Instructors

Our instructors have spent years perfecting the curriculum and getting ready to help students become civic leaders! Some of our lead instructors are below.

All instructors are background-checked and have conducted mandatory reporting training.

Priten CEO/Founder

Chandani Chief Operating Officer

Kirk AlemanDirector of Programs

NinaChief Programs Officer

Anthony de MarteOperations Manager

Priten Soundar-Shah

CEO/Founder

Priten founded Academy 4 Social Civics because he believes middle schoolers are ready to tackle the questions adults are afraid to ask. He has helped design curricula that throw students into philosophy, history, behavioural economics, and cognitive biases—not because these topics look good on a transcript, but because they’re actually fun when you stop treating kids like they can’t handle them.

A Harvard philosophy grad who can code, debate, and teach everyone from 5th graders to graduate students, Priten has taught over 7,500 students worldwide and created educational content that’s racked up over 2 million views. He’s written books on AI and education ethics (translated into five languages!), runs three nonprofits dedicated to better thinking and civic leadership, and somehow still makes time to teach college courses and hang out with middle schoolers every summer.

When he’s not asking “but why?” for a living, Priten is probably building the next educational tool, debating whether hot dogs are sandwiches with students, or convincing another group of middle schoolers that reading ancient philosophy is actually cooler than TikTok.
Why Academy 4 SC? Because young people deserve to wrestle with real ideas, develop their own voices, and learn that changing the world starts with changing how you think.

Chandani Shah

Chief Operating Officer
Through her avid participation in debates, Chandani has cultivated a fervent passion for elevating societal consciousness, particularly in the realms of mental health and women’s rights. A devoted contributor to Indians 4 Social Change, she has illuminated pressing issues facing women in India, leveraging her love for writing to explore a myriad of topics. Balancing a rich palette of interests including writing, and social activism, Chandani not only enjoys but thrives in environments where the discourse on mental health and women’s rights is fostered, working tirelessly to advocate for change and awareness in these critical areas.

Kirk Aleman

Chief Financial Officer
Kirk is a visionary dedicated to empowering the youth, nurturing their understanding of the boundless opportunities that await in their futures. Deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion, especially in the entrepreneurial landscape, he actively seeks avenues to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all aspiring entrepreneurs. With an open heart and a keen ear, Kirk is always eager to engage in enriching conversations that delve into individual motivations and dreams, encouraging people to articulate and pursue what truly drives them to rise each morning with purpose and vigor.

Nina Bamberg

Chief Programs Officer

Nina has served as a lead educator and curriculum developer at Leaders 4SC for 5 years now (starting with the all-virtual workshop in 2020) and is so excited that it’s returning in 2026!

Nina has worked with learners of all ages teaching English as a foreign language to middle and high schoolers in Thailand, facilitating human rights workshops for 4th and 5th graders in NYC, and teaching U.S. history and government to adult learners preparing to become citizens…just to name a few!

Nina studied Peace and Human Rights Education at Teachers College, Columbia University and now spends most of her time helping teachers explore artificial intelligence and its impacts on learning, civic engagement, and society.

She loves Leaders 4SC because of its philosophy that young people are capable of asking and answering the big questions facing the world!

Anthony de Marte

Operations Manager
Anthony is a Muhlenberg College alumnus where he honed his skills in theatre and dance, a foundation that propelled him into a rewarding career as a performing artist, administrator, and educator. Deeply passionate about fostering collaboration over competition, he leverages the arts to celebrate our shared humanity, encouraging expressive freedom and unity through his multifaceted roles. Outside of his professional life, Anthony is a proud pet parent to the cuddliest and friendliest pitbull, Cooper.