About Us
Founded in 2013, Foundations for Leadership (FFL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people with the skills they need to succeed in school, careers, and civic life. Through Model UN, we help students develop leadership skills, practice diplomacy, and create positive change in their communities.
We believe every student deserves access to meaningful, future-focused learning experiences. That’s why we partner with schools and community organizations to provide a holistic, year-round Model UN program.
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With over 20 years of experience in Model UN education, we offer a full range of support, including classroom resources, teacher training, delegate workshops, and local conferences. At FFL, we are committed to building experiences that help students thrive — today and in the future.

Amy Ruggiero
Founding Executive Director
As the founder of Foundations for Leadership (FFL), Amy develops programs that equip students with the skills and mindset to succeed in school, careers, and their communities. She works with community partners to expand access to leadership and educational opportunities. Prior to FFL, Amy served as Director of Education Programs for the United Nations Foundation, where she led the expansion of the Global Classrooms Model UN program to reach more than 500,000 participants worldwide.

Liz Alarcón
Model UN Facilitator
​Liz has extensive experience in Model UN as a delegate, staff member, and public school teacher. She leads engaging teacher workshops and staff training that make Model UN accessible and impactful. A proud Fulbright Scholar to Costa Rica, Liz holds a B.A. in International Studies and Sociology from the University of Miami and a Master’s in Democracy and Governance in Latin America from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
Student Leadership
Osei Allen
Co-President, University of Miami Model UN, UM '25
Zak Djahed
University of Miami Model UN;
Secretary-General, MDMUN High School 2025, UM '27
Danielle Kervin
St. Petersburg College Model UN, SPC '25
Secretary-General 2025
Mary Elizabeth Gomez
President, Miami Dade College Model UN; Secretary-General, MDMUN Middle School 2025; MDC '25
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
Kelly Siegel-Stechler, PhD
Director, Collaborative Discussion Project, Interactivity Foundation; Co-Founder, Foundations for Leadership Inc.
Lucia Rodriguez, PhD
Director, Global Master's in Development Practice Secretariat, Sustainable Development Solutions Network, SDG Academy
Dr. Joseph Smiley, EdD
Dean, Social and Behavioral Sciences
St. Petersburg College