“I kind of just got introduced to debate in high school and ran with it, then found out I was naturally gifted,” said DJ Williams, the new Upper Division Debate Fellow. The new addition to the debate coaching staff has loved debating since high school and brings his passion to the Berkeley community along with his extensive background. 

Williams worked with BPS students for four years before becoming part of the coaching team. Williams was on the Policy Debate Team at Wake Forest University and Little Rock Central High School. He ranked first overall nationally on the high school circuit for the 2015-16 season, being the first African American to reach the finals of the Tournament of Champions and won many other impressive awards and competitions. In addition to attending Wake Forest, he also hosted a debate camp there where many Berkeley students got to know him and valued his advice. 

One of Williams’ biggest accomplishments was working on multiple organizations including the January 6 committee and the committee of Homeland Security, where he worked on a large range of topics from immigration to cyber security. Outside of his incredible work in D.C., he conquered a very strong fear of his: killing his first cockroach. 

Willaims hopes to bring a sense of efficiency and success to the debate team and hopes to start new programs for the summer and for middle division. He wants to create a strong foundation for future debaters and hopes to help Berkeley Debate win and improve.