Mission Statement

We believe that all students should have access to the skills developed through speech and debate. For this purpose, we partner with school districts across the country to provide speech and debate programs to students.

Students today are expected to brand themselves digitally and in person. Advantage Communications focuses on personal development, teamwork, empathy, writing, and public speaking to ensure students prepare to enter today's workforce. Advantage Communications believes we all have a voice, but it takes practice to feel empowered and to lead. Our students learn how to lead others because they make the most of their resources, networks, and skills to drive their lives and become tomorrow's leaders.

Sal Tinajero
Founder & CEO

Sal Tinajero began his forensics career at Orange Coast College, where he won the National Championship, among the first first-generation students to reach that triumph. As a teacher at Fullerton Union High School in 2001, Mr. Tinajero launched a new speech program which started as a small-but-mighty group of 20 students, then quickly multiplied to over 100 students within 3 months. The Fullerton School District Speech and Debate program eventually grew to 640 students. With his incredible motivational and coaching skills, the new team won four National Championships and one State Championship. Sal was recognized as the Hispanic Teacher of the Year in 2005 and California Educator of the Year in 2018 (he was also a National Educator of the Year in 2018). Sal’s programs have won 3 Golden Bell Awards in 2009, 2015, and 2022. He has served on the School Board, Community College Board, and in other public service positions throughout his career.

Now, 20 years later, he has created multiple successful speech programs in Orange County, LA County, and Illinois, with over 3,000 students in our program annually. His leadership inspired many others to join the cause, bringing hundreds of renowned coaches to his team and instilling the vision of creating future leaders, critical thinkers, and passionate speakers. 

Emily Benavides
COO

Emily Benavides is a passionate and accomplished educator with 26 years of experience inspiring students and elevating educational standards. She has coached Speech and Debate for 6 years and has led her speech and debate team, guiding students to achieve 12 national middle school championships.  She has also contributed to school recognitions as an NSDA National Schools of Excellence five times.

In recognition of her outstanding dedication to teaching, Emily was honored as District Teacher of the Year in 2013—a testament to her commitment to student success and educational excellence.

Outside the classroom, Emily is a proud mother of two exceptional children—one a UC Berkeley graduate, and the other currently studying at UC Santa Cruz. Her ability to nurture growth both at home and in her profession reflects her deep sense of purpose and care.   Emily continues to lead with integrity, empowering young minds through critical thinking, communication, and a lifelong love of learning.

Meet the Directors

  • Joel Anguiano

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Full Bio

  • Mariela Garcia-Alvarado

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Full Bio

  • Adriena Young-Toghia

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Full Bio

  • Claribel Gomez

    DISTRICT DIRECTOR

    Full Bio

  • Raul Ruano

    CO-DIRECTOR

    Full Bio

  • Emily Trader

    CO-DIRECTOR

    Full Bio

  • Megan Thompson

    ASSISTANT-DIRECTOR

    Full Bio

  • Amelia Burns

    DISTRICT MANAGEMENT TRAINEE

    Full Bio

Meet our Lead Coaches

  • Kimberly Cruz-Alvarado

    HACIENDA LA PUENTE LEAD COACH

  • Erin Roberts

    ADVANTAGE PRIVATE CENTER LEAD COACH

Meet our Team!

  • Coach Miguel

  • Coach Israel

  • Coach Mikaela

  • Coach Teresa

  • Coach Maddie

  • Coach Gillian

  • Coach Lupe

  • Coach Guadalupe

  • Coach Lizeth

  • Coach Raechel

  • Coach Giselle

  • Coach Nikko

  • Coach Gio

  • Coach Caroline

  • Coach Reva

  • Coach Abril

  • Coach Joseph

  • Coach Cal

  • Coach Stephanie

  • Coach Christian

  • Coach Fernanda

  • Coach Krizel

  • Coach Samantha

Join our Team!

We are currently hiring for the walk-on coach position. Apply today by emailing your resume to info@adcominc.us.