 Meet the SecretariatBehind the scenes of this year’s conference, the SSUNS 2011 Secretariat is hard at work to make this year’s edition of SSUNS a seamless endeavor. This year’s Secretariat brings together a diverse group of individuals all united by a common passion for SSUNS. From former delegates to the conference to returning members of Staff and Secretariat, the SSUNS 2011 team is always at your disposal to make the SSUNS experience one that is enriching for you. Suryadeep Seal, Secretary-General - sg@ssuns.org
Sumaira Mazhar, Chargée d’Affaires - schools@ssuns.org
Debbie Wang, Chief of Operations - ops@ssuns.org
Dana Al Zaben, Chief of Staff - staff@ssuns.org
Kate Wiznura, Director of Public Relations - pr@ssuns.org
Christianne Aikins, Deputy Director of Public Relations - deppr@ssuns.org
Nikhil Garg, Undersecretary-General—Committee Affairs for General Assemblies and Economic and Social Councils - gaecosoc@ssuns.org
Rachel Simmons, Undersecretary-General—Committee Affairs for Specialized Agencies - sa@ssuns.org
Danial Mazhar Shafi, Undersecretary-General—Committee Affairs for Crises - crises@ssuns.org
Hana Shashaa, Undersecretary-General—Finance - finance@ssuns.org
Wendy Liu, Undersecretary-General—Information and Technology - it@ssuns.org
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If you’re looking for someone to boost your energy level, look no further than this year’s Secretary-General, Suryadeep Seal. Our former Charge d’Affaires, Deep is an adjective for speed with an apparent ability to function on minimal sleep. Deep is passionate about Model United Nations and is sure to be full of energy and enthusiasm all weekend long. Originally from India and then Korea, Deep embraces his diverse roots, especially after his passion for India was reignited during the recent cricket matches. Currently pursuing a degree in International Development Studies and Political Science, Deep enjoys meeting new people and embracing adventure when he’s not busy organizing a conference or contending with his seven female USGs. Deep is very excited to welcome you to Montreal and, due to an unhealthy attachment to technology, is always available to respond to any questions, queries or concerns.
Previously the Vice-Chair for the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs at SSUNS 2010, Sumaira Mazhar will be your go-to person for any questions about registration and conference policy. Sumaira's first model United Nations experience was with SSUNS' sister conference McMUN as a delegate. She came for the international relations and politics discussions; she stayed for the amazing experiences, learning opportunities, and the people. Born in Singapore but a long-time resident of Montreal, Sumaira's patient and cheerful demeanour will always brighten your day. Never found without her camera, Sumaira looks forward to capturing every memory with you. Although a Kinesiology major, Sumaira's passion lies in international relations, and she eagerly anticipates reading your e-mails, answering any questions that you might have, and most importantly welcoming you all to the Delta Centreville in November!
Originally from China, our Chief of Operations has traversed through Singapore, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Minnesota, and Calgary before finally reaching Montréal to be at the helm of this year’s logistical needs. No stranger to challenges, Debbie Wang embarked on a journey through Mexico, Portugal, and Spain with no knowledge of Spanish even though the trip was conducted entirely in Español. Entering her second year with a major in Neuroscience and minor in Finance, Debbie enjoys running, long conversations and to many people’s dismay, research though her love to delve into facts probably resonates in her undying passion for model United Nations. Debbie’s determination and ability to remain unfazed even during crises makes her ideal to ensure that the conference is a smooth operation. She particularly looks forward to walking around the Delta Centreville with a walkie talkie when not fixing photocopiers and printers. More than anything however, Debbie cannot wait to meet you all and looks forward to making the SSUNS experience a memorable one for and with you all!
Dana Al Zaben is one of the rare members of the human race able to survive without coffee. Formerly the SSUNS Staffroom Coordinator, your delightful Chief of Staff is completing a degree in International Development Studies minoring in Management, speaks English, French and Arabic, and has lived in four different countries, including Dubai, Jordan and Tunisia. Since following her model UN passion from high school, Dana admits her job is daunting, but can’t help being very excited about it all. In addition to freakishly flexible fingers, she also boasts an ability to make others relax when stressed out, but couldn’t even imagine self-applying her own techniques. When not working on conference affairs, don’t bother looking for Dana at home; chances are she’ll be with friends or exploring the city.
Proudly bilingual, Kate Wiznura is a third year McGill student completing a Joint Honours Major in Philosophy and English Literature with a minor in European history. Last year, she coordinated the SSUNS Gala and Vice-Chaired for the United Nations Economic Commission on Latin America and the Caribbean. Besides being extremely focused and having an acute eye for detail, Kate always has a humorous story to entertain her teammates. Furthermore, even when she’s upset, Kate emanates levels of enthusiasm that are contagious. She’s involved in the McGill Pre-Law Society, takes drop-in dance classes and occasionally participates in equestrian competitive show jumping. In the little spare time she has, Kate enjoys reading. For sponsors seeking to negotiate with our persistent Director of Public Relations, remember that South Asian food is her biggest weakness!
Christianne Aikins is a third year student pursuing a joint major in Biology and Mathematics. A keen learner and passionate scientist who idolizes Einstein, Christianne was born in Victoria BC and has lived in Toronto, Ottawa, Rhode Island, Nova Scotia, Quebec City and now, Montreal. While she modestly deems herself to be a ‘newcomer’ to the realm of model United Nations, do not underestimate her abilities. She has won awards at a number of collegiate conferences as part of the McGill Model United Nations delegation. Aside from this, Christianne is not one to waste time, volunteering with the McGill Youth Outreach Program, and playing intramural hockey and box lacrosse. In her minuscule hours of leisure, Christianne likes to be outdoors and reminisce her time in the Maritimes. With a passion for education that is borderline unparalleled, Christianne is one balanced individual, thoroughly capable in her position as Deputy Director of Public Relations at SSUNS 2011.
In addition to being the member of the Secretariat with the longest epithet, Nikhil is also perhaps the most international having lived in five countries spanning four continents and fluent in four languages. Now in his second year in Montreal, Nikhil is working towards a degree in Finance and Economics. Having been both a delegate and a member of conference staff during his high school years, he brings with himself a plethora of experience to his portfolio. At the helm of this year’s General Assemblies and Economic and Social Councils, Nikhil will ensure that the largest committees of the conference are smooth operations. When not deconstructing his life to the minute in his planner, the youngest member of the SSUNS Secretariat enjoys savoring butter chicken and fervently arguing with Rida Malik, USG, Committee Affairs about the supremacy of the Indian Cricket Team over that of Pakistan’s.
Rachel Simmons may hail from the glorious city of Montreal, but if you ask her where she is from, she sounds more like a special agent than a deputy of specialized agencies; she's got ties to Canada, Israel, New Zealand and Iraq! This only adds to her appeal as a Model UNer, as she's truly a MUN veteran. Rachel has had much experience as both a delegate and member of staff in high school, CEGEP, and McGill. She is one of those rare people who not only knows all the nations of the world but is also majoring in Anatomy and Cell Biology. Although her theme song might be along the lines of the gummy bears song, she is most excited about this year’s gala. Rachel probably has more rhythm than the rest of the secretariat combined, playing piano and dancing both ballet and swing! So, if you're in specialized agencies, get ready to have an amazing time. You're in capable hands!
Danial Mazhar Shafi is a (very) tall, suave, and rather impressive addition to the 2011 SSUNS secretariat. He is the diabolical Under Secretary-General of Crises, who is relentlessly thrilled by the idea of making these committees more exciting and innovative than ever before. Currently completing his first year, he is quite bravely studying electrical engineering. More often than not you will find him smiling, making someone laugh, or offering very tauntingly high fives to all those in the general vicinity. He is extremely skilled in the fine art of Bollywood dancing, and is usually one of the most high energy personalities in any given room. Danial has an endless tidal wave of creativity which he expertly applies in his role as a dynamic member of Team Committees. So should you find yourself seeking out some truly inspired schemes for your committee – Mr. Mazhar Shafi is your man!
After diligently fulfilling the role of Chief of Operations for SSUNS 2010, Hana Shashaa returns to SSUNS 2011 as the Undersecretary-General, Finance. Despite being the shortest member on this year’s team, do not let Hana’s size trick you. She valiantly triumphed over photocopiers and projectors alike in 2010, smiling gloriously through the entire process. It is thus only natural that she chose to be the face behind the conference’s otherwise intimidating numbers as she dauntlessly takes on a new role on Secretariat. Born and raised in Jordan, she moved to Canada in 2008 to pursue a degree in Finance at McGill University. She has attended an unparalleled total of 18 Model UN conferences in Jordan, Egypt, Holland, and Canada. In the little spare time that she has, she loves drinking tea and baking for friends. Her hearty laugh will definitely brighten your days at SSUNS 2011!
Wendy Liu is a second year student in McGill University currently pursuing a joint major in Computer Science and Mathematics. Born in Beijing, China, she has moved to Edmonton, Toronto, and finally to Montreal, before returning to Beijing to complete her graduation. As the mastermind behind the conference website, she brings both creativity and innovation to the SSUNS Secretariat, all the while entertaining with her nonchalant humor. A fan of all things open source and/or Tux-related, she wrote an open source extension for phpBB to manage this website, with the source available