Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the 55th University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference! My name is Ruthanne Thongkai, and I am so excited to be your chair for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. I was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida but I spend most of my year in Philadelphia.

I am a senior in the College majoring in political science with a concentration in American politics, a minor in legal studies and history, and a certificate in Spanish. I have no idea what I want to do after college, but going to DC and working in public service is the goal, with law school possibly in the future. On campus, I am involved in the Kite and Key Society, the Penn Undergraduate Law Journal, Phi Alpha Delta (the pre-law frat), and I have two on-campus jobs. Outside of classes and clubs, I love baking, exploring places to eat in Philadelphia, and going to museums.

I’ve staffed UPMUNC since my first year at Penn and I’m so excited to do it during my last. The UPMUNC Secretariat has worked endlessly to staff the conference with the best people and make sure that each topic is exciting and engaging. We hope that every delegate is able to participate in topics that they are passionate about and learn something new during the conference. 

Nick and I are so excited to have you in committee and we hope you have a fun weekend here and in Philadelphia. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

Best,

Ruthanne Thongkai

Chair, North Atlantic Treaty Organization