SECRETARY-GENERAL

Valerie is a third-year student at Columbia, majoring in History. Alongside Model UN, she’s also an active member of CU’s Students of Color Advisory Board, Writers House, and Ultimate Frisbee. Her favorite parts of Model UN are the creative and improvisational dimensions of the committee, and she’s a big fan of D&D for those same reasons. She also loves reading comics, drawing, and learning about new kinds of music in her free time.

Director-General

Edward Yang is a senior at Columbia College, majoring in Political Science, with a specialty in International Relations and Theory. Born in New York and growing up in Seoul, he began competing, chairing, and staffing Model UN conferences in middle school, which has continued. He is a member and co-head delegate of the Travel Team at Columbia, and has served on the secretariat for CESIMS. After serving as a staffer and crisis director for CMUNNY, Edward is excited to welcome all delegates this year to the 20th iteration of CMUNNY on our beautiful campus! Outside of MUN, Edward is a board member of the greater CIRCA umbrella, a director of AEI, and part of a secret (or not so secret) Society.

CHIEF OF STAFF

Jonathan Waldmann is a senior at Columbia College studying political science. This is his ninth year doing Model UN and his fourth CMUNNY. He is also the head delegate of Columbia’s travel team. Having grown up in the Boston area, Jonathan is an avid (and proudly obnoxious) Boston sports fan. He also enjoys skiing in the winter (shoutout Columbia ski club), as well as exploring the city and spending too much money on food. He’s super excited for this year’s iteration of CMUNNY and looks forward to a fun, chaotic weekend.

Chief of communicationS

Hi, I’m Sania Patel, and I’m excited to serve as the Chief of Communications for CMUNNY XX. I’m a student at Barnard College studying Economics and Political Science, with interests in law, finance, and international relations. My experiences range from founding Project Zambia and The Living Library—initiatives focused on education and global dialogue—to directing marketing campaigns for the Tennessee Titans and interning at a Zambian law firm. Across these roles, I’ve learned the value of clear, inclusive communication, which I’m eager to bring to CMUNNY to ensure every delegate feels informed, connected, and ready to engage.

Chief of Operations

Daniela is a junior at Columbia College aiming to major in Political Science and Neuroscience. Daniela loves being involved throughout our campus where she volunteers for UNICEF and serves as a member of the executive board at both UNA and PSSA. When she isn’t at a club meeting you can find her writing in the library or on the dance floor. Daniela is also a part of Columbia’s MUN Travel Team and has been involved in MUN the majority of her high school years, where she found her passion for global affairs. She is thrilled to serve as the Chief of Operations at CMUNNY this year, and cannot wait to welcome you all to the conference this September!

USG of committees

Alexander Rosen is one of the Under-Secretaries-General of Committees for CMUNNY. Model UN is a big passion of his — and this marks his 6th year involved in it. He comes from Mexico City and is currently a sophomore studying Data Science with a minor in German. From new literary worlds to simply less-traveled paths, Alex is also an avid explorer. He loves reading, cycling, and running and has recently taken up hiking as well. At Columbia, he is also involved in the Triathlon Club, AKPsi, the Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs, and The Pioneers. Professionally, he hopes to combine his eclectic interests in data science, policy, and languages to bring about significant change in his communities. He is looking forward to a successful CMUNNY!

USG OF COMMITTEES

Hector Rochell is an Under-Secretary-General of Committees for CMUNNY XX. He is an international student from the Dominican Republic who is a sophomore at Columbia College studying Economics and Classics, with a particular interest in the ancient economies of the world. He has been involved in Model United Nations since 7th grade, being drawn to it due to its intersection of historical topics, teamwork, and vigorous debate. Previously, he has created committees from Ancient Greece to the American Senate, and is greatly looking forward to seeing the many incredible ideas and solutions that delegates will come up with for this year’s CMUNNY. Outside of Model United Nations, he spends much of his time drawing scenes from Greco-Roman Mythology and researching the ancient works of Homer, along with running and cycling.

USG OF COMMITTEES

Kylie Jade Thibodeau is an Under-Secretary-General of Committees for CMUNNY. She is a sophomore at Columbia College studying Political Science and Economics. She is from a small town in Maine and has two younger brothers. She loves to run and spend time in nature. She also reads a lot; her favorites include most anything by Virginia Woolf, “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez, and “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë. She is a super fan of Google Calendar, autumn, the Poetry Foundation, live music, Duolingo, Fridays, public libraries, chickens, and Quizlet.  Outside of MUN, she’s involved in the Columbia Democrats, Columbia Birding Troupe, and Columbia Road Runners. NYC-wise, Riverside Park and the Met are two of her favorite places.  In her career, she hopes to help create institutional and policy-based solutions that create positive change, equity, and development, especially in economics and for underrepresented identities. She’s excited to see you all at CMUNNY this year and hopes you have a great time in your committees!

usg of Design

Ihita Ghosh is an Under-Secretary-General of Design for CMUNNY. She is a junior at Barnard College studying Economics and Cognitive Sciences. Originally from North Carolina, she now lives in New Jersey. She’s learned to speak several languages, such as Hindi, Bengali, and Japanese, and aspires to learn more. Currently, she is studying abroad at University College London for the fall 2025 semester, and is so excited to meet people from all over the world. Outside of MUN, she is involved in the Honor Board, Laidlaw Scholars, and the New York Small Claims Advisory service. In the future, she hopes to get a PhD or a master’s and then transition into a role in diplomacy. She can’t wait for the conference to begin and wishes everyone luck in their committees!