VUMUN XXI Staff

Secretary General

Hello! My name is Naomi Kim, and I am a second-year student at Vanderbilt University majoring in Human Organizational Development and Computer Science. Having grown up in five countries, I developed a deep fascination with global affairs from a young age. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a passion for understanding how nations interact and collaborate on the world stage.
My Model UN journey began in eighth grade when I joined my middle school’s MUN club, and I continued through high school, eventually serving as USG of GA Committees. MUN has been an incredible experience for me, shaping the way I approach international issues and problem-solving, and I am beyond excited to welcome everyone to VUMUN! I hope this conference inspires you as much as it has inspired me, and I look forward to seeing the thoughtful debates, creative solutions, and lasting connections that will emerge.

Director General

Hi, my name is Mitchell Gottlieb and I am a sophomore from Highland Park Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, double majoring in Public Policy and Economics. This is my second year working on VUMUN. I was a chair last year and am now director general. I also compete around the US on our competitive travel team Model UN team. Outside of Model UN, I am a campus tour guide, the Vice president of my residential dorm, and a student consultant for GRC. I compete in pickleball tournaments during the summer and love to cook breakfast food. In the future, I hope to follow my passion for public service and work as a humanitarian consultant in order to fight international inequality.

Chief of Staff

I am a freshman at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Law, History, and Society, with minors in Business and Legal Studies. With seven years of Model United Nations experience, I have cultivated a deep passion for international relations, diplomacy, and problem-solving. As Chief of Staff, I am dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment that empowers delegates to engage in meaningful debate and collaboration. Beyond MUN, I am actively involved in Vanderbilt’s The Hustler, Tutor Nashville, and the Pre-Law Society, where I further explore my interests in journalism, education, and the legal field. I enjoy engaging with diverse perspectives and building community both on and off campus, aiming to make a lasting impact through leadership and advocacy.

Undersecretary General of Crisis Committees

Hello! I’m Elliot Shani, a junior from Hartford, Connecticut studying Political Science and Physics. In addition to serving as Under Secretary General of Crisis Committees for VUMUN XXI, I serve as the Head Delegate of our VandyMUN travel team. Additionally, I am involved with the Vanderbilt Political Review, the Vanderbilt International Relations Association, and the Society of Physics Students.

Undersecretary General of General Assembilies

Hi, I'm Dominic. I’m a sophomore from Noblesville, Indiana majoring in Economics and Classics. I have always had a love of international relations and have been a proud member of the Vanderbilt Model UN team since my freshman year. When I’m not working with ROTC or the debate team, you’ll find me running and hiking. Some of my other favorite pastimes include gardening (specifically cross-breeding varieties of pumpkins and corn), quality time with family, and movie nights with friends. I’m beyond excited for VUMUN XXI and can’t wait to meet this year’s esteemed delegates!

Director of Technology and Programming

Matthew Drasnin is a freshman from Cincinnati, OH double majoring in Music Composition and Political Science with a minor in Spanish. He previously served as Head Delegate and President of Sycamore High School’s Model United Nations, where he planned in-house training events and organized travel opportunities to the nation’s largest MUN conferences. Drasnin hopes to pursue a career as a freelance composer after Vanderbilt, though international relations and debate will always be an important part of his life. Outside of MUN, Drasnin is involved with Vanderbilt Hillel, Anchor of Sound Basketball Band, Vanderbilt New Music Society, and Blair Student Council.

Chair of Internal Affairs

I am a student at Vanderbilt University, double majoring in Public Policy (with an International and Foreign Affairs concentration) and Culture, Advocacy, and Leadership (CAL). I joined Model United Nations during my first semester at Vanderbilt, and instantly fell in love with the atmosphere and the people I got to surround myself with each week. Being the Director of Internal Affairs (CIA) for the VUMUN Conference is both a challenging and rewarding experience. I am extremely passionate about ensuring the conference runs smoothly, handling logistics, and fostering a well-organized environment for delegates to engage in meaningful debate (and the chance to meet other delegates). I love the behind-the-scenes work that makes the event successful, from coordinating schedules to problem-solving in real-time. It is fulfilling to contribute to an experience that helps high school students develop critical thinking, diplomacy, and leadership skills. Beyond MUN, I am actively involved in Vanderbilt’s Women in Government club, the Pre-Law Society, the Kappa Delta sorority, and I am an intern with the Vanderbilt Institute for National Security this semester. I thrive on connecting with diverse viewpoints and cultivating a strong sense of community, both within and beyond campus, while driving meaningful change through leadership and advocacy.

Chair of External Affairs

Hello everybody! I’m Matthew, a sophomore from Toronto, Canada. I’m majoring in political science and economics with a minor in legal studies. I’ve loved Model UN since my first meeting in high school, and I continue that passion here at Vanderbilt MUN. This year, I have the privilege of serving as your Director of External Affairs, which means that I will probably be spamming you with emails sometime. Outside of Model UN, I’m actively involved in the Vanderbilt Debate Team, Vanderbilt Political Review and the Vanderbilt Hustler. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching television, and learning random facts about the world. I look forward to a great VUMUN together!