Eloquence Academy Names 2026-2027 Regional Directors
c/o Eloquence Academy
Since its founding in 2022, Eloquence Academy has maintained a volunteer program. Over 225 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,” said Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Chief Executive Officer of Eloquence Academy. “We believe that Regional Directors will not only help us better serve local communities, but strengthen the speech and debate community as a whole. 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 2026-27 academic year.
Ryan Li – New York, New York
Suvid Bordia & Ellie Kim – Northern New Jersey
Mackenzie Grace Larson – Des Moines, Iowa
Saira Julka – San Francisco, California
To get involved with the volunteer program, please apply here.
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Eloquence Academy, Inc. is the world’s largest youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and Title 1 students. The Academy has offered live debate programs for 3,600 students, partnerships with 122 schools and nonprofit organizations, and online resources for 20,000 learners. Bolstered by 225 volunteers, it has prepared students across all 50 states and 102 countries for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact. Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
