EXECUTIVE BOARD
2025 - 2026
2025 - 2026
President - Samantha Hernandez
Samantha “Sammy” Hernandez is a third-year Political Science major with a Minor in Law and Society at UCR. As President of the Lawtinx Pre-Law Club and a dedicated MUN leader, she works to connect students with professional and academic opportunities. Sammy has represented UCR at multiple NMUN conferences in New York and Washington, D.C., even earning a position paper award at NMUN NY 2024. Passionate about diplomacy and equity, she believes in the power of student leadership to open doors. Outside of academics, she enjoys dancing and listening to Spanish music, always bringing energy and heart to everything she does.
Vice President - Brooke Carlson
Brooke Carlson is a fourth-year student at UC Riverside majoring in Political Science and International Affairs, with a minor in Anthropology. She currently serves as Vice President of UCR’s Model United Nations team, where she leads general meetings, organizes travel and logistics for national and international conferences, and supports member research and preparation. Brooke has attended numerous conferences, including NMUN in Germany, Washington, D.C., and New York, earning over 16 awards, including three for position papers and one for committee performance. Known for her extroverted personality and strong people skills, Brooke fosters a welcoming, energetic environment within MUN. Her experiences have shaped her confidence in public speaking and strengthened her leadership under pressure. Beyond academics, Brooke is a passionate musician and artist. She enjoys writing music, playing piano and guitar, painting, and spending time with her friends. She also shares her life with her beloved fat black cat, Tyler.
Finance Director - Annabelle Sya
Annabelle Sya is a second-year Economics major serving as the Finance Director for MUN@UCR. With a strong background in fiscal management and a knack for spreadsheets, she oversees the club’s budgeting, spending approvals, and financial planning for conferences, socials, and other events. Her experience with MUN has strengthened her public speaking and quick-thinking skills, both essential in and out of committee. When she's not managing finances, Annabelle enjoys reading contemporary and mystery fiction and playing video games like Minecraft and Pokémon. Having attended two conferences so far, she’s excited to continue growing within the MUN community.
Conference Director - Sean Cuevas
Sean Cuevas is a Political Science and Philosophy major. He serves as the Conference Director for UC Riverside’s Model United Nations. In this role, he oversees the organization of local conferences, collaborates with the Executive Board, and acts as General Secretary during events. Through MUN, Sean has developed strong communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills, emphasizing collaboration and compromise in diplomacy. He has participated in R’Practice, R’MUN, IECMUN, and NMUN NYC 2025, earning a High Commendation and Committee Award. Dedicated to excellence and inquiry, Sean also enjoys playing the trombone and exploring new ideas through reading.
Fundraising Coordinator - Leo Pretto
Leo Pretto is a third-year Political Science and Law and Society major. As the club’s Fundraising Director, he oversees partnerships with local restaurants, plans sales initiatives, and organizes all social events, ensuring each activity is engaging and well-executed. Leo values collaboration and careful planning, striving to create enjoyable experiences for all members. A proud member of the 2025 NMUN New York travel team, he represented Oman in GA1, where his delegation earned the Outstanding Delegation award, a highlight of his Model UN journey. Outside of MUN, Leo enjoys reading, jogging, and exploring a wide range of music, as well as playing and watching sports, especially baseball and badminton. He believes in taking chances and finding community through new experiences.
Outreach Coordinator - Thomas Du
Thomas Du is a second-year History major whose academic and extracurricular interests reflect a deep commitment to research, communication, and community engagement. He currently serves as Outreach Coordinator for MUN@UCR, where he manages the organization’s social media presence, designs promotional materials, organizes recruitment initiatives, and documents club events. Beyond MUN, Thomas is a Student Intern with A People’s History of the Inland Empire, a Chancellor’s Research Fellowship Peer Mentee, Secretary of History Enthusiasts at UCR, a contributing writer for The Highlander newspaper, a member of the College Democrats, and a volunteer with the Campus Safety Escort Service. MUN has played a central role in refining his public speaking, research, and confidence, strengthening them through speaking before hundreds of delegates and producing academically rigorous work. Having competed in over 15 high school conferences and multiple collegiate ones, including NMUN-NY, where UCR earned Outstanding Delegation, Thomas brings enthusiasm, experience, and a natural talent for outreach to the MUN@UCR team.
Executive Secretary - José Del Ángel
José Del Ángel is a fourth-year Political Science major with a concentration in Law and Society and serves as Secretary of the Model United Nations team. In this role, he is responsible for managing official records, coordinating internal communication, organizing meetings, and supporting the leadership team to ensure the club operates smoothly. He is also the News Editor for The Highlander newspaper, where he leads the News section team and covers campus, local, and state political issues. Jose conducts formal research examining how local government decisions directly affect communities. In addition to his academic and leadership roles, he has gained legal experience through an internship at a law firm, developing strong skills in legal research and analysis. Through Model UN, Jose has earned over 14 awards, including achieving a trifecta at NMUN DC 2024, reflecting excellence in diplomacy and debate.
Community Advisors
Tomas Alves ('24)
Tomas is an alum of UCR MUN and graduated in 2024. Previously, he has held executive board positions such as President and Secretary. He graduated with a B.A. in Political Science/International Affairs. He currently works for the City of Riverside in the Ward 3 City Council office.
Kyle Stafford ('20)
Kyle is an alum of UCR MUN and graduated in 2020. Previously, he has held executive board positions such as Treasurer and even President. He graduated with a B.A. in History and Political Science. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security at American University in Washington D.C.