International Relations Department

Today is the last day to donate to the IR Department for Gator Giving Day! Your support means the world to us, and any amount that you are willing to donate will help us and our Model UN team succeed for another year. With you behind us, we can't fail!

Good morning.

SF State fielded several teams once again at this year’s EU simulation at the West Coast Model EU at the University of Washington, where about 15 other universities from around the country participated. 

I can report, once again, we had great success. Our team represented the Heads of Government of Romania, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia, and the economy ministers of Romania and Belgium. They discussed issues related to building common defense procurement agencies, a common directive to regulate social media, and the accession of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.

Our students took leadership roles in the negotiations and were able to bring the Member States to approve resolutions in each of these areas.

One of our students, Dustin Lewis, won the prize for best Position Paper as Head of Government for a well resourced and persuasive paper in favor a common defense procurement agency and position on EU enlargement.

Model EU continues to be a successful program for SF State students and we are also the only school from the Bay Area that participates.

I am a proud alumna of San Francisco State University (SFSU) and a former participant in the SFSU Model United Nations (MUN) program. Today, I am writing to share how my experience with Model UN, and the opportunities I found at SF State, shaped my professional journey, and to ask for your support in helping the current generation of students benefit from this transformative program.

As the daughter of immigrant parents, I grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work and the pursuit of a better future. My parents came to this country in search of opportunities they couldn’t find at home and my early stories of their homeland sparked in me a curiosity to understand the reasons why. This was the beginning of my interest in international relations. However, as immigrants to this country, they were not equipped to guide me in my entire journey here in the US, including through the higher education system. Institutions like SF State, its affordability and excellence in international affairs, helped me see and access opportunities that I didn’t know existed. Model UN, in particular, opened doors I hadn’t imagined and gave me the confidence and skills to pursue a path in international relations and policy.

During my time at SFSU, Model UN became a cornerstone of my education, equipping me with essential skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking. These experiences taught me the importance of collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and effective communication—skills that have carried me far beyond the conference halls and into every corner of my professional life.

After graduating, I pursued policy work, studied abroad in Italy and the UK, and completed my master’s degree at King’s College London. I went on to work for a Member of Congress, for the City of San Francisco, and now, in my current role, I focus on artificial intelligence policy within the tech industry. The foundational skills I gained through Model UN have been crucial in each of these endeavors, enabling me to navigate complex policy discussions, build international partnerships, and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Reflecting on my own journey, I am reminded of how Model UN and the support of institutions like SFSU not only transformed my life but also impacted the lives of those around me. The opportunities I received would not have been possible without the support of the SFSU community, and I want to ensure that the next generation of students has access to the same life-changing experiences.

This is why I am reaching out to you today. The SFSU Model UN team is aiming to raise $3,000 to cover the costs of attending their next conference. These funds will support travel, accommodation, and registration fees, ensuring that students have the opportunity to participate in this life-changing experience.

I know first-hand how impactful Model UN can be, and I am committed to ensuring that today’s students have the same opportunities I did. I hope you will consider contributing to this cause and helping the next generation of leaders discover new opportunities and realize their potential.

Thank you for your time, your generosity, and for supporting the bright future of the San Francisco State University Model UN team.

With gratitude, Estefani