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 at no cost to families and 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 communication 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, an educator and advocate whose mission has always been to break low-income students out of poverty. Sal started his mission in 2001 with a small team in Fullerton. He has led many teams to State and National awards, and knew he could expand the impact of his program to reach even more students. Now 20 years later, he has created multiple successful speech programs in Orange County, LA County, and Illinois with over 3,000 students. His leadership inspired many others to join the cause, bringing hundreds of renowned coaches to his team, instilling the vision of creating future leaders, critical thinkers, and passionate speakers. 


Adriena Young
Vice President

Adriena competed in forensics for 7 years and has been coaching since 2016. She has a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Development and a Master's in Education with a focus on English Learners. "Every student has a voice, we are simply supporting them in finding the power within it. I hope to give students tools to effectively share their stories and advocate for themselves and others." Her passion for education stems from her experiences as a first-generation American in her family. "School was incredibly challenging for me, but I had the drive to excel. Speech and debate leveled the playing field. Your grit, skills, and world view are challenged every day in this activity. I am forever grateful to this activity and aim to give as many students access to the skills and community that speech and debate provides."

Adriena competed at Fullerton Union High School under Sal Tinajero. She then went on to compete at California Baptist University and holds 2 National titles in Prose and Duo Interpretation. Before her time at Advantage, she was the Assistant Director of Forensics at Azusa Pacific University for 3 years, where she coached multiple local and National award-winning students. Once joining the team at Advantage, she supported our Fullerton District partner as their Program Director before taking on her role as Vice President. 

Meet the Directors

Director Bios

Meet the Coaches

  • LaToya Green

  • Amelia Burns

  • Miguel Tanjuakio

  • Israel Beltran

  • Gillian Palacios

  • Joe Hana

  • Lupe Torres

  • Jonathan Acosta

  • Guadalupe Guzman

  • Lizeth Martinez

  • Daniel Bohlson

  • Larissa Santos

  • Ryan Muise

  • Nora Lavarreda

  • Raechel Zoellick

  • Kimberly Alvarado

  • Alice Chun

  • Teresa Juarez

  • Maddie Olea

  • Yesenia Romero

  • Cydney Izabel

  • Sal Tinajero Jr.

Join our Team!

Our 2022-23 application window is now open, apply today.