Our Mission
EDUCATION
Debate is an educational space. Knowledge of debate events, structures, arguments, skills, and techniques are vital to succeed. Education is central to accessing the space, and remains without it, debaters are more likely to leave the field. At the hotline, we seek to help expand this access to those who are struggling to enter the event. We work to provide content, coaching, lectures, and more that can aid those who want to join debate. Additionally, education is key for minorities who fight for change. By spreading discourse and knowledge of progressive argumentation, the hotline provides a platform that amplifies voices that were previously silenced.
RESOURCES
Debate is an expensive event. Tournament fees, judging fees, flights, hotels, meals, and more add up to the thousands. These high costs are inaccessible for many debaters, pushing many out of the space and limiting their potential. Furthermore, top tier debaters have coached or prep groups that helps them grow as competitors. Unfortunately, these additional aids completely lock out lower income debaters. At the Hotline we seek to remedy these inequalities with coaching, fundraising, and scholarships. By closing this gap, we hope to allow a more diverse array of debaters emerge onto the national circuit and combat structures that hold students back.
EQUALITY
Debate is unfair, subjective judging, misogynistic debate-bro culture, exclusionary prep-groups, racism, sexism, homophobia, and more work to exclude minorities and empower an unequal institution of debate. A toxic structure has engulfed our events, uplifting a space that works against equality and consistently pushes out already underrepresented debaters. This issue has been at the forefront of debate for years, yet change has stalled at the institutional and structural levels, allowing destructive debaters to continue to dominate. At the hotline, we seek to approach the problem with a direct and unified front. We are working with organizations throughout debate to bring them together against the problematic aspects of the event. With a greater and more united group of debaters, we want to directly challenge institutions with petitions, protests, and callouts by taking a consolidated and powerful approach, we hope to eliminate exclusionary debate.
MEET THE BOARD
Ethan Zhao - President
i cant believe it but this is our fourth semester running the debate hotline (wooooo!). over the past few years, this organization has surpassed all of my expectations and i am as excited as ever for this upcoming fall semester. With the new branches we’ve established, we will be more efficient than ever before which will help us amplify our work against all forms of inequities in the debate. furthermore, with the advent of our stories project launched earlier this year, we are beginning to form a united effort against discrimination and bigotry in the debate space.
there are so many other projects that we have planned already, and i can’t wait for them to be rolled out and activated in the coming month. Dial in!!!
i cant believe it but this is our fourth semester running the debate hotline (wooooo!). over the past few years, this organization has surpassed all of my expectations and i am as excited as ever for this upcoming fall semester. With the new branches we’ve established, we will be more efficient than ever before which will help us amplify our work against all forms of inequities in the debate. furthermore, with the advent of our stories project launched earlier this year, we are beginning to form a united effort against discrimination and bigotry in the debate space.
there are so many other projects that we have planned already, and i can’t wait for them to be rolled out and activated in the coming month. Dial in!!!
Aahana Gupta - Content Director
hi! i’m aahana and i’m a junior at iowa city west high school in iowa. in my time debating, i’ve reached outrounds at various tournaments, qualifying to the GTOC my sophomore year. outside of debate, i like to drive around town, read, and sing.
hi! i’m aahana and i’m a junior at iowa city west high school in iowa. in my time debating, i’ve reached outrounds at various tournaments, qualifying to the GTOC my sophomore year. outside of debate, i like to drive around town, read, and sing.
Michael Meng - Resources Director
hi, i'm michael, a senior at strake jesuit and the director of the resources branch. i've been doing ld for the last three years, and this year will be my fourth. i mainly read policy arguments, but i also really like theory. in the last three years, i've made it to the quarters of a few octas bids and the finals of one while qualifying for the toc and nationals twice each. outside of debate, i've been learning how to code, and i like listening to music.
hi, i'm michael, a senior at strake jesuit and the director of the resources branch. i've been doing ld for the last three years, and this year will be my fourth. i mainly read policy arguments, but i also really like theory. in the last three years, i've made it to the quarters of a few octas bids and the finals of one while qualifying for the toc and nationals twice each. outside of debate, i've been learning how to code, and i like listening to music.
hi, i'm michael, a senior at strake jesuit and the director of the resources branch. i've been doing ld for the last three years, and this year will be my fourth. i mainly read policy arguments, but i also really like theory. in the last three years, i've made it to the quarters of a few octas bids and the finals of one while qualifying for the toc and nationals twice each. outside of debate, i've been learning how to code, and i like listening to music.
Elizabeth Chung - Resources Deputy
Hi! I’m Elizabeth, and I’m a Sophomore at Richard Montgomery High School in Maryland. I’ve been debating for 2 years now, I’ve amassed 8 bids to the TOC and I’ve reached quarters in UKSO, Octafinals in Harvard and Sunvite, and reached elim rounds in tournaments such as Durham and Columbia. Other than debate, I love Malcolm Todd, eating Buldak, and opening Pokémon cards!
Hi! I’m Elizabeth, and I’m a Sophomore at Richard Montgomery High School in Maryland. I’ve been debating for 2 years now, I’ve amassed 8 bids to the TOC and I’ve reached quarters in UKSO, Octafinals in Harvard and Sunvite, and reached elim rounds in tournaments such as Durham and Columbia. Other than debate, I love Malcolm Todd, eating Buldak, and opening Pokémon cards!
Aashna Bhakkad - Podcast Director
hi! my name is aashna and i’m been in pf for the past 3 years at Plano west in texas. i can’t wait to expand the podcast for the hotline!! outside of debate i love watching movies, listening to music (and podcasts), and cooking!!
hi! my name is aashna and i’m been in pf for the past 3 years at Plano west in texas. i can’t wait to expand the podcast for the hotline!! outside of debate i love watching movies, listening to music (and podcasts), and cooking!!
Sherry Lin - Initiatives Director
Hi! I’m Sherry, a senior at Richard Montgomery High School in Maryland and the director of the lovely Initiatives branch! I compete in nat circ PF and have accumulated 10 bids over the past two years, second place speaking the Harvard RR last year. Outside of debate, I like to play Stardew Valley, visit my local Dunkin, and read on my kindle. I’m super excited for another year w the Hotline!!
Hi! I’m Sherry, a senior at Richard Montgomery High School in Maryland and the director of the lovely Initiatives branch! I compete in nat circ PF and have accumulated 10 bids over the past two years, second place speaking the Harvard RR last year. Outside of debate, I like to play Stardew Valley, visit my local Dunkin, and read on my kindle. I’m super excited for another year w the Hotline!!
Hi! I’m Sherry, a senior at Richard Montgomery High School in Maryland and the director of the lovely Initiatives branch! I compete in nat circ PF and have accumulated 10 bids over the past two years, second place speaking the Harvard RR last year. Outside of debate, I like to play Stardew Valley, visit my local Dunkin, and read on my kindle. I’m super excited for another year w the Hotline!!
Roger Li - Initiatives Deputy
Hi, I'm Roger Li and I'm a senior at Strake Jesuit. This year will be my fourth year doing PF and third year on the national circuit, and it will also be my first year serving as the Deputy of Initiatives. Last year, I triple qualled, and I also won tournaments like the Big Lex and Katy Taylor. When I'm not debating, I like to play with my cats and play basketball with my friends.
Hi, I'm Roger Li and I'm a senior at Strake Jesuit. This year will be my fourth year doing PF and third year on the national circuit, and it will also be my first year serving as the Deputy of Initiatives. Last year, I triple qualled, and I also won tournaments like the Big Lex and Katy Taylor. When I'm not debating, I like to play with my cats and play basketball with my friends.
Hi, I'm Roger Li and I'm a senior at Strake Jesuit. This year will be my fourth year doing PF and third year on the national circuit, and it will also be my first year serving as the Deputy of Initiatives. Last year, I triple qualled, and I also won tournaments like the Big Lex and Katy Taylor. When I'm not debating, I like to play with my cats and play basketball with my friends.
Sofia Vargas - Outreach Director
Hi guys! I’m Sofia, a senior at Innovation HS in Florida. I’ve been doing congressional debate for three years, and have competed on the local, state, and national circuits. I’m so excited to see what we achieve this year and I can’t wait to work with everyone!
Fun fact: I really really like chipotle.
Hi guys! I’m Sofia, a senior at Innovation HS in Florida. I’ve been doing congressional debate for three years, and have competed on the local, state, and national circuits. I’m so excited to see what we achieve this year and I can’t wait to work with everyone!
Fun fact: I really really like chipotle.
Hi guys! I’m Sofia, a senior at Innovation HS in Florida. I’ve been doing congressional debate for three years, and have competed on the local, state, and national circuits. I’m so excited to see what we achieve this year and I can’t wait to work with everyone!
Fun fact: I really really like chipotle.
Valentina Rojas - Outreach Deputy
Hey everyone! I’m Valentina, a junior at Greenhill School in Dallas, and the deputy of the Outreach branch. This will be my third year competing in Policy debate on the local, national and state (TFA) circuits. Outside of debate, I love to visit new cafes, watch Jane the Virgin on repeat, and learn new languages. I’m so excited to be back working with the hotline this year and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!
Hey everyone! I’m Valentina, a junior at Greenhill School in Dallas, and the deputy of the Outreach branch. This will be my third year competing in Policy debate on the local, national and state (TFA) circuits. Outside of debate, I love to visit new cafes, watch Jane the Virgin on repeat, and learn new languages. I’m so excited to be back working with the hotline this year and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!
Hey everyone! I’m Valentina, a junior at Greenhill School in Dallas, and the deputy of the Outreach branch. This will be my third year competing in Policy debate on the local, national and state (TFA) circuits. Outside of debate, I love to visit new cafes, watch Jane the Virgin on repeat, and learn new languages. I’m so excited to be back working with the hotline this year and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!
MEET THE TEAM
Ayat Jaffar - Podcast, Outreach
Hi! I’m Ayat, a junior at Hawken in Cleveland, Ohio, who primarily competes in LD. I’m excited to join the Debate Hotline team and contribute to creating a more accessible space for debaters!
Hi! I’m Ayat, a junior at Hawken in Cleveland, Ohio, who primarily competes in LD. I’m excited to join the Debate Hotline team and contribute to creating a more accessible space for debaters!
Erin Jia - Initiatives, Resources
hey i’m erin! i’m a junior at memorial high school with experience in ld and policy debate. i like to travel, bake, and play with my dog!
hey i’m erin! i’m a junior at memorial high school with experience in ld and policy debate. i like to travel, bake, and play with my dog!
Alice Luo - Initiatives, Outreach
Hi! I'm Alice and I'm a rising junior at Harker. Last year I broke at the TOC and finaled the Mid America Cup! I enjoy sprinting and hurdling, and in my free time I also crochet. I'm excited to join the debate hotline this year!
Hi! I'm Alice and I'm a rising junior at Harker. Last year I broke at the TOC and finaled the Mid America Cup! I enjoy sprinting and hurdling, and in my free time I also crochet. I'm excited to join the debate hotline this year!
Hi! I'm Alice and I'm a rising junior at Harker. Last year I broke at the TOC and finaled the Mid America Cup! I enjoy sprinting and hurdling, and in my free time I also crochet. I'm excited to join the debate hotline this year!
Kaitlin Amaev - Podcast, Outreach
Hi my name is Kaitlin and I am a senior at William Tennent High School In PA. My main event is DI but sometimes work my way into the debate side. I compete from local to national circuits. Very excited to be raising awareness at the debate hotline!
Hi my name is Kaitlin and I am a senior at William Tennent High School In PA. My main event is DI but sometimes work my way into the debate side. I compete from local to national circuits. Very excited to be raising awareness at the debate hotline!
Flynn Williams - Resources
Yo! I’m Flynn, this is my first year as a member of the debate hotline team, and I’m so excited! I’m going to be a Junior at Harrison High School in New York, and I do Lincoln-Douglas Debate. While I mostly read Ks, I love all things debate and can’t wait to be a part of the resource team, occasionally dropping fire blogs 🔥
Yo! I’m Flynn, this is my first year as a member of the debate hotline team, and I’m so excited! I’m going to be a Junior at Harrison High School in New York, and I do Lincoln-Douglas Debate. While I mostly read Ks, I love all things debate and can’t wait to be a part of the resource team, occasionally dropping fire blogs 🔥
Marleigh Massoud - Content Creation
Hi everyone! I’m Marleigh and I'm a rising sophomore at Greenhill School in Texas. I’ve been involved in debate for four years now and competing in the world schools division for two. I can’t wait to get started with the hotline!
Hi everyone! I’m Marleigh and I'm a rising sophomore at Greenhill School in Texas. I’ve been involved in debate for four years now and competing in the world schools division for two. I can’t wait to get started with the hotline!
Anahita Tomar - Podcast
hi! my name’s anahita and i’m a rising junior at plano west high school. i compete mostly in congress and i’ve been doing debate for about 4 years. I’m so excited to work as a part of the debate hotline!
hi! my name’s anahita and i’m a rising junior at plano west high school. i compete mostly in congress and i’ve been doing debate for about 4 years. I’m so excited to work as a part of the debate hotline!
Aiden Buchanan - Content, Resources
Hey I’m Aiden Buchanan! I’m a senior at Northland Christian School, I compete in Worlds Schools Debate there! I’m extremely passionate about everything debate related and I’m so so excited to be working to make the debate space a more accessible and equitable place so that others can enjoy debate the same way I do!
Hey I’m Aiden Buchanan! I’m a senior at Northland Christian School, I compete in Worlds Schools Debate there! I’m extremely passionate about everything debate related and I’m so so excited to be working to make the debate space a more accessible and equitable place so that others can enjoy debate the same way I do!
Samuel Wawi - Resources, Initiatives
Hello! My name is Samuel, but most people just call me by my last name, Wawi. I do LD debate at Strake Jesuit and am excited to apply my knowledge and passion to the Debate Hotline. In my free time, I like to lift weights, read, and paint.
Hello! My name is Samuel, but most people just call me by my last name, Wawi. I do LD debate at Strake Jesuit and am excited to apply my knowledge and passion to the Debate Hotline. In my free time, I like to lift weights, read, and paint.
Addison Choate - Content, Outreach
My name is Addison Choate. I am a rising senior. In debate, I frequently compete in Lincoln Douglas, Congress and occasionally Big Questions. In speech, I compete in informative speaking. Beyond speech and debate, I own an art business, I love birdwatching, and I’ve been a girl scout for over ten years. I’m eager to work towards the goals of the debate hotline.
My name is Addison Choate. I am a rising senior. In debate, I frequently compete in Lincoln Douglas, Congress and occasionally Big Questions. In speech, I compete in informative speaking. Beyond speech and debate, I own an art business, I love birdwatching, and I’ve been a girl scout for over ten years. I’m eager to work towards the goals of the debate hotline.
Zaviyar Mujeeb - Content Creation
Hi! My name is Zaviyar and I am a senior at Westlake HS! I am captain for my school’s speech and debate team, and I am excited to be apart of the team! I focus a lot on diversity because I feel it is a cornerstone of an equitable team. Let me know if you have any questions!
Hi! My name is Zaviyar and I am a senior at Westlake HS! I am captain for my school’s speech and debate team, and I am excited to be apart of the team! I focus a lot on diversity because I feel it is a cornerstone of an equitable team. Let me know if you have any questions!
Natalyia Kopack - Outreach
hi! my name is natalyia, and i’m a senior at cheyenne east in wyoming. i’ve done almost every debate, but currently compete in ld. i also have a profound love for xdb, and im beyond excited to work with the debate hotline.
hi! my name is natalyia, and i’m a senior at cheyenne east in wyoming. i’ve done almost every debate, but currently compete in ld. i also have a profound love for xdb, and im beyond excited to work with the debate hotline.
Lillian Makeeff-Stetson - Content, Outreach
Hi! I’m Lilly (she/her) from Bismarck, North Dakota. I’m captain of my speech team and compete in House Congress, LD, PF, and just about every speech event. This year, I competed at Nationals in Congress! I want to bring equity conversations to North Dakota. I love photography and hope to become an environmental journalist / activist in Seattle one day! 🙂
Hi! I’m Lilly (she/her) from Bismarck, North Dakota. I’m captain of my speech team and compete in House Congress, LD, PF, and just about every speech event. This year, I competed at Nationals in Congress! I want to bring equity conversations to North Dakota. I love photography and hope to become an environmental journalist / activist in Seattle one day! 🙂
Samyata Sharma - Podcast
Samyata is a passionate debater from a small Oregon school, skilled in public forum, impromptu, original oratory, and Big Questions Debate. Committed to health equity and social justice, she uses speech and debate to amplify underrepresented voices, inspire activism, and foster community through powerful storytelling and leadership.
Samyata is a passionate debater from a small Oregon school, skilled in public forum, impromptu, original oratory, and Big Questions Debate. Committed to health equity and social justice, she uses speech and debate to amplify underrepresented voices, inspire activism, and foster community through powerful storytelling and leadership.
Arhaan Iyer - Content Creation
Hi! I'm Arhaan, I am a sophomore at Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas! I compete in World Schools and have attended TFA and NSDA with my team for it. Outside of debate, I love to cook, explore coffee shops, and do theater.
Hi! I'm Arhaan, I am a sophomore at Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas! I compete in World Schools and have attended TFA and NSDA with my team for it. Outside of debate, I love to cook, explore coffee shops, and do theater.
Micheal Qin - Resources
Hi! I’m Michael. I’m a sophomore at Mission San Jose and have been competing in PF as second speaker for three years now. When I’m not cutting cards or writing blocks, I like hooping and playing volleyball.
Hi! I’m Michael. I’m a sophomore at Mission San Jose and have been competing in PF as second speaker for three years now. When I’m not cutting cards or writing blocks, I like hooping and playing volleyball.
Hi! I’m Michael. I’m a sophomore at Mission San Jose and have been competing in PF as second speaker for three years now. When I’m not cutting cards or writing blocks, I like hooping and playing volleyball.
Cruz Castillo - Content, Outreach
hi im cruz, I’m a senior @ strake in houston. I’ve been debating for 3 years now, and compete on the national circuit. I broke @ the toc last year, and reached mid-late elims at harvard and fbk. I spend most of my time going for the K, but am totally down to work on anything tech-related!! I loved working with the hotline last year, and am gonna love doing it again this year!!
hi im cruz, I’m a senior @ strake in houston. I’ve been debating for 3 years now, and compete on the national circuit. I broke @ the toc last year, and reached mid-late elims at harvard and fbk. I spend most of my time going for the K, but am totally down to work on anything tech-related!! I loved working with the hotline last year, and am gonna love doing it again this year!!
Kalyani Gifford - Resources, Podcast
Hi! I’m Kalyani and I’m a junior at Bellaire High School in Houston. I mainly compete in LD and love learning random new arguments. In my free time I like to mess around with robots and eat good food!
Hi! I’m Kalyani and I’m a junior at Bellaire High School in Houston. I mainly compete in LD and love learning random new arguments. In my free time I like to mess around with robots and eat good food!
Peter Hablinski - Website
hi everyone, i'm peter hablinski, a senior at strake jesuit, and i'm excited to be working for the debate hotline this year! outside of debate, i enjoy watching sports, cooking, and listening to new music
hi everyone, i'm peter hablinski, a senior at strake jesuit, and i'm excited to be working for the debate hotline this year! outside of debate, i enjoy watching sports, cooking, and listening to new music
Anusha Chowdhary - Website
hi! i'm anusha, a junior at the hockaday school. i do worlds on the tfa circuit, and i like to code, eat and listen to music. i'm so excited for another seasosn with the hotline!
hi! i'm anusha, a junior at the hockaday school. i do worlds on the tfa circuit, and i like to code, eat and listen to music. i'm so excited for another seasosn with the hotline!
Ivy Gu - Media
hi i'm ivy, i'm a senior at bellaire! i like working with adobe indesign. i've done debate casually for 3 years in high school! also, i like matcha!
hi i'm ivy, i'm a senior at bellaire! i like working with adobe indesign. i've done debate casually for 3 years in high school! also, i like matcha!