Our Mission.
The Voices Initiative empowers confident, critically informed, and articulate leaders by using public speaking and debate to teach skills that extend beyond events. Our accessible program introduces the fundamentals of speech and debate while emphasizing confidence, critical thinking, and global awareness. Through engaging lessons, students learn to present ideas clearly, analyze issues critically, and appreciate diverse perspectives. While established events and policies provide our framework, we prioritize open dialogue on global issues, focusing on lived impacts and policy implications. By fostering an inclusive environment, we help students build confidence rooted in contribution, not perfection. Coaches and students collaborate in a culture of learning where every voice matters. Together, we aim to inspire awareness, empower critical thinking, and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
Meet the Team.
The Voices Initiative is led by students passionate about empowering confidence, promoting diverse conversation, and teaching critical thinking.

Elise Zhang
Founder and Executive Director; Instructor

Ann L.
Katy Speech & Debate Academy Advisor

​Jessica F.
Head Program Coordinator; Instructor

Flora Z.
Spring Program Coordinator; Instructor

Aglaia H.
Logistics Coordinator

Ashwika G.
Digital Media Manager; Instructor

Tanishka S.
Spring Program Coordinator; Instructor


Victor W.
Instructor
Shivani O.
Elementary Curriculum and Coordinator; Instructor

Arya G.
Instructor

Howard G.
Instructor

Evelyna R.
Instructor

Kaidi L.
Instructor

Sunny P.
Instructor

Max G.
Instructor

Clara T.
Instructor

Jeremy C.
Instructor