Thank you to all the individuals who contributed biographies, and thanks to everyone on the circuit for participating in recognizing their peers for leadership in the community! This year’s honorees represented some of the top delegates on the circuit that were friends, teammates, and competitors of the Best Chairs and Directors.
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All names are in alphabetical order by first name within each tier.
Best Chairs and Crisis Directors
Adinath Lane
UC Berkeley
From Secretary-General to chairing UCBMUN’s UNICEF committee, Adinath is known as the core of UCBMUN’s annual conference. A recent graduate in both Immunology and Public Health and a prospective medical student, Adi has taken his passion for health equity and used it to guide important debates in his UNICEF committee this year. With his welcoming attitude and friendly demeanor, Adi makes his committees feel inviting to all, fostering a community where everyone feels included.
Adi’s deep seated love for guiding the next generation of kind and thoughtful leaders is evident in the way that he treats both individuals within UCBMUN and on the circuit. As Secretary-General of UCBMUN XXIX, Adi helped set the standard for excellence in this conference. The work that Adi has put in to mentoring staffers, delegates, and the next generation of conference leads while managing to be incredibly kind is something that truly is to be admired.
Adi is not just known as a fantastic Chair and Secretary-General, but also as an incredible delegate on the Model UN circuit. Whether you have faced him in a GA or merely run into him at conference, you know that Adi always has nothing but smiles and kind words to share with his fellow delegates.
Adi is the heart of UCBMUN and will be missed dearly next year. However, this goodbye is bittersweet as we know he is on to bigger and better things. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Adinath Paul Wayne Lane!
Anton Stover
University of California, Los Angeles
What even IS a “gadhoc”? A GA? A spec? Something else entirely? Although the GA Ad Hoc at LAMUN XXI has frankly left the circuit with more questions than answers, it’s safe to say that the flow, format, and fun of the committee would not have been possible without the master planning of Anton Stover. The Ad Hoc of the President, aka Anton himself, may have been the smallest GA at LAMUN, but it punched above its weight in terms of innovation: as members of the 1960s counterculture movement, delegates frequently found themselves writing poetry, designing posters, and creating chants in the place of formal debate. Throughout all of this, Anton managed to structure the whole thing as a commentary about Model UN itself, and the committee ended with Anton being dramatically shot by the LAMUN SG. If this all sounds confusing, please direct all inquiries to Anton himself. But, as the committee received rave reviews from its delegates—some of the most famed competitors on the GA circuit—it’s safe to say that Anton’s GA Ad Hoc truly broke barriers in its execution and vision.
Diya Sadhu
USC
Did somebody say Crumbl Cookie? Because Diya Sadhu has been feeding MUNSC in every sense of the word. A Sophomore studying Journalism and Economics, Diya joined the club and within a single semester had already stepped into a training role, spending every one since dedicated to building up the MUNSC team and quietly becoming one of its most essential people. On the circuit, Diya is a powerhouse. Awarded numerous times as a delegate, she brings the same sharpness and intentionality to everything she does. As Crisis Director of the TrojanMUN Ad-Hoc committee this year, she helmed an Avatar: The Last Airbender committee that was exactly as creative, chaotic, and beautifully crafted as you would hope from someone with her imagination and instincts. Sweet, driven, and quietly formidable, Diya is the kind of person the circuit does not see coming until she has already won the room. Only two years in and she is already one of the most impactful people to come through MUNSC. We cannot wait to see what she does next.
Emma Quynh Liên Wong
Concordia University
Emma Quỳnh Liên Wong has earned her place on the 2025–2026 North American College Model U.N. Best Chairs and Crisis Directors list, a distinction that reflects both her leadership and her dedication to elevating the Model U.N. experience for delegates across the continent. She has claimed this recognition for her role as Chair of ConMUN’s first-ever double delegation General Assembly, where she presided over the World Health Organization committee, along with Emanuel Louis, on the global paediatric health crisis. Her ability to manage the complexity of a double del GA while fostering an environment for substantive and equitable debate spoke to a chairmanship that was as technically skilled as it was human-centred.
Her trajectory within ConMUN and beyond has been one of consistent, purposeful growth. She previously served as Delegate Affairs and Director of Equity for ConMUN 2024-2025, championing inclusive practices that ensured every delegate felt represented and supported. As Training Director and Head Delegate for CED (during 2025 and 2026 respectively), she shaped the next generation of competitive delegates with the same intentionality she brings to everything she does. Now entering her third year with the Concordia Global Affairs Association, Emma has been elected Chairperson for the upcoming 2026–2027 term – a testament to the trust and respect she has earned from her peers. She brings that same spirit of service to her role as Banquet Chairperson of the Garnet Key Honour Society at Concordia University. Equal parts diplomat, mentor, and organizer, Emma Quỳnh Liên Wong is shaping what purposeful student leadership looks like one committee room at a time.
Grace Muskovitz
New York University
Grace Muskovitz has been an integral part of NYUMUN throughout her time on the circuit. She is one of the most inventive CDs that we have ever had the pleasure of seeing and her dream committee Dance Moms was loved by one and all. A crisis double delegate committee is not one that is easy to run but Grace did an exemplary job and her passion for the subject was one clear to see.
Whether it is creating crisis updates via ranking pyramids, attempting to order a cameo from Abby Lee Miller, or training all of her CAs Grace went above and beyond this year. She is also an incredible friend and teammate to all of NYU Model United Nations. Grace interned herself at the NYC Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and brings her expertise of the UN and city government to every committee she runs. Grace graduated this year with a degree in International Relations and a minor in Russian! We are so proud of her and excited to see where she takes her expertise! NYU Model UN will miss her joyous and whimsical spirit.
Jackson Kuster
University of Miami
Jackson Kuster has only one undergraduate semester left, but do not worry, he will remain at the University of Miami Herbert business school as a Master of Science in Accountancy. Jackson is originally from Point Pleasant, New Jersey and will be interning in New York City this summer. This is his second consecutive year receiving a Best Delegate North American Chairs and Crisis Directors and is extremely thrilled to see his fellow ‘Canes receive this award.
At the University of Miami’s 305MUN III, Jackson chaired a general assembly committee focusing on the global economy’s reliance on the United States and on how to increase world-wide banking to underbanked individuals. He could have never done it without his double- del and cochair, Trinity Vodovoz who is almost as loud as Jackson is!
During his final semester as an undergraduate student, Jackson is excited to re-join the circuit and will be chairing the double delegate general assembly committee at 305MUN IV. He is excited to work alongside Elliot Rose once again and to see everyone back in Coral Gables in October!
Madeline Abellera
UCLA
The fearless chair of the largest committee at LAMUN, Madeline oversaw a totally-not-evil merger, about a million speeches, and the entirety of secretariat invading her committee during AP deliberations with poise and wit. Despite being one of about 3,000 people majoring in Political Science from the Bay, Madeline is actually a unique person, whether it be through BioStrive, her startup, her music taste, or her love of coffee and salmon, and one that the UCLA team holds close to their hearts. Those who have competed with her on the circuit know her not only for her MUN skills, but also for her care and cool attitude wherever she goes, always staying nonchalant even in the most competitive of GADHOCs. Madeline will carry on her incredible aura next year as UCLA’s President, and the UCLA team is happy to flourish under her reign.
Maria Zen Baxter
McGill University
Maria Zen Baxter is a fourth year on team originally from Vancouver, BC, and has been an incredibly impactful presence within McGill Model UN. As a former director of training, head delegate, and outgoing president of our international relations association, she wears her love of Model UN on her sleeve. This year, Maria was the CD of McMUN’s cradhoc, which combined her ability to foster meaning and competitiveness in crisis committees, with her creativity, humour, and understanding of the circuit. With her immense dedication to service, attention to detail, and her longstanding love of crisis, Maria’s ability to be a fabulous crisis director is of no surprise. Beyond this, Maria will be deeply missed on the team (graduating, not dying), but we know it’s ultimately time for more people to be on the receiving end of her hard work.
Mathilde Hebras
UCLA
The fearless chair of the LAMUN Ad Hoc, Mathilde Hebras has made her mark on the circuit in the three years that she has taken part in it. From competing all around the circuit to staffing or being on Secretariat in her LAMUN years, Mathilde makes sure that everyone around her has a good time in every committee she takes part in, whether that is as a delegate or a staffer. Graduating from UCLA with a degree in International Development Studies, taking her into whatever realm it may be in the future, Mathilde will always be remembered on the circuit for her fire outfits, funny hooks, and having no rivalries, only a sea of people that will sing her praises long after she graduates. The circuit will not be the same (and will certainly feel less French) without her.
Michelle Giovinazzo
Georgetown University
Michelle was grateful to be the crisis manager for the NCSC UNSC. From dressing in Halloween costumes to walking through the Hilton to find the “Death Star” it was truly a blast (no pun intended). Shoutout to all the gen staffers, delegates, and especially chair Anna Kelly for making the committee what it was. Anna and Michelle will run back the dynamic duo for the NCSC crisis ad-hoc this year and already have incredible (secret) plans in motion.
Noelle Morey
University of Florida
As the president of UF Model UN, Noelle made her mark on the collegiate MUN circuit. Noelle began her MUN journey her freshman year of high school – competing, staffing, and directing for over 30 conferences in the last 8 years. With over 20 awards under her belt, Noelle has proven to be not only a fierce delegate, but a fearless leader. Under her presidency, UF MUN expanded to three in-house conferences, serving over 2,000 delegates nationwide. When she wasn’t busy running the team and fielding emails, Noelle remained a highly integral part of the University of Florida community, serving in several leadership roles across campus. Outside of her busy day, you can find Noelle crocheting, reading a new book, or touching up her red hair dye. The UF MUN team is so thankful for Noelle and know that she will continue to inspire us all after graduation!
Timothy Lu
University of Chicago
Those who know Timothy Lu might know him best for his time spent dominating conferences across the circuit, but every April he takes a break to experience Model UN from the other side of the table. Tim chaired shepherded the Dominion of Solace side of this year’s JCC, leading them through the circuit’s first-ever Build-Your-Own JCC. This was no problem for Tim, who acted as this committee’s fearless chair exalted ruler, answering questions of faith and leading the Dominion side in a planetary struggle against ChudTek. Throughout his four years of involvement in ChoMUN, Tim has never failed to make his committees a space for delegates to explore their interests and to genuinely enjoy the time they spend in the Palmer House. We will miss the incredible warmth and humor he brought to every committee he chaired stewarded, and we wish him luck as he leaves the MUNiverse and enters the real world. And you can certainly say that again!
Outstanding Chairs and Crisis Directors:
Addison Gaddy
Harvard College
Addy is a rising senior at Harvard and was a head delegate for the 2025-2026 year, along with the rest of KALF. Addy has spent a little too much of her time running conferences (#HMUNbestconfever) and competing on the circuit, so directing the General Assembly Ad Hoc is the perfect storm for her. From secret crisis and ga combos to a massive ad hoc Hunger Games universe, the ad hoc provides Addy the perfect opportunity to share her best and brightest ideas with the circuit. With each ad hoc committee she participates in and hears about, it raises the ceiling for what the HNMUN ad hoc can be. Despite using all of the HNMUN props budget for just her ad hoc and requiring at least one other director to be in on her planning, she cannot wait for you all to see what the HNMUN General Assembly ad hoc will entail in 2027. Third time’s a charm!
Alexander Vidra
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UChicago
The conference circuit both loves and hates to see Alex Vidra coming. He is a passionate competitor, but his kindness is best on display on the other side of the table. This past April, Alex chaired the ECOFIN GA. Through bloc formation and merger negotiations, Alex ensured that each delegate felt safe and respected. He maintained constant communication throughout conference weekend and added his sense of humor wherever he went – for FunMUN, Alex graciously allowed a delegate to pie him in the face! Alex cares deeply about everyone around him, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with for next year. Thank you, Alex!
Cole Herman
McGill University
Cole Herman is a political science student at McGill, and an incoming senior on team. Originally from Toronto, Cole has been an extraordinarily dedicated member of our team since his freshman year. While not an adhoc delegate, he is locked in to adhoc hints like no other, purely for the love of the game. He is characterized by his enthusiasm and creativity, and the sheer amount of effort he puts into all of his endeavors. This year at McMUN, Cole engaged with unique card systems through CDing the JCC: Battle for Byzantium, and you know what they say– you can’t spell milsim without Cole! From competing at McGill’s high school conference, to being the incoming President of our International Relations Association, Cole evidently loves Model UN down.
Cooper McCreary
Boston University
Cooper was the CD of the Formula 1 committee this past year at BarMUN, and as an avid Formula 1 fan he made sure that everyone had a great time on track and in committee. Now the Co-Head Delegate of MUN@BU and the CD for this upcoming BarMUN Cradhoc you will be sure to see him around the circuit. Don’t be afraid to say hi or spam his feed with reels about how McLaren is in the dumpster at times. Though outside of MUN and F1 you can catch Cooper out training for a triathlon, educating people on British/Australian history, travelling all over the place, or spending time back home in Vegas where he now resides. Enough said Cooper truly is everywhere but will always make time for everyone to chat and have a good time first and foremost.
Eilat Herma
Georgetown University
Eilat Herman is a recent graduate from Georgetown University’s College of Arts and Sciences. At Georgetown, she majored in Government and minored in Linguistics, spending the rest of her time in Model UN or associated activities (#makeHRfunagain), running the Georgetown Moot Court team, frequenting the new bagel shop in Georgetown, or watching the New York Yankees. At NCSC LIII this year, Eilat had an excuse to pull her first-ever all nighter. She had the privilege of chairing the Ad hoc General Assembly—NCSC’s first ever 24-hour committee. With the help of seven staff members and four coffees, she had a fantastic time watching delegates solve (but mostly create) problems in Nepal’s recently dissolved Parliament. Previously, at NCSC LII, Eilat had the honor of serving as NCSC’s shortest Chief of Staff in history. Before then, she served as the Under-Secretary-General of Non-Traditionals at both NCSC LI and NAIMUN LXI, NCSC’s sister conference for high school students. As a result, she will always have an appreciation for the most non-traditional of committees, which explains why her Ad hoc included a massive Jenga tower, a spinner to assign delegates’ positions, and three rounds of author’s panel. Eilat also competed with GUMUN for two years and served on its leadership team for one semester. She was the designated “sports and courts” delegate, and earned one singular gavel, but not really, because VICS still gave Jefferson cups instead of gavels at the time. After graduation, Eilat will return to D.C. and attend Georgetown University Law Center, and begrudgingly admit that she misses NCSC every time she passes DuPont circle.
Hadia Karzai
UCLA
The fearless CD of the LAMUN Ad Hoc, Hadia Karzai needs no introduction. A graduating senior in Political Science, Hadia is known not only for slaying in the many, many ad hocs she did this year as a head del, but also for slaying her own ad hoc this year, regardless of what time period the delegates found themselves in. Hadia, though, is mainly known for just being an overall cool person. Regardless of whether she’s competing or wearing some hat in backroom, Hadia oozes coolness not typical in Model UN settings, whether it’s from hre fire WBA or her humor or her fire haircut or the concert she probably has the weekend before and after the conference. She has been a cornerstone of the UCLA team for the three years she’s been a part of it, and will be missed as she goes on to aura farm wherever she may end up.
Isabella Ginestra
FSU
Throughout her extensive time on the MUN circuit, Isa Ginestra has brought an unbounded joy and whimsy to what can be an otherwise stressful and serious nerd sport, and her work as a crisis director is no exception. A student of History and International Affairs, she juggles not only being one of the best crisis directors to do it, but also being one of the officers in charge of the World Affairs Program at large. This comes in addition to her great work in the Student Leadership Council at the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, and her role as a management editor for the student-led Public Policy Journal.
All the positions in the world pale in comparison to what she brings most to the team, NoleMUN, and the circuit at large: Isa’s drive for cooperation, creativity, drive and passion for Model UN, and her large repertoire of terminally-online jokes and accompanying sense of humor. No where was this more apparent than her work in the Japanese Diet Committee this year, where delegates tackled the world of Persona. Imaginative updates, spice-infused timed crises, and a tightly ran committee filled with problems to tackle made for a committe experience like no other. Isa is a treasure to the team both as a leader and a friend to all, and we wish her well in her senior year of college, where she will no doubt secure a lasting legacy both at FSU and the Model UN circuit at large.
Joseph Masterson
Boston University
Joseph always has the energy for almost anything within the world of collegiate MUN, eventhough he is the current Secretary General of BosMUN our high school conference. This past year he was the CD for the Koga Ninja Crisis at BarMUN with his rapid note runs and creative updates, Joseph truly enjoyed being a CD for all those in the Koga Ninja committee, and still won’t stop talking about how great it was. You can also catch Joseph out and about on the circuit, or see him at the front of any IR or Poli Sci class at BU. Even then Joseph is a huge asset when it comes to compiling a fantasy football team, chirping your college basketball team, and glazing UConn women’s basketball(even if A’ja is still the GOAT). Going into his senior year you can expect even more from Joseph and should all be looking forward to when he is the CD for BarMUN’s upcoming UNSC.
Joshua Kertesz
McGill University
Joshua Kertesz is a fourth year on our team graduating with a degree in political science, who is going on to law school in the fall! Over the past four years, we have had the opportunity to be on the receiving end of Josh’s dedication, effort, and skill. This year, he served as the Deputy of General Assemblies for our high school conference, and this past iteration of McMUN, Josh chaired the UNICEF double delegate committee. His ability to be an extremely competent and likable chair comes to no surprise to the team members that have had the opportunity to train with him. He is the epitome of GA, conducting thorough research and presenting genuine, robust ideas, which has inspired an entire class of McGill GA delegates. It is not an exaggeration to say that Josh is perhaps the best person to go to before competing– if he says your idea is good, it’s good. We are so lucky to have had Josh over the past four years, and we wish him luck in his future successes!
Marcus Castro Lopes
Concordia University
Marcus is a 3rd year political science student at Concordia university, but who weirdly enough just transferred over from Portugal where he completed his first two years of his bachelor’s in international relations (some say he’s taking the art of a night out as a minor). He is currently at an internship with NATO, back in Europe, working to help develop and play out threat simulation exercises as a chair (fitting isn’t it). Although Marcus is certainly no stranger to MUN, this year marked not only his first time competing on the North American circuit, but also his first time ever chairing a committee, and what a pleasure it has been. From competing in some of the funniest and craziest committees, to being able to chair and create one himself, it was an absolute blast. Being put in The Last of Us SPEC committee, he knew he had to use not only his game knowledge, but also a bit of crisis magic to make it a memorable and interactive experience for the delegates, and he is glad they found it to be that way. Alongside his Cowboy and CD Benjamin and all the staffers, without whom he could not have pulled off this committee, Marcus can confidently say they managed the craziest switch-up, from a goofy, mogger-filled crisis on Thursday and Friday, to the most serious, nail bitting GA on the Saturday.His time on CED has just begun, and we are looking forward to see him not only bring that same creative energy to committees across the circuit and ConMun, but also his friendliness and openness towards others as well!
Marvin Yen
UC Berkeley
A recent graduate who studied Data Science and Economics, Marvin is truly one of a kind, known as UCBMUN’s father and the overall G.O.A.T. In the last two years, Marvin has CDed UCBMUN’s UNSC committees, in charge of some of the most well-run committees the circuit has ever seen and bringing unforgettable energy & creativity to every session (even pretending to be Napoleon Bonaparte!) As Crisis Director, he has put an incredible amount of thought and energy into ensuring that delegates and backroom staff alike have a genuinely good time, creating an amazing committee experience for all! Marvin has tackled numerous committee styles, such as standard silly crisis, specs, and even competing in UNSC at some of the best conferences on the circuit, for which he has received accolades of his own. As Director of Finance over a year ago, he managed club funds with extreme care, organization, and dedication. He’s also become one of the most recognizable and welcoming faces on the circuit, the kind of person who makes everyone feel like they’ve known him for years. Whether you see him as a friend, a brother, a big, or a pseudo big, chances are you’ve already found yourself on an impromptu UCBMUN hangout with him without ever really knowing how you got there. We know Marvin is going to accomplish amazing things in the future, and UCBMUN wishes him so much love and support as he embarks on this new journey!
Osei Allen
University of Miami
Months after completely misguessing the topic of the McMUN 2025 SPADHOC, graduating senior Osei Allen used his failed prediction to craft the premise for his last collegiate MUN chairing experience: “Rats in the Ranks: The Boston Crime Wars,” an advanced specialized committee based on the masterful, Martin Scorsese directed film “The Departed.” Despite having competed in and/or staffed over thirty high school and collegiate conferences combined, Osei still feels bad that (per his characteristically short background guide) he advertised his committee as a “typical front room crisis,” as delegates switched committee formats three times (Crisis to JCC, JCC to GA, GA to Timed Crisis) and battled two consecutive timed crises. As he wrote in his post-committee blurb, Osei fervently hopes that his “Boston Crime Wars” committee will be hailed by Best Delegate “as the most improvisational committee of all time,” and gives a hearty kudos to the delegates in that room that did not (and even those that did) crash out throughout the course of the weekend.
In all seriousness, Osei is genuinely so appreciative of the circuit for his first-ever chair all-star selection, and extends a special thanks to the Miami Model UN team, as well as his co-chairs Martina Pantaleon, Aaron Pryear, and Amina Bilalova for bearing with the insanity he can fondly call his last ever chairing experience at the esteemed, highly revered, and must-attend-at-all-costs 305MUN. Osei looks forward to seeing the even greater heights that 305MUN will reach as he retires from the circuit and applies to law school this coming fall.
Rhea Kanuparthi
UChicago
A famous person once said: “ask not what you can do for Rhea Kanuparthi, ask what Rhea Kanuparthi can do for you.” The answer is everything. Rhea Kanuparthi truly embodies what it means to be both a fantastic delegate and crisis director; like a prime Dak Prescott in the pocket, she’s stealthy, high IQ, and selfless — always putting the team in front of her and in the best position to succeed. This is what makes Rhea such a fantastic Vice President of the UChicago team (soon to be President). But while you may know her from dominating the UNSC across the circuit or throwing down white Monster Energy drinks through the wee hours of the morning, here’s a little known fun fact: Rhea can run a hell of a committee. CHOMUN’s UNSC: Croatian War of Independence would have been a shell of itself without Rhea’s incredible passion, work-ethic, and integrating spirit — who else could have navigated floods, Dune-like worms, and pulled off a Party City military jacket like Rhea Kanuparthi. The circuit and UChicago alike are both incredibly lucky that Rhea is returning for her last dance next year.
Ryan Brennan
University of Chicago
Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce the funniest chair on the circuit: Ryan “Mogs You” Brennan. The architect of the greatest committee idea that never was… Monsters University Pan-hellenic Council (someone please run it). Although you didn’t get to run the committee of your dreams, the committee you ran was an absolute dream. The Greatest UNSC of All Time — UNSC: I go, Yugo, We all go to war, Croatian War of Independence. Smoothest frontroom on the circuit, and it’s no contest. Sick references, sick jokes, and so much caffeine it could have made someone sick (if they weren’t locked in like Ryan Brennan always is). But, as Ryan would say when he takes a break from chairing to compete, let’s stop talking about Model UN. Ryan might be the best guy we have ever met. We would trust him with our lives. There is no one else who can help you out of any problem and make you laugh by the end of it. Thank you Ryan for an amazing year, and we cannot wait to see what you cook up in the Ad Hoc next year.
Sabeeh Mirza
USC
Seven years into Model UN and Sabeeh Mirza is somehow still finding new ways to raise the bar. Most delegates on the circuit know him as MUNSC’s most decorated delegate and the team’s 2025 President, but this year Sabeeh stepped behind the dais and proved just as dangerous from the other side of the room as Chair of the TrojanMUN Crisis Ad-Hoc committee. A third-year Political Economy student with a minor in Business Law, Sabeeh somehow also finds time to sit on the Trojan Debate Squad, Kappa Alpha Pi, the USC Journal of Law and Society, USC Surfrider, and serve as a USG Senator. What sets Sabeeh apart as a chair and SG isn’t just his experience, it’s that he genuinely loves this activity and every person in it. He creates rooms where delegates feel seen, challenged, and inspired, because that’s the only kind of room he knows how to run. Now, as he steps into the role of Secretary-General of NHSMUN, the largest high school conference in the world, the next generation of delegates is about to find out exactly what the rest of us already know. They’re in very good hands.
Will Baker
UCB
If you don’t know Will Cash Baker, you’ll find on his résumé that he’s a second-year History major at UC Berkeley and UCBMUN’s current Vice President of Finance. Beyond MUN, he also serves as a senior editor for Berkeley Political Review, a political journalist for 37 Cents, and holds a lead position in the ASUC CFO’s office.
But if you know Will Cash Baker, you’ll be more familiar with his pension for tomfoolery, his chicanerous antics, and his wonderfully wide vocabulary, strengths that make him one of UCBMUN’s best delegates and crisis directors. As a proud History major and scholar of Chinese literature, Will’s circuit track record is understandably historical. To date, he has competed in 7 consecutive historical crises, earning 5 straight awards and back-to-back gavels to finish off the year. While staffing UCBMUN XXX this year, Will’s immense creativity, MUN prowess, and historical knowledge came together in the legendary Republic of Ezo crisis, where he served as Crisis Director and showcased both his skillful crisis directing and immaculate Trump impression. Yet despite his circuit reputation, Will’s true strength lies in his personality: he is an unbelievably welcoming, kind, and caring soul who takes care of the people (and delegates) around him. Each person who talks to Will leaves the conversation with a smile on their face and warmth in their heart. As the pride and joy of UCBMUN and our incoming Co-President for the 2026-27 academic year, we could not be more excited for his leadership and vision for this incredible organization!
Honorable Mention Chairs and Crisis Directors:
Asher Rao
University of California, Los angeles
A rising third-year at UCLA majoring in World Arts and Cultures and Political Science, Asher Rao the fearless chair, the lighthouse in the inaugural LAMUN GADHOC, the good cop and stabilizing force that made all of GADHOC function despite the chaos. Serving as a USG for BruinMUN this year and LAMUN next year, Asher’s care for both delegate experience and the UCLA team as a whole is shown in every action that he takes throughout the year, whether it be training his staffers or making sure everyone’s voice is heard. Between that, competing, and spending a great amount of his remaining team dancing better than most of the UCLA team combined, Asher is a force to be reckoned with, and will no doubt be a major player in everything he does in the future.
Deepti Pillai
George Washington University
Elliot Rose
University of Miami
Elliot Rose is a rising senior from Orlando studying public health and ecosystem science/policy. After serving as secretary general of 305MUN II he finally got to run his own committee during his head delegate year instead of telling everyone on the team all of his hypothetical amazing adhoc crisis ideas that may never exist.Being a frequent adhoc crisis delegate himself Elliot was dedicated to making the 305MUN III adhoc as close perfect as possible and with the help of his amazing staff (shoutout Jack, Nathan, Tiolu and the whole backroom staff) as well as the greatest y2k playlist ever this committee was easily one of his favorite and most successful staffing experiences ever. Next year Elliot will be pursuing his MSPH as a part of the 4+1 program, as well conducting climate based public health research in South Florida. On the circuit you can expect to see him for one last year both competing and at 305MUN but not as a chair or crisis director as he’s returning as Secretary General for 305MUN IV (the best ever 305MUN to date) and is beyond excited to see everyone attend in October!
Emma Ristick
McGill University
Hanan Levis Betancourt
UF
Hanan David Levis Betancourt was the former director of recruitment and retention and director of crisis development for the UF team. A psychology and education major, Hanan has always vouched to bring better educational systems and forms to those around him and the generarions to come. Working as a special ed teacher, he also directed this year’s Ad Hoc at SunMUN IV, where he ran a committee that made everyone evaluate their own moral dilemmas through the lends of fictional heroes and villains. Though this is Hanan’s last time directing, his influence and legacy live strong within the UF team, where whenever a dinosaur or unc joke is made, his name pops up in joy and remembrance of UF’s own favorite uncle.
Hazel Parent
University of Florida
Dubbed UF Model UNs best line leader, Hazel Parent consistently is one of the most dependable and responsible people within the Model UN circuit. Hazel parent currently acts as UF MUNs head of Conference Logistics and her skills as an assistant head del have been wonderfully translated to directorship this past year. As a director she exemplifies all in which it means to be a leader within the organization. Miss Parent is somebody who maintains a clear and concise vision all while allowing for creativity within the people she works with. This has helped foster great team synergy and an incredibly run committee this past SunMUN IV. She prioritizes communication and hard work within both the people she works with and herself. All of this has made her an outstanding person to be under as a delegate. She’s a staple within UF travel; someone who lifts up the people around her while managing to stay calm in the face of conflict and stress. UF MUN is tremendously grateful to have someone so reliable act within their new elected Executive Board. With Hazel Parent, this next year will guarantee prosperity within the University of Florida’s travel team.
Hong Duc Cheng
McGill University
Duc is a second year student studying political science and international development. This past season, he served on the Model UN team council as the Director of Finance and Logistics, and will go on to act as USG Finance for the next iteration of McMUN! Aside from his finance bro trajectory, Duc is a phenomenal crisis delegate, which unsurprisingly makes him a competent CD– in this case, CD of McMUN’s Australian Rugby committee. He is characterized on team by his remarkable ability to act as a leader, and as a friend simultaneously, striking a balance that enables everyone around him to perform at their best. As if this wasn’t enough, this season he stepped up to the UNSC plate, and one could say he maintained an impressive batting average.
Jay Love
University of Chicago
Jay Love, a rising fourth year and incoming Director of UChicago’s MUN Team, knows a thing or two about GadHocs. As chair of ChoMUN’s GA Ad Hoc committee, Jay brought his sense of fun and whimsy in addition to his incredible knack for what makes good GA to the forefront. Through creating a delegate-driven timed crisis and awarding frontroom excellence with gold stars, Jay Love managed to bring creativity, passion, and incredible competence as delegates sought to build a thriving civilization on Mars. Whether he is creating maps to gerrymander Texas for the Democrats or issuing directorial orders, we are beyond excited to see what John Robert Love, UChicago’s resident Texan, will cook up next year for ChoMUN XXX!
Josh Furman
New York University
Josh “Big Dawg” Furman is one of the backbones of NYUMUN’s team. Graduating this year, he majored in Politics and will continue to be in NYC working in local Politics. As a CD Josh created one of NYUMUNCs most innovative committees, a non-trad that spanned generations and incorporated rules of succession into the inherent crisis. It was the product of many months of work and dedication and we at NYU are so glad to see it get recognized. Josh is also just a force of nature as a delegate (also being recognized as an All Star delegate) and the team will miss him greatly. At NYUMUN he served this year as a deputy head delegate and consistently went above and beyond with his dedication and effort to the team.
He’s also more importantly one of the kindest people anyone on the team has ever had the pleasure of knowing. Those who have met Josh know that he is reliable, generous, and always a friend you can count on listening to you in times of stress. We at NYU want to say thank you Josh for your guidance, your leadership, and your willingness to store our MUN props for indefinite periods of time. We know that you’re going to kill it wherever you go.
Justin Wells
University of Georgia
Justin Wells is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in Mathematics with minors in Statistics and Ecology. Over four years on the team, he became a dedicated leader and valued member of the MUN community, including serving for two years on the Conference Secretariat as UGAMUNC Conference Director and Chief of Staff, helping shape meaningful experiences for delegates across the circuit. Recently recognized with this award through Best Delegate, Justin is known for his thoughtful leadership, professionalism, and commitment to fostering engaging and dynamic committee environments. Outside of conferences, he can usually be found coding, drinking coffee, or reading about the endlessly fascinating world of fungi. A deeply beloved member of the UGAMUN family, Justin leaves behind a lasting impact through his friendship and dedication to the team. While he will be greatly missed, there is no doubt that he is moving on to remarkable things!
Nicholas Carone
UC Berkeley
Whether it was sending out Star Trek TNG-inspired clues or playing hype pre-committee rap, Nick poured his limitless creativity and passion into creating the Ad-Hoc for the Secretary General of UCBMUN XXX. Combining both Ad-Hoc committees, delegates were challenged to solve the issues that surfaced on the planet of Mars. Nick teamed up with the Chair and Crisis Directors, brought infectious humor and energy as a staffer, and inspired the committee to reach new heights of ingenuity. Always with 100 things to say on any topic (insane at Trivia), Nick is a yapper and headstrong delegate, known as a friendly face around the circuit. Nick balances his MUN endeavors with his pursuit of majors in Political Science and History, while also writing for the Berkeley Political Review and his own publication, 37 Cents. When Nick was not staffing, he served as President of UCBMUN, always leading, training, and competing with perseverance, which allowed others to maximize their own UCBMUN experience and, as a bonus, earn a host of accolades this school year. The UCBMUN team could not be prouder of Nick and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in his final year at Berkeley and on the MUN circuit.
Rian Reichel
McGill University
Rory Miller
UC Berkeley
If you’ve spent any time on the crisis circuit this year, you’ve probably already crossed paths with Rory Miller. A second-year Political Science and French student, Rory served the team this past year as one of UCBMUN’s head delegates, leading the team to success at NCSC, McMUN, and ChoMUN. Blazing into various kinds of crisis committees, Rory has made herself a force to be reckoned with. In her freshman year, she secured two gavels at her second and third conferences, and made a name for herself on the circuit and the UCBMUN team. This year, she went even further, completing the full EGOT and achieving each award possible for a delegate to get in competition. What makes Rory special is her incredible drive; she is one of few to try every flavor of advanced crisis committees offered on the circuit, and is always up for a challenge. Whether she’s navigating the intrigue of a regency-era court or a new circuit Adhoc, her arcs are sharp, her writing is inventive, and her command of the room is unparalleled. More than that, she is incredibly compassionate, a quality that often defines her greatest moments in committee and the support of other people in the room. Next year, Rory will be serving as the team’s External Vice President and will oversee travel for UCBMUN during the 26-27 academic school year. With two more years ahead of her and an EGOT already on the shelf, UCBMUN can’t wait to see what she does next!
Ryan Ramirez
UC Santa Barbara
Ryan is a second year Political Science student at University of California, Santa Barbara who has been involved in Model United Nations since seventh grade. Over the years, MUN has become one of the most impactful parts of his life, not only shaping his confidence and leadership skills, but also giving him a community that has felt like home for years. This year, Ryan served as Head Delegate and Trainer for both General Assembly and Specialized Committees, roles that allowed him to mentor newer delegates while helping the team continue to grow. Whether competing, chairing, or training, his favorite part of MUN has always been the people: meeting delegates from different schools, watching others develop confidence in committee, and seeing friendships and memories form throughout the circuit.
Ryan Slage
Florida State University
Ryan Slage, a recent FSU grad, is what some might call a real one in the midst of an activity others consider stressful. He has shown resilience, patience, and immense dedication to being part of Leadership of the World Affairs Program, while still juggling being a member of FSU’s Marching Chiefs and his Kappa Kappa Psi chapter. Ryan is undeniably a bank of knowledge and creativity, which he portrayed in his CD work for NoleMUN’s 1934 Long March Committee. After the success of his first committee, some wondered how he would do it again. Would he bring in another one of his niche interests in games like Hearts of Iron IV? The answer to that question was found in his NoleMUN V committee, The 1959 Hô Chí Minh Trail, where delegates were once again tasked with the impossible: traveling along roads. Once again delegates were able to see how Ryan’s imagination and energy rub off on others, aided by his band of staffers who provided that same charm. His ability to take a historical event and add his spin on it to make it uniquely entertaining for delegates is unmatched. Should you meet Ryan at a social, witness his unique cadence during a crisis update, or catch him in the halls of a conference, you’ll instantly notice his authenticity, spontaneity, and yellow Beats headphones; an homage to his love of all things music. He is truly, in all sense of the phrase, one of a kind, and WAP at FSU is honored to have our food-loving, music-producing, crisis arc-cooking Ryan Slage at every turn; smiling and rearing to come up with the next big idea.
Sophie Kogan
University of California, Los Angeles
Sophie Kogan, the fearless chair of the Mars Expedition Committee at LAMUN, was an out of world chair and member of the UCLA MUN team these past four years. A shockingly not polisci major, Sophie brought some much-needed STEM knowledge to the UCLA team, serving all over secretariats at both conferences, and eventually ending as the Secretary-General for BruinMUN. Though she certainly did not need the club for her already-stacked resume, Sophie nonetheless served in her roles excellently, chairing a joyous Mars committee, solving problems at the conference, and even boasting a 100% awards rate in the many (one) times that she traveled! The UCLA team will miss her as she goes onto bigger and brighter fields in the world of PhDs.
Viren Maira
University of Chicago
Although it’s nearly impossible to get Viren to laugh in committee, he never fails to make the rest of us smile. UChicago’s #1 reflection pool sommelier has redefined what a great chair looks like, helping previous ChoMUNs’ International Chess Federation and Les Misérables committees to have a seamlessly-run frontroom experience. This year, he took on a new challenge by chairing the CenTek side of the JCC, navigating new special mechanics with ease. Viren’s contributions to Model UN extend far beyond ChoMUN. As Chief Operating Officer of MUNUC, Viren worked tirelessly to make UChicago’s high school conference a success this year. More than anything, Viren is a dear friend to the MUNiverse and UChicago as a whole. It should be no surprise that he’s recruited more people for his committees than anyone else has. We’ll miss Viren’s friendliness, calm demeanor, and dedication to this activity as he moves into his future as a sleep-deprived medical student.
Will Hancock
University of Virginia
I am Will Hancock, the chair of VICS 30’s crisis ad-hoc committee: “The Honors of Honor: Student Self-Governance at the University.” The Crisis Director, Emmett, and I had been hoping to run the crisis ad-hoc committee in the spring of our fourth year and since the end of VICS XXIX, we knew that we wanted to run a unique committee on the topic of everything else that we had spent our time doing outside of the classroom at UVA. From the Honor Committee to secret societies to UVA’s recent national drama with the Board of Visitors, there were so many potential topics, and we were excited to incorporate mechanics like moving from location to location across UVA’s Grounds while maintaining as much traditional debate as possible. The committee would not have been possible without the support and trust of the secretariat from the very beginning of the planning process and without the delegates jumping headfirst into the lore and lingo with us. Finally, the junior staffers on the committee were selected outside of VICS’s normal selection process to bring in a full team of energetic students who had deep experience with student self-governance, even if they were new to MUN. Their thorough and efficient backroom notes, creative ideas for the execution of front room mechanics, like the secret society tapping ceremony, and their good spirits truly made the weekend special for the delegates and Emmett and me.
William Foster
University of Chicago
When a gloriously-mustachio’ed man walks into your crisis room, that can only mean one thing — you are in for the crisis experience of a lifetime. After a Model UN career spent in JCC and Ad Hoc jail, Will knows more than a thing or two about a good crisis committee and a good JCC, and he put on a generational performance being the Coordinating Crisis Director for the Ad Astra per Aspera JCC at ChoMUN this year. Whether you spent the JCC in a religious cult or in a technostate, there surely was one question on your mind: will Will break your arc or will Will not? UChicago will surely miss Will more than Will will miss UChicago, as a staffer for ChoMUN, as the Director for our competitive team, and as a friend.
