Boston Debate League

BDL's first Alumni Summer Social

August 22, 2022 | By Sayyida Jean-Charles

Classes of 2019 - 2022 Summer Celebration

At the end of July, the Boston Debate League hosted its first ever Alumni Summer Social at our office. We were thrilled to invite the Classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 to celebrate together before everyone left for their Fall commitments.

At the start of the social, instant hugs and “I haven’t seen you in so long” filled the room. Alumni updated each other on their experiences at college, summer internships, and jobs. Former debate partners reminisced about tournaments they competed in and were delighted to hear updates on current BDL staff. During the 2022 Alumni inductions, all graduating seniors were gifted a BDL Alumni Pin, officially marking their transition from debater to Alumni. To spread the new tradition, all Alumni who attended the summer social received a pin. Anna Zhao, NAUDL summer intern and Alumna, noted that the pins made alums feel included in the BDL community.

The summer social was a time to celebrate graduation season and summer and to reconnect with each other. We will continue to support all Alumni through career exploration, professional and peer networking opportunities, and giving back to the BDL.

Thank you to the Alumni who attended the event! Good luck with your future endeavors, and stay connected with the BDL for upcoming events and opportunities. 

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Kelly Cody, Senior Volunteer Manager, joined BDL in 2021
Joshua Nixon, ASD and Resolved Program Manager, joined BDL in
Douglas Matute
Douglas Matute, Program Manager for Debate en Español, joined BDL in 2022
Ranner Faugas, Assistant Director of After-School Debate, joined BDL in
Roger Nix, Assistant Director of After School Debate, joined BDL in
Carlos Monteiro, Instructional Coach for DI Classrooms, joined BDL in
Sarah Mayper, Senior Instructional Coach for DI Classrooms, joined BDL in
Marisa Suescun, Director of Programs, joined BDL in 2013
Kimberly Bartlett-Ra, Director of Operations, joined BDL in
Kim Willingham, Executive Director of the Boston Debate League , joined BDL in
Jackney Prioly Joseph, Director of External Affairs, joined BDL in September 2020. Jackney leads our efforts to engage and partner with community and corporate organizations to create a community of support for our students. She previously served as Director of College and Career Readiness at the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education. She has diverse leadership experience in education, nonprofits, and city government where she served under Mayor Thomas M. Menino and former City Councilor, now Congresswoman, Ayanna Pressley. A Bryn Mawr and Posse Foundation alum identified for her extraordinary leadership, Jackney works to secure partnerships that will tap and sharpen the leadership skills of our program participants.