Keo Robinson, Co-Founder and Program Director

Teacher & Marin Academy Student

Hi, my name is Keo Robinson, and I am currently a Senior at Marin Academy. My passion for Public Speaking started with my speech teacher, Deborah Malcolm, at Mount Tamalpais School. Since then, I have filled my calendar with various speaking extracurriculars: I have led the Marin Academy Debate Team for the past 3 years, participated in an award-winning Mock Trial team as an attorney for 4 consecutive years, and have attended various Model-UN conferences such as Stanford and Nueva for the past 4 years. Outside of public speaking, I am doing microgravity research at the Buck Institute alongside Dr. Taylor Valentino, am involved in the Marin Academy Student Senate as an elected class representative, act as an admissions fellow, participate on my school’s AI advisory board, and tutor students at Venetia Valley. Non-academically, I love going to Bolinas Ridge, swimming at Stinson during sunset, going on a hike, and enjoying any adventure! Teaching students public speaking is my passion, and I find so much joy in continuing Deborah’s legacy that opened so many doors for me. Through this program, I hope to keep opening doors for others.

Ashley Wang, Co-Founder

Former Teacher & Columbia University Student

Hi, my name is Ashley and I’m a senior at The Branson School. I started SpeakUp in public libraries in hopes of fostering an early love for sharing your voice. In middle school, I was a part of the Speech Team for all three years and attended the Margie Burke Speech Tournament, where I became 8th Grade All-Around Champion.

In school now, I am Co-Captain of the Branson Debate Team where I am a Policy Debater, placing top 16 in my division my sophomore year at the UC Berkeley Debate Tournament. I am also involved as a Community Engagement Coordinator, member of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team, and leader of the Asian American Affinity. Outside of school, I am an Elections Ambassador with the League of Women Voters and intern at the Marin History Museum.

Elsie Chamberlain

Former Teacher & Boston University Student

Hi, my name is Elsie, and I’m a senior at Cate School. I work at SpeakUp to inspire younger students to share their voices and build confidence through speech and debate. I discovered my own love for public speaking in middle school, where I earned Gold at the Margie Burke Speech Tournament.

At Cate, I am a dedicated member of Model UN, where I had the opportunity to attend the Harvard Conference in 2025. I also serve as Captain of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team and as a Round Square Delegate, which allows me to take part in international conferences and service projects with students from around the world.

Speech and debate have shaped my leadership and confidence, and through SpeakUp, I hope to pass that experience on to the next generation of young speakers.