About Us
Who We Are
The MacEwan United Nations Club was founded over three decades ago to provide students with a unique opportunity to participate in prestigious Model United Nations conferences around the world. In the years since we have been active, we strive to develop our delegates in core intellectual abilities of public speaking, research, negotiati
The MacEwan United Nations Club was founded over three decades ago to provide students with a unique opportunity to participate in prestigious Model United Nations conferences around the world. In the years since we have been active, we strive to develop our delegates in core intellectual abilities of public speaking, research, negotiating, as well written and verbal communication skills. Our delegates will develop these skills through engaging in global issues and current affairs alongside hundreds of other students in both domestic and international conferences.
Mission
Our Mission as a club is to promote a cohesive understanding of the organs, bodies and functions of the United Nations; enhance Club Members’ awareness of current international topics; improve Club Members’ capabilities in the art of diplomacy and foreign relations; develop skills such as critical thinking, negotiating, comprehensive rese
Our Mission as a club is to promote a cohesive understanding of the organs, bodies and functions of the United Nations; enhance Club Members’ awareness of current international topics; improve Club Members’ capabilities in the art of diplomacy and foreign relations; develop skills such as critical thinking, negotiating, comprehensive research and writing, and oral communications including public speaking.
What We Do
What We Do
We take a team of delegates to several UN Conferences each year, where they will act as the "ambassador" for a selected country our school represents. In our most recent trip to NMUN in the Big Apple, New York City 2026, MacEwan had the great honour to represent the country of Finland. During the conferences our delegates will represent
We take a team of delegates to several UN Conferences each year, where they will act as the "ambassador" for a selected country our school represents. In our most recent trip to NMUN in the Big Apple, New York City 2026, MacEwan had the great honour to represent the country of Finland. During the conferences our delegates will represent their countries interests in various UN committees; discussing and negotiating international responses to issues or topics of general concern to all UN Member States. The outcome of these conference negotiations are working papers which groups of delegates cooperate in producing, and then vote upon.
Executive Team
Secretary-General
Erin Bersamina
Erin Bersamina is a fifth-year Accounting major with a minor in Finance and serves as our Secretary General! Erin was drawn to Model UN by the transferable skills it offers, from debate and research to building meaningful connections with people from all over the world. For Erin, Model UN is an opportunity to challenge herself while meeting people she otherwise might never have crossed paths with. Known for being dedicated, loyal, caring, and determined, Erin brings a thoughtful and trustworthy presence to the Executive team! Her years of in-conference experience, adaptability, and strong sense of commitment make her someone her fellow delegates can count on, both in and outside of committee!
Director-General
Madison Martell
Madison “Maddy” Martell is a fourth-year Political Science major with a minor in Urban Wellness, and serves as our Director-General! For Maddy, Model UN is about everything that comes with being part of the community: the friendships and connections, the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, and, of course, the chance to travel and experience places she never imagined visiting! It’s an experience that keeps bringing her back year after year, and makes her such an exceptional delegate! Maddy brings an optimistic, inquisitive, and analytical perspective to the Executive team, alongside a passion for people and a charismatic personality. We’re thrilled to have Maddy serving as our Director-General and look forward to another year of travel, learning, friendship, and Model UN!
Vice-President of Operations
Ibrahim Samad
Ibrahim Samad is in his final year at MacEwan, and is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Psychology while serving as our Vice President of Operations! Ibrahim was drawn to Model UN by two things that capture what makes the experience so unique: the opportunity to travel, and the chance to meet new people from around the world. His academic background in both Political Science and Psychology gives him an analytical perspective while also allowing him to appreciate the people and perspectives behind international issues! Ibrahim is known for being logical and composed, while also bringing empathy and curiosity to the way he approaches new challenges. As Vice-President of Operations, he’ll be helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes!
Vice-President of Fundraising
Grace Rompfer
Grace Rompfer is a third-year Sociology student in the Criminology stream with a minor in Political Science, and serves as our Vice President of Fundraising! Grace was drawn to Model UN by the opportunity to meet new people, step outside of her comfort zone, and take part in the many fun experiences the club has to offer! Her studies in Sociology, Criminology, and Political Science reflect her interest in understanding people, communities, and the systems that shape them. Grace brings ambition, honesty, and perceptiveness to the Executive team, while her charm makes her a natural fit for building connections throughout the club! As Vice-President of Fundraising, Grace will be helping make our events and opportunities possible throughout the year!
Vice-President of Events
James Ian Recla
James Ian Recla is a second-year Biology major with a minor in Chemistry, and serves as our Vice President of Events! James was drawn to Model UN by the opportunity to develop his public speaking skills, get involved on campus, and build friendships with like-minded people. Although his studies are rooted in the sciences, James brings a strong interest in communication and community to his work with the club. He is a thoughtful and generous team member, known for being a good listener, compassionate, and vivacious! As Vice-President of Events, James is responsible for creating opportunities for our members to connect outside of the committee and making sure there is always something to look forward to!
Vice-President of Finance
Romeesa Khan
Romeesa Khan is a fourth-year Psychology major with a minor in Biological Sciences, and serves as our Vice President of Finance! Romeesa was drawn to Model UN through her interest in diplomacy and international relations, as well as her goal of one day working with the United Nations. For her, Model UN offers a chance to gain experience in the field while connecting with people from around the world and exploring new places through travel. Romeesa brings creativity, dedication, and a strong sense of support to the Executive team. Her enthusiasm for international affairs and commitment to her goals make her a natural fit for the role!
Vice-President of Relations
Abby Yanciw
Abby Yanciw is a second-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Political Science and minoring in Philosophy, and serves as our Vice President of Relations! Abby was drawn to Model UN by two things at the heart of the experience: the causes and the people. Her studies in Philosophy and Political Science have fostered her strong interest in the ideas, institutions, and issues that shape our world, while Model UN provides an opportunity to engage with those questions alongside others. She brings determination, cleverness, ambition, confidence, and enthusiasm to the Executive team. As Vice-President of Relations, Abby works to strengthen the connections between our club, our members, and our international partners!
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Jeffrey Rice
Faculty Advisor
Prof. Vivian Giang
Faculty Advisor Emeritus
Dr. Chaldeans Mensah
Dr. Chaldeans Mensah is a faculty member in the Department of Political Science at MacEwan University. He received his doctorate in Political Science from the University of Alberta in 1990. A faculty member with MacEwan University since 1991, he served as the faculty representative on the University’s board of governors from 1998-2001 and from 2007-2013. He is also a graduate of the Academy for Leadership Training and Development (Chair Academy, 2001) and Academy for Advanced Leadership (Chair Academy, 2010).
In 1996, Chaldeans was awarded the Canadian Immigration Award in recognition of his teaching excellence and promoter lifelong learning. In the same year he was recognized at MacEwan University with a distinguished instructor award. In 2005, Chaldeans received the MacEwan Medallion, the highest recognition awarded to a MacEwan University employee. In the following year, he was conferred one of the Alberta Centennial Medals in the category of education in recognition of his outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.
In 2007, Chaldeans received the Award of Distinction for Internationalizing Teaching and Learning Practice from the Alberta Department of Advanced Education and Technology to recognize his efforts in assisting Albertans to acquire the international and intercultural knowledge, skills, and abilities to function effectively in a global context.
He previously served as the President of the National Model United Nations Organization (NMUN), which organizes the world’s largest simulation of the United Nations in New York and Internationally. He also previously served as a member of the NMUN Board and NMUN Treasurer. Chaldeans is a keen observer of politics at all levels, and is periodically called upon by the provincial and national media to offer commentary on political developments.