Introducing Alumni Ambassador Emma Arpesani!

Emma Arpesani represented Highbury Fields School at the Islington Regional Final in 2022-23. Her speech, ’There is a Good Alternative’, saw her take first place at the Islington Regional Final. After her success, Emma was selected as one of only 15 speakers to go through to the Grand Final at the Cambridge Theatre.  Emma believes that it’s important for young people to share their stories to inspire their peers and show adults that young people also have a voice and aren’t scared to use it!

Emma is now part of our Alumni Ambassadors Group which is composed of young speakers who have taken part in the “Speak Out” Challenge! with the aim of sharing their experience of every aspect of the programme from in-school workshop through to the Grand Final. Their purpose is to help shape improvements for the future young people that will participate in Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge!

Since 2023, Emma has taken part in various Speakers Trust events including a visit to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, a reception at Westminster Palace and has acted as Student MC at the Islington Regional Final in 2024.

Finally, on hearing her speech, Emma would like people to think more about the impacts their actions have on the planet as it’s an issue that’s not talked about enough and it’s also the most urgent.

Catch up with Emma’s winning speech: