President: Tony Platano
Hey everyone! I’m Tony and I will be your President for the 2021-22 academic year!
I’m French and Italian, born and raised on the French Riviera (you probably know the Cannes Film Festival, not a celebrity though.. yet). I’m entering my 2nd year studying BSc International Relations and History. As your President, I will be supervising the three divisions of UNSOC to ensure our events, MUN conferences, projects and socials run smoothly, so that your UNSOC experience can be as enriching and fulfilling as possible.
Having studied in an international school growing up, I am passionate about global affairs, with a strong interest in policy making and economics. Outside of UNSOC and when I'm not doing all-nighters at the Library (which I do not recommend), I love to explore London's endless food places, play tennis, have long conversations about movies and go on random late night walks with friends.
UNSOC has been an integral part of my first year even though I wasn’t on campus most of the time, providing countless opportunities to learn about international issues and career advice. Most importantly, UNSOC made me feel part of a real community, so do not hesitate to get involved and attend our events, which I promise will be super exciting!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!
Vice President: Christie Yan
Hi everyone! My name is Christie and I will be one of your Vice Presidents this year!
I am entering my second year of BSc International Relations. I was born and raised in Hong Kong and studied in the UK for two years before coming to LSE. I will be working with the Careers division this year and will work alongside the President and Vice President closely to ensure that we maintain UNSOC’s quality. Having been involved in UNSOC as a MUN Junior Officer, a member of #TeamLSE and the YouthMUN Secretariat, I can confidently say that UNSOC truly is like a family with countless opportunities to get to know everyone involved. Getting involved with UNSOC in my first year was a true highlight, both in London and in Hong Kong (however I certainly do not miss trainings at 3am), and I hope you find the same enjoyment within UNSOC the way we all did.
Beyond LSE and UNSOC, I can be found at the pub (you have a higher chance of finding me at the pub than at uni), or watching exorbitant amounts of Tik Toks in bed, or raging over Formula One and ice hockey. I love going on long walks and exploring new restaurants across London in my free time.
I hope you get the opportunity to become part of UNSOC and come to our events this year, it promises to be a fantastic experience! If you have any questions about UNSOC or coming to LSE, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Vice President: Cora Morton
Hey everyone! I’m Cora, I’m one of this year’s UNSOC Vice Presidents and I’m currently about to start my second year studying LLB Law.
I was born in Ireland but have lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, since I was two (so not the most exciting background compared to everyone else sadly.) This year, on top of my work with Tony and Christie, I’ll be working closely with the Outreach division to follow on from my time as an Outreach Officer last year. I’m also working with other societies to plan the 2022 London Diplomacy Ball, which is super exciting and something I hope lots of you get to attend!
Outside of UNSOC and when I’m not crying over contract law, I spend most of my time working at Asda (AKA finding out workplace gossip), attempting to sample every restaurant in London, volunteering, or becoming a slave to corporate law.
I can’t wait for you all to join our society this year, and hopefully get the sense of community and purpose that I experienced. In a really difficult year for us all, UNSOC was such a bright spark, and I sincerely hope that we in the ExCo can provide you with the same opportunities to grow, meet new people, and build on your LSE experiences. Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss anything, and I’m so excited to get to know you over the next year and beyond!
Secretary: Apolline Pedretti
Hey everyone! I’m Apolline and I’m your Secretary for UNSOC this year! I’m responsible for acting as the main point of contact between society members and the executive committee, so if you have any questions about UNSOC events or the society as a whole please don’t hesitate to reach out!
I was born in France but I have lived in Geneva, Switzerland for most of my life where I got the chance to grow up in a truly multicultural environment and a worldwide centre for diplomacy and international organizations that made me develop a true passion for international affairs. I will be entering my second year studying BSc International Relations and History, and I am most passionate about studying international law and human rights issues.
Outside of UNSOC and my degree, I spend most of my time exploring London, playing tennis, hanging out with friends, and going to music festivals. I’m so excited for what the upcoming year has to offer and I look forward to meeting you all!
Treasurer: Yixin Guo
Hello everyone! My name is Yixin and I'm entering my 3rd year of ISPP & Economics. This year I'll be your society Treasurer. My job is to approve expenses, keep the society financially healthy and produce an annual income account.
I was born in China and moved to the UK when I was 3 years old (so I've been based in London for quite some time now)! Last year I joined UNSOC to take up university level MUN for the first time, but what I really enjoyed was getting to know the fantastic people here. The society is fun and welcoming—so I'd strongly encourage you to join as well!
Outside of UNSOC, you can find me in either Tesco, Wetherspoons or Starbucks (because just like you, I need to buy groceries too). My goal for next year is to graduate and enjoy a (hopefully) Covid-free year—like you guys right?
I hope you manage to enjoy this summer and are looking forward to joining/returning to LSE as much as I am. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions. Speak soon!
Corporate-Careers Director: Maheen Rasul
My name is Maheen and I am serving as one of the Careers Directors this year. I am going into my second year of BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics and I come from Islamabad, Pakistan.
UNSOC has been the highlight of my first year at LSE, from meeting inspirational people who have the courage to make a difference, to getting to know numerous career opportunities. I love UNSOC because I believe it has provided us with a platform to make a difference, be it through talking about a variety of international issues or helping others realize their dreams of getting into the UN. I have been debating as long as I remember and headed the MUN and Debating Societies at my high schools, so UNSOC was definitely something I wanted to join when I came to LSE. I have been in London throughout the last year and the level of intellectuality and opportunities here leave me awestruck. My goal is to make the Careers Division more inclusive and diverse, and focus on a range of issues on the intersection of diplomacy and society, issues revolving around economics, politics, gender, IR and sociology. Last year, I had the pleasure of organizing some great events from a talk with Pakistan’s first female UN representative to a Careers workshop with OpenIGO. I am looking forward to a power packed year and my focus would be to organize events relevant to today’s global happenings.
Outside of UNSOC and LSE, I can be found writing poetry (my poetry book is called-A Soul That Ran Wild) and taking long walks across London. I love reading and this past year, I have been discovering the various independent bookshops in London. I take my coffee very seriously and can rank the various coffee shops for their taste. Additionally, since I love travelling, I love to discover new places and talk to a variety of people.
Looking forward to an amazing year ahead! You can always reach out to me for any questions or simply to chat!
Corporate-Careers Director: Harry Park
Hello! My name is Harry, and it is my pleasure to serve as one of your Careers directors for 2021-2022. Starting back in South Korea, my career related to the UN now stretches very long and wide. Eight years of MUN, two years of UNSOC Careers, and a few months into the real United Nations has challenged me to take adventures and strive for higher goals. As a Careers Director, I will endeavor to inspire you and provide the relevant resources for achieving your dreams!
Outside of MUN, I can be found at Tottenham Stadium every other weekend, cheering spurs to finish above Arsenal. During weekdays, I am usually sitting on a rocking chair looking out at Canary Wharf seriously wondering if investment bankers ever become sick of their sleepless lives (not that I discourage it in any way^^).
Jokes aside, I am very much looking forward to meeting you through exciting events next year. We’ll be ready to greet you with a warm welcome, either offline or online. If you have any questions or just want to get some tickets for a spurs game, shout, and I will do everything possible to help you. See you in September!
Model United Nations (MUN) Director: Anthony Rawstron
Hi everyone! I'm Anthony and I'm one of your MUN directors for 2021-22. I was born in Venezuela and grew up in England, Malaysia and Thailand before coming to LSE to study BSc Politics and International Relations. It still confuses me how I can have an English accent while having done the International Baccalaureate. I do love talking foreign affairs which is probably why I like MUN so much. Being a part of TeamLSE last year was certainly great and really helped in the worst of lockdown. Now, entering my second year, I cannot wait to co-lead the next generation of delegates to success at numerous international conferences.
Outside of MUN, and when I'm not observing the views from the 11th floor of the Centre Building while writing an essay, I can be found speeding around London on a Boris Bike, running in Regent's Park, or at the pub making decisions that I will most certainly regret the following morning.
I can't wait to meet you all this year and that I can, hopefully, finally use the debate room to conduct training sessions after a year online! No matter what the format, I'm sure that this year will be great and, with Nabil and I at the helm, you will not be denied a fantastic university MUN experience! So if you ever run into me, or just have any questions, do not hesitate to say hi (as long as I'm not on a bike riding away from an angry cabbie)!
Model United Nations (MUN) Director: Nabil Kalantar
Hiya everyone! I’m Nabil, one of the MUN directors for 2021-2022. I was born in New York, but grew up in North Carolina - born and raised American, although my mom is Persian and my dad is Canadian. I’m a second year International Relations and Chinese student (therefore, a member of the best department -- the Language Centre). I’ve done MUN for almost eight years, and am so excited to co-lead one of the best MUN teams in Europe. Being a part of TeamLSE was the highlight of my first year, as I am sure it will be for you. This is my first year in London after an online start to my uni experience, so I look forward to meeting all of you very much!
Beyond MUN, I’m an avid fan of Star Wars and Marvel (does Mickey Mouse own my soul? probably). I also love doing taekwondo, as well as serving with Baha’i-inspired community-building work in whatever neighborhood I live in. I also enjoy cooking Persian food a lot -- so let me know if you ever want a home-cooked Persian meal!
Anyhow, I look forward to meeting you all very shortly, whether online or in person. Anthony and I have some exciting things planned for the year ahead, whether you’re in the UK or remote. If you ever have any questions, I’m just a ping away -- don’t hesitate to ask. I love talking about anything MUN or uni-related at any time! See you in September!
Outreach Director: Aree Kang
Hey guys! My name is Aree, one of your Outreach Directors this 2021-2022 at UNSOC! I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea, but have also lived in other countries such as the United States, Norway, and the Netherlands. I'm in my second year studying BSc International Relations and Chinese (and yes, I wholeheartedly agree with Nabil on the Language Centre being the best department at LSE). I believe in the power of languages, which is why I am studying two at the moment alongside IR. I'm also passionate about international security and disarmament. If you also have a topic you are especially passionate about, Outreach is the right place for you, and I'm super excited to collaborate with new bright minds to speak out on important issues and start exciting new projects.
In my free time, I particularly enjoy indulging in anime and manga; my current favorite is Slam Dunk. I also love pretending to love working out at the gym– I'm still trying to get into the habit of it. Hopefully you will see me with my shredded arms this year.
I'm so thrilled to meet you all as part of this incredible community. If you are curious about anything, school related or not, please feel free to reach out. See you all in the fall!
Outreach Director: Sebastian Kim
Hey everyone. I’m Sebastian and I’m thrilled to serve as one of your Outreach directors for 2021-2022. I was born and raised in South Korea but graduated from a British international school there, which explains the confusion with my English accent between American and British. I’m a second year student studying BSc Politics and International Relations. I have a huge interest in electoral psychology and international security, which makes me want to listen to stories and perspectives from as many people as possible.
In my free time, unlike a lot of social people at LSE, I do love watching anime or whatever Youtube recommends to me for that day on my bed. If I decide to go out, I do love going to parks, walking alongside the Thames river, and spending two hours minimum at karaokes.
I’m truly looking forward to how UNSOC 2021-2022 would look with new UNSOC family members. Out of all things, I can guarantee you only one thing that I will make Outreach l continue to be the best division at UNSOC. Outreach is the best place where you can be proactive on issues that you’re passionate about. If you are curious about UNSOC or life in general, feel free to reach out. See you all soon!
Chief Design Officer: Mary Samaha
Hey guys! I’m Mary, and I’ll be serving as your Chief Design Officer for 2020/21! My role is to design and edit a range of content that is cohesive with the UNSOC brand and among all divisions. I’m an American and Lebanese incoming 2nd year BSc Management student. In typical LSE fashion, I grew up in North Carolina and France before moving to Malta, where I lived for 11 years! London has definitely been a huge change, but I’ve loved every minute of it here! UNSOC had such a positive impact on my first year at LSE. I was involved in the MUN division and was a delegate at conferences such as ManMUN (where we had the pleasure of staying in exquisite accommodation) and LIMUN. These experiences helped improve my confidence in public speaking and led to great bonds with amazing people! Outside of MUN, I enjoy being super touristy, going to comedy shows/ music gigs, and spending all my money on sausage rolls and tomato soup at Greggs. If you have any questions about my role or just want a chat, please hit me up! I look forward to welcoming all our new members next year!!