How We Were Started
Founders and Executive Directors Divya Ganesan and Eliza Goler first began thinking about “Real Talk” as middle school debate partners.
As a public forum duo, they recognized the value of the critical thinking skills and diverse perspectives represented in debate, but often absent from other settings.
In the face of increased political polarization on the national scale, they noticed a growing need to create opportunities for peers to engage in political discourse. In 2019, they started Real Talk to address these national trends in their local community and beyond.
OUR TEAM
Board Of Directors
Stacey Kertsman
Dean of Equity Education and Social Impact
Castilleja School
Mary Speiser
Chair of the Board
Castilleja School
Peter Minowitz
Professor of Political Science
Santa Clara University
OUR TEAM
Leadership
Ayanna Gandhi
Director of Chapters
Michael Ma
Director of Events
Lauren Lin
Director of Marketing and Publications
Emily Chan
Director of Finance
Max Talwar
Co-Director of Curriculum
Jackson Deutch
Co-Director of Curriculum
Hannah Onderdonk
Social Media Lead
Josie O'Hara
Blog Lead
Gilli Nieh
Website and Graphic Design Lead