About Us
Educating for Leadership
Foundations for Leadership was founded in 2013 to make Model UN more accessible. We partner with school districts, colleges, and community organizations to provide curriculum, professional development, and conferences that develop leadership skills through experiential learning.
With over 20 years of experience in Model UN programming, we've worked with districts and programs across the United States and internationally. Our work is grounded in educational standards.
Our College Leaders
Sofia Acevedo
President, Miami Dade College Model UN;
MDC Honors College '26
Ophelia Bunuel
Miami Dade College Model UN,
MDC Honors College '27​​
Manuel Gomez
VP MDC Model UN; Secretary-General, MDMUN Middle School 2026; MDC Honors College '26
Giancarlo Lopez
University of Miami Model UN, UM '27;
Secretary-General, MDMUN High School 2026
Diego Balda
Co-President, University of Miami Model UN, UM '27​
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Giovanna Antoniassi Garcia
University of Miami Model UN, UM '26
Danielle Kervin
St. Petersburg College Model UN, SPC '26
Secretary-General 2025
Elliot Rose
Co-President, University of Miami Model UN, UM '27
Advisors
Michael J. Lenaghan, EdD
Mardee Jenrette Endowed Teaching Chair,
Professor of Political Science, Miami Dade College and the Honors College
Douglas Rivero, EdD
Assistant Dean and Professor, Social and Behavioral Sciences, St. Petersburg College
Dr. Joseph Smiley, EdD
Dean, Social and Behavioral Sciences,
St. Petersburg College
Lucia Rodriguez, PhD
Global Director, Master's in Development Practice Secretariat, Sustainable Development Solutions Network, SDG Academy
Kelly Siegel-Stechler, PhD
Director, Collaborative Discussion Project, Interactivity Foundation; Co-Founder, Foundations for Leadership
Partners
