've had at this dinner have truly changed my appreciation of women in debate. Our fostering of a community is so important! This dinner has encouraged me so much and given me awareness of the role of women in debate."
~ Camilla, high school debater
Our inaugural Celebrating Our Community dinner was a huge success! 65 female debaters, coaches, and judges joined the WDI for an evening of celebrating success of women in debate. We made connections and built friendships by creating a community map, playing Women in Debate trivia, and enjoying together a delicious dinner.
Melissa Wade, Director of Debate at Emory University and (among countless other awards) coach of the first all-woman debate team to win the NDT and a founder of the Urban Debate League, inspired and entertained us all as our keynote speaker. Her speech was both moving and hilarious, and she reminded us that the debate community has made huge strides to increase the participation of women and people of color. We still have progress to make - and we hope events like this will encourage more high school women to debate in college. Watch her speech!
Finally, the Women's Debate Institute awarded the first Creating Community award to Tara Tate, Director of Debate at Glenbrook South HIgh School and president of the NDCA.
 NDCA debaters from Carrolton of the Sacred Heart High School. |
 Linda Collier, Director of Debate at the Barstow School and Tara Tate, Director of Debate at Glenbrook South HS |
 NDCA debaters design personal markers for our Community Map. |
"Attending this banquet has really opened up my eyes to the power of the female debate community."
~ Katie, Michigan State debater and NDCA judge
Check Out
* Our Community Map* Melissa Wade's keynote speech (part 1) (part 2)
* More pictures from the event
* The invitation
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
This event couldn't have happened without our generous sponsors. Thank you!| Appalachian State University California State University - Fullerton Gonzaga University James Madison University Trinity University University of Missouri-Kansas City University of Richmond Vanderbilt University Weber State University Whitman College |
Jessica Clarke Adriana Midence Michelle Roddy Rachel Saloom Jill Steinberg Danielle Weise McDonough, Holland & Allen Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan Luna Bar |