ORG LEADERS

Julie Walker

Julie Walker is a professor of Communication Studies at Southwest Minnesota State University where she also serves as the Assistant Director of Forensics and the Director of the Women's Center and the LGBTQ+ Center. After earning her B.S. in Business Management with an emphasis in Leadership and Communication from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, she earned her M.A. in Communication Studies and M.F.A. in Communication Studies-Forensics at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Julie has been recognized with awards such as the 2021 Service Award from the National Speech Championship and the 2016 Adjunct Professor of the Year from the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota. Julie became the Executive Director of Outspoken Culture in 2022.

Benjamin Walker, Board Chair

Ben Walker is a professor of Communication Studies at Southwest Minnesota State University where he serves as the Director of Forensics. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Education degree at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, he went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Communication Studies and Forensics from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Ben has been recognized with awards such as the 2014 Larry Schnoor AFA Forensics Pedagogy Research Award from the American Forensic Association and the 2014 New College Teacher Award from the Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota. Ben serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Outspoken Culture.

David Brennan

David Brennan teaches communication courses at colleges across Minnesota, and he is an assistant coach for the Shakopee High School Speech Team. He holds an M.F.A. in Communication Studies and Forensics from Minnesota State University, Mankato and has over 20 years of experience coaching speech and debate at the high school and collegiate levels. David has held multiple positions on state and national tournament committees and has a passion for helping students become better citizens. David has been recognized with awards such as the 2016 Larry Schnoor District IV Distinguished Service Award by the American Forensics Association, the 2011 Outstanding Professor award from the Minnesota State University, Mankato honors society, and the 2016 Quality Award by the Minnesota State University, Mankato Speech and Debate team. David serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Outspoken Culture.

Dr. Megan Koch

Megan Koch is a professor of Communication Studies at Illinois State University where she serves as the Director of the Forensics team, who have been recognized for exceptionally outstanding accomplishments (including 26 national champions in the past 15 years). Megan has been honored with such awards as the 2019 and the 2021 National Speech Championship Service Award, the 2016 Illinois State Outstanding University Teaching Award, the 2011 American Forensic Association Outstanding New Coach Award, and the 2009 Illinois State Civic Engagement Award. Outside of her work with the forensics team, Megan serves as the COO for Black Book Depot, a supply source for forensic teams across the nation. Megan serves as a board member for Outspoken Culture.