Meet Karina Torres Figueroa | President of Women in MUN

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karina Torres Figueroa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karina, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Success in expanding Women in MUN stemmed from staying organized, ensuring a clear line of communication, and continually innovating. Staying organized was incredibly important, since it allowed me to efficiently manage our initiatives and deadlines, keeping me and my team motivated to expand Women in MUN to as many women as possible. Communication was also key. By communicating effectively, I was able to coordinate with our board members, guest speaker and build partnerships. were able to coordinate. Also, constantly thinking of new ways to diversify the organization kept initiatives fresh and impactful. Whether through the start of our WMUN podcast, new articles and guides, or Annual Summer Immersion Program, innovation was key to sustained growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started doing Model UN when I was a Sophomore in high school. Quickly, it became something that I loved and was incredibly passionate about. I completely submerged myself in Model UN, pursuing all opportunities to practice and get better. On the way, I learned that Model UN is often intimidating for women and girls like me, something I sought to change. So, I involved myself in Women in MUN, first as the Program Outreach Director for our Annual Summer Immersion Program. I coordinated, advertised and co-hosted the 2023 and 2024 programs, having high-profile guest speakers like Assistant Dean Rosa Celorio of The George Washington Law School. Seeing the smiling and inspired faces of our members during our Summer Immersion Program made me even more committed Women in MUN and ensuring all women and girls have the opportunity to learn, grow and become global citizens. As Vice President and now President, I’ve had the privilege of making Women in MUN more accessible. One of our accessibility initiatives is the WMUN podcast where we discuss Model UN and international topics in a relatable and engaging manner, tailored to women’s experience and covering what is most important to us. Overall, my team and I, have expanded Women in MUN globally, empowering girls from the United States to Pakistan, Albania, Ghana, Panama and more in Model UN procedure, public speaking, writing and confidence. We also received a micro-grant from the Karma for Cara organization to continue expanding Women in MUN and reach more women than ever before. If there’s something I’ve learned through my journey in Women in MUN is that with the proper resources and backing women are powerful and bold, able to conquer all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While I am definately biased as a President of a Model UN organization, I would tell them to visit some of our consulates here in Miami. Miami is known for its diverse cultural convergence and its evident my the many foreign embassies and consulates. While small, many consulates collaborate with cultural organizations in the city to provide a unique cultural immersion that can only be found here in Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My team has been incredibly important in the success and expansion of Women in MUN, especially Women in MUN International Outreach Director for North America, Karina Garcia. I would also like to recognize our former President, Olivia Russo for giving me the opportunity to grow such an amazing organization.

Website: https://womeninmun.wixsite.com/womeninmun

Instagram: womeninmun

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wmun-women-in-mun/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@womeninmun5914?si=d-S1T-x1X3YhRv-F