Speech and Debate Team
Our Faculty Advisor
Meet Anju Vriksha
Anju Vriksha is an accomplished communication specialist, educator, and proud alumnus
of Foothill College, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student
success in her role as the advisor for the Foothill Speech and Debate Team. A former
team member herself, Anju’s exceptional talent and leadership on the team earned her
multiple championships, as well as a scholarship to Santa Clara University (SCU),
where she competed as a debater for the SCU Debate Team.
As a sixth-generation educator, Anju holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Santa Clara University. With over a decade of experience in both higher education and K-12 settings, Anju has built a strong foundation in teaching and mentoring students. For many years, she has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Communication Studies Department at Foothill College, where she is dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages student growth and development.
Anju is passionate about empowering students to overcome their fear of public speaking and build strong communication skills. She regularly organizes and hosts workshops to help students gain the confidence and techniques necessary to speak with clarity, poise, and
self-assurance. These workshops have become a valuable resource for students looking to enhance their public speaking abilities, whether for academic purposes or personal development.
In addition to her work at Foothill, Anju co-founded Little Loudspeakers Academy, where she served as Head Coach and Curriculum Developer. Through this initiative, she helped nurture the next generation of young orators and debaters, guiding them to success in intercollegiate forensics and achieving top awards at regional championships.
Anju is excited to return to the Speech and Debate team, where she is eager to work with new students and help them discover their voice. She believes deeply in the power of public speaking to transform individuals and empower them in all areas of life. Anju is committed to creating an inclusive and inspiring environment where every student can develop their communication skills, build confidence, and thrive as both speakers and thinkers.
With her diverse background in education, her competitive experience in speech and debate, and her unwavering commitment to student empowerment, Anju is poised to guide the Foothill Speech and Debate Team to new levels of achievement and success.
