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About Us

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Established in 2013, Foundations for Leadership Inc. (FFL) is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to preparing young people for success in education, career, and civic life. Our commitment extends to projects that foster empathy, diplomacy, and a mindset for bringing people together.

 

We believe every student should have access to enriching programs that empower them academically and prepare them for their future. To achieve this, we work closely with educational institutions and partners, expanding the Model UN community through a holistic teaching and learning experience.

 

Drawing on over 20 years of experience in creating and administering Model UN programs, we offer a wealth of knowledge to design impactful learning opportunities. Our comprehensive support encompasses classroom resources, teacher training, delegate workshops, and local conferences, ensuring a year-round commitment to student growth.

Amy Ruggiero

Founding Executive Director

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With over two decades of experience in corporate and nonprofit settings, Amy oversees program development and operations at Foundations for Leadership. Prior to launching FFL she served as the Director of Education at the United Nations Foundation, where she developed and managed Model UN programs and youth leadership initiatives worldwide, spanning the USA, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Liz Alarcón

Model UN Facilitator

​Liz has extensive experience in Model UN as a delegate, staff member, and public school teacher. She facilitates teacher workshops and staff training. A former Fulbright Scholar to Costa Rica, Liz holds a B.A. in International Studies and Sociology from the University of Miami, as well as a Master's in Democracy and Governance in Latin America from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

Student Leadership

Osei Allen

Co-President, University of Miami Model UN, UM '25

Zak Djahed

University of Miami Model UN, UM '27
Secretary-General, MDMUN High School 2025

Felix Nikel

St. Petersburg College Model UN, SPC '25

Mary Elizabeth Gomez

President, Miami Dade College Model UN, MDC '25

Secretary-General, MDMUN Middle School 2025

Giovanna Antoniassi Aires Garcia

Co-President, University of Miami Model UN, UM '25

Advisors

Michael J. Lenaghan, EdD

Mardee Jenrette Endowed Teaching Chair, Professor of Political Science, Miami Dade College and the Honors College

Ned Rinalducci, PhD

Chair, Department of Social Sciences

Miami Dade College

Douglas Rivero, PhD

Assistant Dean & Professor, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, St. Petersburg College

Lucia Rodriguez, PhD

Director, Global Master's in Development Practice Secretariat,
Sustainable Development Solutions Network, SDG Academy 

Joseph Smiley, Ed.D.

Dean, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences,
St. Petersburg College

Kelly Siegel-Stechler, PhD

Senior Researcher, CIRCLE at Tufts University

Partners

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