EA Names 2025-2026 Regional Directors
c/o Eloquence Academy
Since its founding in 2022, Eloquence Academy has maintained a volunteer program. Over 100 high school debaters give back to the community by instructing debate classes and judging at public speaking competitions.
The idea for the Regional Director Program was born out of volunteer surveys, which revealed a desire for greater leadership opportunities and avenues for volunteers to materially contribute to and influence the organization’s direction. The project then began in earnest in 2023. Each Regional Director serves as a liaison between the leadership team and a group of 5-15 volunteers in their local area, known as a “chapter.” The Regional Director implements student-run and in-person debate classes with those volunteers as instructors, provides updates and feedback on the evolving nature of debate in their area, and strengthens their local debate community. While leading their chapters, Regional Directors develop lifelong skills such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.
This year, the application process was particularly rigorous. Eloquence Academy conducted a nationwide search. After multiple rounds of interviews, students were selected based on their demonstrated leadership capacity, institution knowledge, and passion for educational equity.
“I am confident that these students’ vision and dedication will help us achieve even greater milestones as we move forward. We believe that Regional Directors will not only help us better serve local communities, but strengthen the speech and debate community as a whole,” said Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Chief Executive Officer of Eloquence Academy.
Jonathan Zu, Director of Eloquence Academy Canada, added that “Our Regional Directors are a testament to our commitment to preparing students for career engagement and community impact.”
The following students will serve as Regional Directors for the 2025-26 academic year.
Arnav Maheshwari & Shaurya Jindal – New York, New York
Aanya Baddela – Atlanta, Georgia
Alex Wang – Detroit, Michigan
Angela Wang – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nathan Chen – Cleveland, Ohio
Jolie Jimenez – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Rudri Soni – Los Angeles, California
Erika Chiu – San Francisco, California
Alek Ding – San Jose, California
Kai Pehkonen – Phoenix, Arizona
William He – Toronto
Rex Park – Vancouver
To get involved with the volunteer program, please apply on our website.
###
Eloquence Academy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and 509(a)(2) public charity dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and historically underserved students. The Academy offers online and in-person debate classes, summer camps, workshops, tournaments, and in-school programs for 2200+ students across 35 states and 15 countries. Ultimately, EA aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate.
