About Us

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Founded in 2013, Foundations for Leadership (FFL) is a nonprofit education organization dedicated to empowering young people with the skills they need to succeed in school, future careers, and civic life. Through Model UN, we help students build leadership, practice diplomacy, and learn how to bring people together to create positive change.

We believe every student deserves access to meaningful, future-focused learning opportunities. That’s why we collaborate with schools and community partners to expand the Model UN experience — offering a holistic, year-round approach to learning.

With more than 20 years of experience in Model UN programming, we provide a range of support, including classroom resources, teacher training, delegate workshops, and local conferences. At FFL, we’re committed to building impactful experiences that help students thrive — today and tomorrow.

Amy Ruggiero

Founding Executive Director

Amy Ruggiero is a dedicated leader in education and youth empowerment, committed to shaping the next generation of engaged citizens and professionals. As the founder of Foundations for Leadership, Amy focuses on equipping students with the skills and the mindset to succeed in school, careers, and their communities. Prior to establishing FFL, Amy was Director of Education Programs for the UN Foundation, where she expanded the Global Classrooms Model UN program, reaching over 500,000 participants from 25 countries.

Liz Alarcón

Model UN Facilitator

Liz has extensive experience in Model UN as a delegate, staff member, and public school teacher. She leads engaging teacher workshops and staff training that make Model UN accessible and impactful. A proud Fulbright Scholar to Costa Rica, Liz holds a B.A. in International Studies and Sociology from the University of Miami and a Master’s in Democracy and Governance in Latin America from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.