Officer Corps

Karishma Patel

Secretary-General

Year: Senior

Majors: Public Policy and Sociology

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The Secretary-General oversees the day-to-day operations of the Officer Corps and the Secretariat. She acts as the point of contact between the Board of Directors and the nonprofit organization. She ensures that BMUN's vast operations are aligned with its overarching educational and philanthropic mission, continuing the 70-year legacy of innovation and excellence.

"MUN has taught me a lot about public speaking, improved my critical thinking skills, and exposed me to think on a global scale. It gives a unique hands on experience that allows students to view the world and global issues from various perspectives and approach impacting issues with a problem solving mindset. I'm so excited to provide this experience to other students and can't wait for BMUN LXXII!"

Alaina Delsignore

Chief of Staff

Year: Senior

Major: Rhetoric

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Chief of Staff teaches procedure and runs meetings for the BMUN secretariat. He oversees chair training, procedure tests, and weekly checklists with the USG of Research. Overall, the Chief of Staff's mission is to ensure that BMUN has the best prepared chairs to give the best conference experience to delegates.

"Model United Nations made me a better communicator, writer, and leader. Before I started my MUN journey in high school, I wasn't very confident and I was afraid to meet new people. However, Model UN has given me the tools to succeed, both professionally and academically. BMUN is a powerful vehicle for delegates to improve and hone their public speaking and research skills, allowing them to be more confident versions of themselves. I give back and help run such an amazing conference because I want to be a positive change in delegate's lives. Welcome to BMUN LXXII!"

Nicholas Angelici

Treasurer

Year: Junior

Major: Computer Science

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As Treasurer, Nick manages BMUN's expenses and revenues. This includes sending registration invoices, tracking internal spending, and setting the annual budget for each officer. Overall, the Treasurer ensures that each officer has the resources they need to run a successful conference.

"Model United Nations has helped me become a better speaker, writer, and researcher. Although I'm sad that this will be my last year participating in it, I'm grateful for the 9 years that I've been able to spend as a delegate and a chair."

Niveditha Sukesh

USG of Research

Year: Junior

Major: Molecular and Cell Biology

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The USG of Research manages BMUN's head chairs and helps them individually to prepare for conference. Assuring quality topic synopses for delegates and knowledgeable, passionate head chairs is the mission of the USG of Research. As the backbone of BMUN, quality committees and prepared daises result in the best possible experience for delegates, which BMUN strives to do above all else. In addition, the USG of Research works to foster an internal culture of respect and passion for international relations.

"In preparation for BMUN, the amount of hard work and dedication our Head Chairs put toward research, writing, and teaching their Vice Chairs and delegates is truly inspiring. Their diligence, as well as the enthusiasm our delegates bring forth year after year, motivates me to continue BMUN’s mission as a learning conference that reaches students all around the world. Beyond international relations and public speaking, BMUN has taught me about the intricacies of research and writing, effective management and communication, and what it means to lead others by example. I am so incredibly grateful to be working alongside such a brilliant and diverse cohort of officers and secretariat members who share a passion for teaching the next generation of leaders."

Mahima Shyno

USG of Outreach and Education

Year: Junior

Majors: Media Studies and Sociology

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Outreach and Education is at the heart of BMUN’s core mission. The staff hosts outreach sessions at local high schools, annual Delegate Workshops, and other events to help students throughout California establish and develop their MUN programs. It is dedicated to making MUN accessible by teaching students about international relations and leadership skills that will last beyond the committee rooms.

“BMUN’s core mission of educational equity through the channel of MUN has always inspired me, so to now serve as the USG of Education and Outreach, tasked with preserving this mission, is a great honor. MUN has made me more well-spoken, more passionate about world issues, and ultimately more confident in myself. We at BMUN are incredibly lucky to be able to provide this same experience to thousands of students across the world!"

Jaina Doshi

USG of External Relations

Year: Junior

Majors: Public Health and Psychology

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The USG of External Relations is the point of contact for schools and clubs interested in BMUN, responding to all email inquiries to info[at]bmun.org. Alaina communicates registration and conference-related information to advisors to ensure a smooth registration, pre-conference preparation, and conference experience. External also leads the registration check-in process on the days prior to the conference.

"I came into BMUN with no Model United Nations experience. I can confidently say that my lack of knowledge had no impact on my ability to assimilate into BMUN and take advantage of its opportunities. Not only have I learned more about international relations and issues, but I have had the pleasure of teaching high school students these same subjects from a critically constructive standpoint. I am beyond excited to see everyone at BMUN LXXII!!"

Eric Pan

USG of Administration

Year: Senior

Majors: History and Political Science

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The USG of Administration handles a myriad of tasks to ensure that conference runs smoothly! Some of these tasks include the updating of the Berkeley Model United Nations website, overseeing committee assignments and handling storage and inventory. Other tasks also vary based on the needs of the officer corps.

"I was introduced to Model United Nations fairly early in middle school and I only participated for a few years in high school. However, I am very grateful that I was able to continue with Model United Nations in college. BMUN has given me the opportunity to expand my passion for international affairs and it has given me the chance to deepen my research skills, critical thinking, and confidence! I am so excited to share my love and passion for Model United Nations at BMUN LXXII."

Taylor Lang

USG of Logistics

Year: Senior

Majors: ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS & POLICY and SOCIOLOGY

Minor: CITY & REGIONAL PLANNING and DATA SCIENCE

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The USG of Logistics spearheads organizational operations and event execution on behalf of BMUN. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work to ensure conference is ready for over 2000 students every March. More specifically, Logistics works with the campus administration to reserve conference venues and committee rooms and coordinate safety and regulation of the event, among other responsibilities. She also works to train our secretariat for event safety properly and manages all of their scheduling.

"Model United Nations was a fundamental part of my high school experience and has ultimately lead me to where I am today! I am so happy that I get to continue sharing the benefits of Model UN with students from all across the world via BMUN! Without Model UN, I feel like I wouldn't have been able to find my voice, passion, and future career! I am so excited to work to make these programs more accessible for all because I know how valuable they are for young people's development! I can't wait to share all the amazing things we have to offer with BMUN LXXII!!"

Vernika Gupta

USG of Organizations and Philanthropy

Year: Sophomore

Majors: Political Science and Economics

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The role of the USG of Organizations and Philanthropy entails cooperating and forming partnerships with businesses, clubs, and other organizations to benefit the delegates and secretariat of BMUN. Taylor works to make sure BMUN's goal of increasing international awareness in education is realized in the high schools who attend, as well as to organize our partnership with a Bay Area nonprofit each year as a conference cause. The USG of Organizations and Philanthropy also helps organize international outreach sessions and secretariat trips to partner conferences worldwide, with locations such as China, Malta, and India.

Shaan Pathak

USG of Events

Year: Junior

Majors: Economics and Legal Studies

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The USG of Events organizes and serves as the Secretary General of our Fall Conference, a crisis-oriented mini-conference (hosted in November). This conference is designed to help delegates learn and practice MUN procedure in preparation of BMUN. Shaan also organizes our Saturday night event during BMUN Conference in order to enhance the delegate experience.

"Model United Nations made me a better communicator, writer, and leader. Before I started my MUN journey in high school, I wasn't very confident and I was afraid to meet new people. However, I see now that Model UN has given me the tools to succeed, both professionally and academically. BMUN is a powerful vehicle for delegates to improve and hone their public speaking and research skills, allowing them to be more confident versions of themselves. I give back and help run such an amazing conference because I want to be a positive change in delegate's lives. Welcome to BMUN LXXI!"

Janna Lee

USG of Publications

Year: Sophomore

Majors: Environmental Economics & Policy and Political Science

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The USG of Publications is responsible for all things design, both digital and printed, when it comes to BMUN. Whether it be designing pamphlets for recruitment or outreach, employing the Office of Public Information during conference, or printing all materials necessary for BMUN to function, Publications is essential to the logistical success of BMUN. Serving as the manager of publications, the USG of Publications plays a substantial role in how BMUN’s published materials reach its intended audience: delegates!

"BMUN has been one of the most supportive and rewarding organizations I have been a part of. It opened my eyes to a community full of students who are united in their passion for educating others and learning about the world around us. BMUN has taught me the value of coming together for to create something you're passionate about. Everyone is BMUN is committed to our mission of improving the educational aspects and accessibility of MUN to students across the nation. We hope to ensure every student has the opportunity to be apart of this amazing activity and to inspire students to discover their passions. I'm eternally grateful to be apart of this incredible community and organization!"

Ted Kim

USG of Technology

Year: Senior

Major: Computer Science

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The USG of Technology leads the team that develops BMUN’s technology platforms, including Huxley, BMUN’s conference management system. This responsibility involves ensuring that important components of BMUN that rely on these platforms, from registration to grading, run as smoothly as possible. Furthermore, the USG of Technology is also tasked with developing new features, including tools for committees during conference, that will help improve the BMUN experience for delegates.

"BMUN is such an amazing community and one that teaches and inspires students from all over the world! Be creative, confident, and have fun at BMUN!"

Brayden Matejka

USG of Internal Relations

Year: Sophomore

Majors: Astrophysics and Physics

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The USG of Internal Relations is tasked with keeping the secretariat of BMUN connected and motivated. Through planning social events, secretariat retreats, banquets, and professional development opportunities, the USG of Internal Relations ensures that every member of BMUN is cared for and has all of the support they need to put their best work into running one of the largest MUN conferences in the world.

"BMUN is full of successful yet down-to-earth supportive people who are knowledgeable about the world around them. Because of the community MUN provides, we are encouraged to be actively knowledgeable about the world around us. That's what we try to teach too! In that process, I have no doubt improved so many of my skills including writing, researching, speaking, and arguably the most important, empathy. BMUN encourages us to think about the students we teach, the people we learn about, and the friends we make. I am so excited to be an even bigger part of BMUN next year!"

Maia Hernandez

USG of Media and Alumni Relations

Year: Junior

Majors: Molecular & Cell Biology and Public Health

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USG of Media and Alumni Relations (MARs) works on upholding the outward appearance and quality of BMUN, namely managing online content, crafting videos, and taking pictures for our events throughout the year. MARs is also responsible for maintaining a strong relationship with our alumni and facilitating communication between them and the secretariat.

BMUN has provided me the platform to not only build my research, collaboration, and public speaking skills but also directly help students become committed and perceptive leaders. Not to mention, BMUN's skilled and amazing secretariat has created a community I'm so proud to be apart of, and this makes me all the more grateful for the opportunity to help make BMUN LXXIII happen!