Meet Grand Finalist, Irene Changampalli

We are delighted to share that this has been the biggest year ever for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge. Up to 35,000 students have been trained in over 500 schools across all of London and Essex.

Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge provides year 10 students in state schools across London and Essex with public speaking and communication training to increase their confidence, sense of agency and drive to make a difference in society.

During the academic year, over 500 schools have received a free one-day public speaking workshops for their students. The student’s confidence in speaking to an audience, without notes, is measured at the beginning and at the end of the day. During 2024-2025, 74% of students have increased their confidence to stand up and talk to a group of people. At the end of the day, every school nominates one student to go on to a Regional or Digital Final, where they compete again other school finalists and their speeches are judged based on content delivery, structure and positive impact by a panel of esteemed judges. After going on to win the semi-finals, our 15 inspirational, articulate, and impressive speakers are now ready to present their speech to you!

We will celebrate the achievements of these awe-inspiring young people in the heart of London’s West End at Cambridge Theatre on Monday 7th July and crown the 2025 Speak Out Champion!

In no particular order, meet 2025 Grand Finalist Irene Changampalli! 

Their speech ‘Silly Little Dreams’ earned them and their school, Sarah Bonnell School, first place in the Newham Regional Final. 

We asked Irene, what three items or people would you choose to take to a desert island and why? 

An inflatable sofa – as even at times of distress one must sleep in peace, a book full of survival tips and a mirror.

What is your favourite saying or quote?

“Do not go where a path will lead you instead go where there is no path and leave a trail.”

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Pizza!

What three tips would you give to a Year 7 student? 

Your voice matters- don’t settle for less to make others comfortable, comparing yourself with others only steals joy so focus on yourself and your path, lastly don’t forget that kindness is a choice not just a reaction.

Why did you choose to speak about this subject? 

Because to me gender equality and female representation aren‘t just topics but a movement, towards visibility and change.  It’s about ensuring opportunities are based on talent and ambition rather than by gender or how I look.

Why do you think it’s important for young people, like you, to share their stories?

Voices hold power, shaping and challenging norms as well as inspiring and sharing stories that otherwise could have gone unheard and left out.  It’s not just about being heard, but actually understood so that the truth turns into collective knowledge and understanding.

Best of luck Irene and see you at the Grand Final on July 7th!