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�鶹��Ʒ’s Model United Nations (Model UN) team has once again made its mark on the international stage, earning an Honorable Mention Award and an Outstanding Position Paper Award at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York City, held April 13–17. This marks the 12th consecutive year the team has earned accolades at every Model UN conference it has attended.

“The Model UN team always makes Mercy proud,” said Dr. Stuart Sidle, dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “It’s something I look forward to every year.”

The NMUN NY conference, recognized as the world’s largest, oldest, and most prestigious intercollegiate Model UN event, drew over 1,800 students from more than 120 colleges and universities around the globe. Participants represented countries in simulated UN committees, collaborated on resolutions addressing global challenges and engaged with policy experts at sessions hosted in and around UN Headquarters.

This year, Mercy students represented Jamaica, navigating complex negotiations and public speaking challenges with professionalism and poise.

“Winning awards at NMUN means our students ranked in the top 10% of all participants,” said Professor Michiko Kuroda, faculty advisor for the Mercy Model UN team. “They prepared thoroughly and truly stood out with their speeches and diplomatic negotiations. It’s not about winning, but about growth—and this year’s students grew immensely.”

Professor Kuroda, who has guided the team for over a decade, emphasized the conference’s increasing competitiveness and the personal transformation many students undergo through months of intense preparation.

A Life-Changing Experience for Students

The student delegation included both seasoned veterans and first-time attendees. At a presentation hosted by Mercy’s Center for Global Engagement on April 24, some of the participating students shared how the experience shaped their academic and personal journeys.

Isabella Vanegas, a sophomore and deputy head delegate, spoke of personal transformation:

“Model UN is a mirror that reflects the better version of myself. It’s not just about speaking—it’s about becoming who you’re meant to be.”

For Matthew Viskewich, a junior, the conference was a turning point:

“Before this, I couldn’t speak in front of people. Now, I’ve found my passion in international relations. I even changed my major from cybersecurity.”

Sophomore Kristine Strand Edvardsen found the conference more dynamic than her high school experience:

“It taught me confidence, diplomacy and how to think on my feet.”

The students described the demanding pace of the conference, where improvisation, collaboration, and critical thinking were essential.

“You grow as a person,” said Anastasia Fure, a sophomore whose mother is a diplomat. “I’ve wanted to work at the UN since I was five, and this was the most in-depth experience I’ve had.”

Others, like Anna Deutscher, a junior, found clarity and confidence through the experience:

“This class gave me direction. I went from being shy to confidently delivering speeches in front of international audiences.”

Melissa Ledesma, head delegate and a senior, praised the team’s cohesion and growth:

“This was my third NMUN, and I’m so proud of how everyone came together. Professor Kuroda went above and beyond to support each of us, especially the newcomers.”

From left to right: Prof. Michiko Kuroda, Matthew Viskewich, Anna Deutscher, Viviana Diaz, Mica Sosa, Anastasia Fure, Isabella Vanegas and Journey Simon-Greenaway.

From left to right, Camille Passi and Journey Simon-Greenaway, who won Outstanding Position Paper Award.

A Community of Global Citizens

The students repeatedly emphasized the deep friendships and community they built through the program. Camille Passi, a senior, described this as the most rewarding part:

“Even after the conference, we stay close. This class builds your future, but also your friendships.”

Mica Sosa, a sophomore, highlighted the transformation in her public speaking:

“I used to avoid speaking in high school. Last week [at the conference], I spoke in front of 300 people. It’s incredible.”

Journey Simon-Greenaway, a sophomore in her second year with Model UN, emphasized the global connections:

“Talking to people from France, Egypt, Ecuador—it was so memorable. We’re all so different but came together for one cause.”

Viviana Diaz, a senior in Legal Studies, summed it up:

“This experience helped me find my voice. I wish I had found Model UN sooner.”

Looking Ahead

As the world faces uncertainty and complex global issues, Mercy’s Model UN team is equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills, compassion, and perspective to shape a better future—one resolution at a time.

“Mercy students demonstrated their readiness for change, much like students from around the world,” said Prof. Kuroda. “This gives us hope that young people are preparing to enter the global arena.”

The team is already preparing for their next challenge: a conference in Washington, D.C. this fall.