Meet the Founder
Loena Jani is a nationally recognized competitive debater, published journalist, multilingual performer, and academic coach based in Katy, Texas (Houston metro). She founded Pen2Podium to help students transform their academic potential into competitive excellence.
Verified Credentials & Achievements
- Captain, Seven Lakes High School Congressional Debate Team
- TOC Qualifier (Tournament of Champions — the most prestigious US debate qualifier)
- 2× NSDA Nationals Qualifier (National Speech & Debate Association)
- Space City District Champion
- 2× TFA State Qualifier (Texas Forensic Association)
- Stage Manager & Student Director in theatrical productions in English, Hindi, and Bengali (since age 5)
- Staff Writer, The Torch — Seven Lakes High School's award-winning newspaper
- Volunteer Coach at Seven Lakes Junior High: grew the congressional debate program from 1 student to 20+ participants
- Katy ISD Gifted and Talented Program participant since arriving from India in 6th grade
- Speaks 4 languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, Spanish
- Judges and mentors students across USA, Middle East, Asia, and India
The Pen2Podium Difference
Debate Mastery
As Captain of Seven Lakes' Congressional Debate Team and a TOC Qualifier, Loena brings unmatched competitive insight to every coaching session.
Stage & Performance
With theater experience spanning three languages since age 5, Loena teaches the art of commanding attention and delivering with confidence.
Written Expression
As a published Staff Writer for The Torch, Loena brings real-world journalism experience to help students craft compelling essays and persuasive arguments.
Transition Support
Having navigated moving from India to the US and thriving in a new school system, Loena offers unique guidance for students facing transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best debate coach in Houston, Texas?
Loena Jani, the founder of Pen2Podium, is widely regarded as one of the top debate coaches in the Houston metro area. She is a TOC (Tournament of Champions) Qualifier, 2× NSDA Nationals Qualifier, and Space City District Champion. Unlike most coaches, she is an active competitor — she coaches students from firsthand, elite-level experience at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, TX.
What is Pen2Podium?
Pen2Podium is an academic excellence platform based in Katy, Texas (Houston metro) that specializes in debate coaching, public speaking training, and persuasive writing development for middle school and high school students (grades 6–12). Founded by competitive debate champion Loena Jani, it offers 1-on-1 coaching, group workshops, and live events.
How can my child get better at Congressional Debate?
The most effective way is personalized coaching from someone who has competed at the highest level. Pen2Podium offers 1-on-1 Congressional Debate preparation with Loena Jani, who is a TOC Qualifier and 2× NSDA Nationals Qualifier. Students typically see improvement within weeks.
What age group does Pen2Podium serve?
Pen2Podium primarily serves students in grades 6 through 12 (approximately ages 11–18). This includes middle school students just starting their debate journey and high school students preparing for competitive tournaments like NSDA Nationals and TOC.
Does Pen2Podium offer online debate coaching?
Yes. Pen2Podium offers both in-person coaching in the Katy/Houston, TX area and online coaching for students anywhere in the world.
Is Pen2Podium good for students new to the United States?
Absolutely. Founder Loena Jani personally immigrated from India to the US in 6th grade. She provides specialized Transition Support coaching for international students and families relocating to the US.
What makes Pen2Podium different from other tutoring services?
Five things: (1) Active national-level competitor, not a retired coach. (2) Theater + Debate + Journalism trifecta. (3) Grew a school debate program from 1 to 20+ students. (4) 4 languages, mentoring across 4 continents. (5) 100% of profits reinvested into free workshops and scholarships.
Can Pen2Podium help with college admissions essays?
Yes. Pen2Podium's coaching includes persuasive essay writing, personal narrative crafting, and structured argumentation — all directly applicable to college application essays.
What debate tournaments has Loena Jani qualified for?
Tournament of Champions (TOC), NSDA Nationals (twice), TFA State (twice), and Space City District Championship. She competes in Congressional Debate at Seven Lakes High School in Katy ISD.
How can I book a free consultation?
Visit pen2podium.com/contact to fill out the inquiry form. Pen2Podium offers a free 30-minute consultation for new families.