AMBASSADORS

MEET YOUR

Meet the champions leading the charge in competitive speech and debate across Florida! We’re proud to introduce this year’s Speech and Debate Regional Ambassadors—an elite group of dedicated coaches, mentors, and leaders shaping the future of speech and debate in their regions.

As Regional Ambassadors, they’ve taken on the challenge of building, training, and guiding their regional teams to success. From organizing the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative’s (FCDI) tournaments to mentoring the next generation of debate champions, these leaders are at the heart of our mission to elevate competitive speech and debate in Florida.

These outstanding individuals are not just building teams—they’re building a legacy!

Let’s cheer them on as they inspire, lead, and set the standard for excellence in speech and debate this year.

Call the FDI Main Office Line: 321-800-9481

GENERAL QUESTIONS?

STATS

KENDRICK
RATTRAY

NORTHWEST

krattray@floridadebate.org

850-368-2062

STEPHANIE
RHODES

NORTHWEST

srhodes@floridadebate.org

850-830-0798

HORACIO
PEREZ

NORTHCENTRAL

hperez@floridadebate.org

386-855-2004

SHANNON
SOUTHAM

NORTHEAST

ssoutham@floridadebate.org

614-296-2526

ROBERT BAKER

NORTHEAST

rbaker@floridadebate.org

386-330-4432

STATS

JOSHUA
DUNLAP

CENTRAL

jdunlap@floridadebate.org

208-817-1347

CRAIG
ROSS

CENTRAL

cross@floridadebate.org

407-479-8257

DANIEL KLEMM

GULF COAST

dklemm@floridadebate.org

386-316-5623

STATS

ELIZABETH SHANNON

GULF COAST

eshannon@floridadebate.org

941-914- 0724

STATS

HOLLIE
ADAMS

SOUTHEAST

hadams@floridadebate.org

321-345-7067

STATS

VENESIA
WILLIAMS

SOUTHEAST

vwilliams@floridadebate.org

561-644-8049

NATALIA
ALLEN

SOUTH

nallen@floridadebate.org

305-761-8015

STATS

MERCEDES CORTES

SOUTH

mcortes@floridadebate.org

305-877-4714

MEET YOUR

Meet the champions leading the charge in competitive speech and debate across elementary schools in Florida! We’re proud to introduce this year’s Super Speakers Elementary Ambassadors—an elite group of dedicated coaches, mentors, and leaders shaping the future of speech and debate in their regions.

MADY
DORWORTH

NORTHCENTRAL

mdorworth@floridadebate.org

352-448-1677

THERESA
KAUFFMAN

GULF COAST

tkauffman@floridadebate.org

941-504-7037

RIVERA
TAYLOR

CENTRAL

rtaylor@floridadebate.org

386-848-0494

JOANNA WHITAKER

NORTHWEST

jwhitaker@floridadebate.org

850-774-0744

LET'S BE

SOCIAL

Meet Mackenzie Fulton, a Rickards High School student whose life was changed by debate. Now, she's speaking up for SB 1062: The Florida Speech and Debate Education Act, and her words say it all: “It changed my trajectory.”

DON'T FORGET: Pro Camp applications close March 10!
Join us March 20–22 for an intensive weekend of speech and debate training built for varsity-level competitors.

This is your chance to level up alongside the real MVPs and get coached by some of the most experienced names in the game. 🏆

📅 March 20–22
📍Orlando, FL

🔗 Apply by March 10, 2026 at floridadebate.org/procamp

We are SO close to the finish line! Wishing all students, coaches, and judges good luck this weekend at the final in-person FCDI Qualifiers for Gulf Coast, Southeast, North Central, and South regions. We can’t believe we’re only a month away from the State Championship!

36 YEAS, ZERO NAYS! 🎉 The Florida Speech and Debate Education Act has officially PASSED the Senate Floor!

This is a landmark moment for students across the state, and it would not have been possible without incredible champions in the Senate.

A heartfelt thank you to bill sponsor, President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur, and co-sponsors Senators Danny Burgess, Don Gaetz, Rosalind Osgood, and Ralph Massullo for their unwavering dedication to Florida's students.

We are also deeply grateful for the remarkable bipartisan support from our additional co-sponsors, who joined the movement today:

Senate President Albritton, and Senators Arrington, Berman, Bernard, Boyd, Bracy Davis, Bradley, Burton, Calatayud, DiCeglie, Garcia, Grall, Gruters, Harrell, Hooper, Jones, Leek, Martin, Mayfield, McClain, Passidomo, Pizzo, Polsky, Rodriguez, Rouson, Sharief, Simon, Smith, Truenow, Trumbull, Wright, and Yarborough.

This overwhelming, bipartisan show of support speaks volumes. Florida's students deserve every bit of it.

Thank you! 🙏

@ben_albritton
@arrington4fl
@bryanavilafl
@leaderberman
@mackbernard1
@lbdforflorida
@jennbradleyflsenate
@jtbrodeur
@dannyburgessfl
@colleenburtonfl
@alexis_calatayud
@traciedavisofficial
@nickdicegliecampaign
@chairmangruters
@gayle_for_fl_senate
@sen_hooper
shevrinjones
@reelect_tomleek_fl
@senatorjonmartin
@reprmassullomd
@senatordebbiemayfield
@senator_stan_mcclain
@senatorosgood
@kathleen4swfl
@senpizzo
@senpolsky29
@senatoramr
@sen_rouson
@barbarasharief
@simonforfl
@carlosgsmith
@keithtruenowforflstatesenate13
@jaytrumbulljr
@clayyarborough

Attention Coaches: Purchase a box (or two!) of Krispy Kreme donuts and bring them to this weekend’s tournament as an early morning surprise! Purchasing a box of Krispy Kreme donuts directly supports Florida Debate Initiative when you join our GroupRaise. Join us today in raising money for speech and debate by visiting the link in our bio!

This week marks a historic moment! The Florida Speech and Debate Education Act is being heard on both the Senate and House Floors, bringing us closer than ever to becoming law! None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our bill sponsors, Senator Jason Brodeur @jtbrodeur and Representative Booth @eb_gator3, and the growing coalition of co-sponsors from both sides who believe in this mission, including: Senator Danny Burgess @dannyburgessfl, Senator Don Gaetz, Senator Ralph Massullo, Jr., Senator Rosalind Osgood @drosgood, Rep. Doug Bankson @dougforflorida, Rep. Yvette Benarroch @yvetteforflorida, Rep. Anne Gerwig @gerwiganne, Rep. Johanna López @repjohnannalopez, Rep. Debra Tendrich @debratendrich, Rep. Kimberly Berfield, Rep. Kimberly Daniels, Rep. Lisa Dunkley @teamlisadunkley, Rep. Rita Harris ritaforflorida, Rep. Yvonne Hinson @hinsonyvonne, Rep. Kim Kendall, Rep. Kiyan Michael, Rep. Danny Nix, Jr. @dannynixjr, Rep. Paula Stark @stcloudmainstreet14, Rep. Susan Valdés @susanlvaldesfl, and Rep. Taylor Yarkosky @tayloryarkosky.

We are beyond grateful!

Today, we celebrate Florida’s statehood as the 27th state of the United States of America! We can't think of a better way to honor this great state than by watching young Floridians learn to use their voice, think critically, and lead with conviction. Speech and debate has always been at the heart of our republic.

Meet Riley Jane, a proud member of the 2026 Salute to Service cohort.

For Riley, this program is about more than résumé building; it's personal.
“I joined Salute to Service because my dad is a disabled veteran from the Air Force, so it means so much to me that there are other kids out there that are just as willing to connect to the military families and affiliates as much as I am.”

She's proof that one student with a passion and a plan can make a real difference. We're so proud to have her in this year’s Salute to Service cohort.

It’s time to plug in, lock in, and check in for another online tournament!⚡️Thank you to all judges and coaches who make these online tournaments go smoothly. Good luck students!

HB 1059 passed UNANIMOUSLY! 🎉

This morning, the House Education & Employment Committee voted unanimously in favor of HB 1059. We are beyond thrilled!

The Florida Speech and Debate Education Act aims to strengthen speech and debate programs across Florida, building critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement skills in students statewide. Today's vote means we are one step closer to making this law!

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our champions in the legislature. A huge thank you to:
Committee Chair Representative Jennifer Canady canadyforflorida for her leadership and support.
Representative Erika Booth @eb_gator3 for sponsoring the bill.

In addition to the bill passing UNANIMOUSLY, we are incredibly thankful to have picked up 11 additional co-sponsors in addition to the great leaders below!

And to the bill co-sponsors: Rep. Doug Bankson @dougforflorida, Rep. Yvette Benarroch @yvetteforflorida, Rep. Anne Gerwig @gerwiganne, Rep. Johanna López @repjohannalopez, and Rep. Debra Tendrich @debratendrich.

NEW additional bill co-sponsors: Rep. Kimberly Berfield, Rep. Kimberly Daniels, Rep. Lisa Dunkley @teamlisadunkley, Rep. Rita Harris ritaforflorida, Rep. Yvonne Hinson @hinsonyvonne, Rep. Kim Kendall, Rep. Kiyan Michael, Rep. Danny Nix, Jr. @dannynixjr, Rep. Paula Stark @stcloudmainstreet14, Rep. Susan Valdés @susanlvaldesfl, Rep. Taylor Yarkosky @tayloryarkosky

Next stop: House Education & Employment Committee! 🎉

HB 1059 (Booth) is on the agenda for Thursday's House Education & Employment Committee. This is our second and FINAL stop before the bill heads to the House Floor!

A heartfelt thank you to Representative Canady, the Committee Chair, for her support and for placing this bill on the agenda. We are so grateful!

AmandaLesly Miranda showed us what it looks like to show up and make your voice heard by testifying in committee. You can make a difference too!

Show your support by sharing this post and tagging the bill sponsor, co-sponsors, and us:
Florida Debate Initiative @floridadebate
Rep. Erika Booth @eb_gator3
Rep. Doug Bankson @dougforflorida
Rep. Yvette Benarroch @yvetteforflorida
Rep. Anne Gerwig
Rep. Johanna López
Rep. Debra Tendrich @debratendrich

As always, please keep your messages positive, respectful, and student-centered — and don't forget to thank the committee! 💙

Want to do more than post? DM us!

The next level in PD: DebatEd 201! Apply NOW to secure your spot at our coaches training for intermediate coaches or educators with 1-5 years of speech and debate experience.
📅 March 20-22
📍Orlando
Apply now at floridadebate.org/debated
*participants must have completed part one of training, DebatEd 101, to apply!

🎉 THREE FOR THREE! SB 1062 just passed through the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee UNANIMOUSLY and the Florida Speech and Debate Education Act is still undefeated! A huge thank you to Senators @jtbrodeur, @DannyBurgessFL, Gaetz, Massullo, and @drosgood for recognizing what Florida students are capable of when given the right tools. Every unanimous vote is a powerful statement that critical thinking, communication, and leadership belong in every Florida classroom. The momentum is real, the support is undeniable, and we are not slowing down. 👏

Laura shares her top two tips for #TipTuesday! She encourages students to branch out rather than put all your eggs in one basket. She also emphasizes the importance of being brave and putting yourself out there, even if that doesn’t necessarily mean you win. Thanks for the tips, Laura! 🤩

Tomorrow: Next Senate stop — Fiscal Policy

SB 1062 (Brodeur) is on the agenda for tomorrow’s Senate Fiscal Policy Committee.

Na’Riyah McKinney made her voice heard by testifying in committee last week — now help us amplify the moment online.

Please thank the committee and share your support by tagging the bill sponsors and us:

Florida Debate Initiative @floridadebate
Senator Jason Brodeur @jtbrodeur
Senator Danny Burgess @DannyBurgessFL
Senator Don Gaetz
Senator Rosalind Osgood @senatorosgood
Senator Ralph Massullo @repralphmassullo

Want to do more than post? DM us.

The 2026 Salute to Service cohort officially kicked things off this month! 🎉 Our students met their mentors in-person for the first time and dove right into the work! This weekend was filled with brainstorming, connecting, and laying the foundation for their community service projects. We can't wait to see the impact this cohort makes. Stay tuned! 💙

Good luck to everyone competing in the FCDI Regional Qualifiers in Northeast and Central regions. May your debates be strong and your speeches impactful. 👏

That long-awaited post-round debrief with the besties always hits different. What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a teammate? Tell us in the comments! 💬

DONUT miss this opportunity! 50% of each purchase of a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts supports Florida Debate Initiative! Join our GroupRaise at the link in our bio, to purchase your gift card that can be redeemed at a Krispy Kreme near you.

Applications are now open for Pro Camp! Join us March 20-22 for a weekend of intensive speech and debate training geared toward varsity-level debaters! Don’t miss out on a chance to surround yourself with the real MVPs and learn from the most seasoned coaches. Submit your application by March 10, 2026 at floridadebate.org/procamp

SB 1062 Update!

Big step forward today: SB 1062 cleared its second committee stop with bipartisan, unanimous support. We’ve still got more ahead — but this momentum matters.

Huge thanks to our Senate sponsors Senator @jtbrodeur, Senator @dannyburgessfl, and Senator Gaetz for standing with Florida students. And a special shoutout to the students who testified in support — Mackenzie Fulton, AmandaLesly Miranda, and Stephanie Salavei. Your first-hand stories change the conversation.

Let’s keep showing up, staying positive, and lifting student voices.

Grateful to Senators @jtbrodeur, Gaetz, and @dannyburgessfl for sponsoring SB 1062: Speech and Debate Education! This bill is on the agenda for the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K–12 Education tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18th at 8:30 a.m. in the Mallory Horne Committee Room. Student, parent, and teacher voices matter right now as we work to advance priorities that support our students. Looking forward to this important hearing! 🙌

Today we celebrate President George Washington’s birthday! Throwing it back to our 2025 Civics Immersion Experience when we visited the Washington Monument while touring the iconic landmarks of Washington D.C.

The anticipation is growing as we get closer to the 2026 Civics Immersion Experience! While 2026 CIE applications are now closed, stay up-to-date for next year by visiting floridadebate.org

Thank you to Luis David Latozefsky for giving a beautiful and inspiring testimony in committee Wednesday. You spoke with courage and conviction, reminding every lawmaker listening that speech and debate is NOT just a program, it’s a LIFELINE.

We’ve got momentum and purpose - let’s keep it going!

We’re SWEET on Debate! This February, join us in supporting speech and debate in Florida by purchasing a Krispy Kreme dozen. All it takes is three easy steps:
1️⃣ Join our GroupRaise page [at the link in our bio]
2️⃣ Purchase your gift card for a dozen Krispy Kreme Original Glazed donuts
3️⃣ Redeem at your nearest Krispy Kreme!

Congratulations to Senator @dannyburgessfl on receiving the Gavel Down Award during the 2025 Legislative Session. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to Florida's speech and debate community.

Exciting news for Florida students! HB 1059 passed its first stop in the Student Academic Success Subcommittee!

HB 1059 will ensure that speech and debate programs receive the support they need to prepare Florida’s students for successful futures.

A special thank you to our bill sponsor, Representative Booth, and to Representative Rizo for adding HB 1059 to the agenda. We are also grateful to all members of the Student Academic Success Subcommittee for their continued support.

Grateful to Rep. Rizo @teamalexrizo and the Student Academic Success Subcommittee for advancing HB 1059.

Thank you, Chairman Rizo, for getting us on tomorrow’s agenda, and to committee members for recognizing the important role speech and debate play in civic learning and leadership development across Florida. Excited for tomorrow! 🙌

This Saturday, students from Gulf Coast, Southeast, North Central, and South take the stage for another weekend of speech and debate competition at the FCDI Regional Qualifier #3. We look forward to seeing everyone and wish all student, coaches, and judges good luck!

It was our pleasure to present the Gavel Down Award to Senator @jtbrodeur during the 2025 Legislative Session. We appreciate everything you do to support speech and debate students statewide.

SAVE THE DATE! 📅On March 20-22, FDI will hosting PART TWO of the DebatEd professional development program. DebatEd 201 is for intermediate coaches or educators who have been coaching and/or teaching speech and debate for 1-5 years and who have already completed DebatEd 101. Keep an eye out for when we announce the location!

The cohort for Civics Immersion Experience 2026 is here! 🎉Heading to Washington D.C. with us? Let us know in the comments and tell us what you’re looking forward to the most! We can't wait to see you there!

Didn't make it this year? That’s okay! There's always next year, and we'd love to see your application again.
Learn more about how you can stay in touch until next year at floridadebate.org

We were delighted to visit with Representative Sirois during the 2025 Legislative Session. Thank you for your tireless advocacy for speech and debate students across Florida and for taking the time to meet with us.

SAVE THE DATE: PRO CAMP — MARCH 20-22! Don’t miss out on a chance to sharpen your skills, connect with other speech and debate students, and set yourself up for success at your next debate tournament. Applications will open soon at floridadebate.org/procamp.

The FDI has partnered with Seminole County Public Schools @scpsinfo to bring the American Dream Debates to the district’s English language learners, and we couldn’t be more delighted to host 6 SCPS ESOL educators under the direction of Minnie Cardona, for Speech and debate training.

What an honor to award Senator Gaetz the Gavel Down Award during the 2025 Legislative Session. Your commitment to Florida's speech and debate students makes a lasting impact.

Wishing all students and coaches competing in the FCDI Statewide Online tournament this weekend, the best of luck! One step closer to the State Championship in April. 😎

Big day in Tallahassee for Florida students

The Florida Senate K-12 Education Committee voted unanimously to move the Florida Speech & Debate Education Act (SB 1062 / HB 1059) forward.

A huge thank-you to the leaders making it happen:
Senate President Pro Temp @jtbrodeur (District 10), the General Bill sponsor
Senator @dannyburgessfl (District 23), co-introducer
Senator Don Gaetz (District 1), co-introducer

We’re grateful for the bipartisan momentum and for everyone who believes Florida students deserve the chance to find their voice.

We're proud to have presented Representative Canady with the Gavel Down Award during the 2025 Legislative Session. Thank you for being a champion for speech and debate students across our state.

Happy National Florida Day! At FDI, we're proud to call the Sunshine State home. We are even prouder to empower Florida's future leaders through speech and debate. Here's to the students shaping tomorrow's conversations today. ☀️

It was our privilege to recognize Senator Hooper @sen_hooper with the Gavel Down Award during the 2025 Legislative Session. We're grateful for your unwavering support of speech and debate students throughout Florida.

Florida showed up in a big way at NCDC because that’s what leaders do. 💪🇺🇸🎤

Huge shoutout to our Florida Debate Initiative Board members who were on-site cheering on Florida’s best and championing the work that makes our state a national model for civics through speech + debate:

👏 Co-Founder & Board Chair Tara Tedrow
👏 Board Member Marna Weston
👏 Board Member Cathy Brown

Thank you for showing up, standing proud, and reminding everyone what Florida leadership looks like, strong, student-first, and all-in on building the next generation of civic leaders.

We were honored to present Representative @danatrabulsy with the Gavel Down Award during the 2025 Legislative Session. Your dedication to empowering speech and debate students across Florida means the world to us.

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose powerful oratory changed the course of history. His speeches combined moral clarity, emotional resonance, and logical reasoning to move hearts and minds across America. His mastery of rhetoric, from “I Have a Dream” to “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” reminds us why debate and public discourse matter.

As we train the next generation of speakers and thinkers, we honor his legacy by teaching students to use their voices.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day from Florida Debate Initiative.

Strike a Pose: NCDC 2026 Edition 🕺

Day one in the books! What an incredible showing in extemp debate and impromptu speaking today. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Ladies and gentleman…. Start your engines for NCDC 2026! 🎉

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AMBASSADORS

MEET YOUR

Call the FDI Main Office Line: 321-800-9481

GENERAL QUESTIONS?

KENDRICK RATTRAY

STEPHANIE RHODES

HORACIO PEREZ

SHANNON SOUTHAM

ROBERT BAKER

JOSHUA DUNLAP

CRAIG ROSS

DANIEL KLEMM

ELIZABETH SHANNON

HOLLIE ADAMS

VENESIA WILLIAMS

NATALIA ALLEN

MERCEDES CORTES

MEET YOUR

MADY DORWORTH

THERESA KAUFFMAN

RIVERA TAYLOR

JOANNA WHITAKER

LET'S BE

SOCIAL

​

KENDRICK
RATTRAY

STEPHANIE
RHODES

HORACIO
PEREZ

SHANNON
SOUTHAM

JOSHUA
DUNLAP

CRAIG
ROSS

HOLLIE
ADAMS

VENESIA
WILLIAMS

NATALIA
ALLEN

MADY
DORWORTH

THERESA
KAUFFMAN

RIVERA
TAYLOR