Bani Kaur Rawal
Founder & Executive Director
Hey! I'm a sophomore at The Spence School, and I've been doing Public Forum for 4 years, and I plan to continue for the rest of high school! I've won on the national circuit as a finalist at UPenn and an octofinalist at Harvard, and on the state level as ranked third in NY State. Some fun facts are that I love food and hanging out with my friends!
Alex Bergson
Social Media & Outreach, Brief Writing
Hi, I’m Alex! I’m a sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science, and I’ve been debating Public Forum and Parliamentary debate for over 5 years. I’ve championed the NYCUDL varsity championships in parliamentary debate and kept a winning record for my whole debate career.
Aanya Rastogi
Social Media & Outreach, Topic Lecture
Hi! I’m a sophomore at Bronx Science and a proud member of the Speech & Debate Team! Debate has been a big part of my life since 6th grade, allowing me to improve my public speaking skills and meet many new people. Outside of debating, I love running, forestry, birdwatching, and hanging out with my friends!
Devin Lesseraux
Topic Lecture, Personal Mentor
Hello, I’m a sophomore debater at Regis High School. I’m currently doing JV in my second year of debate. I’d like to share what I’ve learned so far with as many people as I can, and hope to see more kids having the confidence to join speech and debate. I've competed on the national circuit and I find it a valuable experience!
Darya Nia
Course Leader, Workshop Leader
Hi I’m Darya! I’m a sophomore at Trinity School. I’ve been debating for 2 years so far and I’ve semifinaled Columbia and octafinaled Harvard in my freshman year. In my sophomore year so far, I received third best speaker at Yale and have been coaching Trinity Middle School Debate with my partner for a year. A fun fact about me is that I love Formula One and Marvel!
James Au
Course Leader, Workshop Leader
Siddharth Botcha
Workshop Leader, Personal Mentor
Hello! With three years of Public Forum debate experience, including varsity, I have competed nationally. My achievements include reaching the semifinals at NSDA Middle School Nationals, winning the NSDA Opener, reaching the quarterfinals at Northwestern and Harvard, and advancing to the octofinals at Georgetown. Through debate, I have developed a strong appreciation for research, logical reasoning, and teamwork.
William Kelly
Topic Lecture, Blog Writing
Hey! I’m a sophomore at Regis High School in NYC. I’ve been debating Parli from 5th grade until high school, when I switched to PF. In my freshman year, I ranked third in NY state in PF and was an octofinalist at Princeton. As half of Regis KW, we’re proud to have an 100% advancement rate in elimination rounds and have placed at numerous national tournaments. I’ve tried World Schools debate nationally along with PF. I love playing baseball and chocolate chip cookies.