FFL | About

about

Foundations for Leadership is a non-profit, education organization dedicated to equipping young people for success in education, career, and civic life. With Model UN as a cornerstone, we promote experiential learning that develops a collaborative approach to solving problems.

Supporting educators is core to our work. We offer teacher professional development and classroom resources to help schools and districts build Model UN programs or professionalize existing ones. Our team has more than 30 years combined experience in program design, implementation, and resource development. Foundations for Leadership is particularly attuned to the needs of public school educators. Thanks to generous partnerships with higher education institutions and community leaders, we provide year-round support and learning opportunities to both teachers and students.

Who We Are

Amy is responsible for business development and overall strategic planning. Her business acumen has been cultivated over 20 years in both corporate and nonprofit settings. She has a wealth of experience in building and supporting Model UN programs across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Amy Ruggiero

Kelly is responsible for program strategy and operations while ensuring ongoing programmatic excellence. With recognized expertise in curriculum design, Kelly leads teacher professional development and student training and oversees youth outreach and engagement. She works closely with school district partners to effectively integrate standards-based learning activities into required K-12 coursework for the Social Sciences.

Co-Founder and Director Emeritus

Kelly Siegel-Stechler

Allyson is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing logistics for Foundations for Leadership annual conferences and events. She has over 10 years of experience running Model UN conferences and has held positions at all levels for more than 16 conferences.

Model UN Events Coordinator

Allyson M. Holley

Liz is a communicator, facilitator and social entrepreneur. She leads Pulso, a digital organizing platform working to increase the political power of the 32 million Latinx voters across the United States. Throughout high school, college and graduate school, Liz was actively involved in the Model UN circuit as a delegate, volunteer and coach.

Model UN Facilitator

Liz Rebecca Alarcón

Our Advisors

Michael Chirichello Ed.D
International Consultant, former school superintendent and professor

Adam Dovico
Visiting Clinical Professor, Wake Forest College Department of Education

Michael J. Lenaghan Ed.D
Mardee Jenrette Endowed Teaching Chair, Miami Dade College and the Honors College

Anja Norman, MA
Department Chair, Social & Behavioral Sciences, St. Petersburg College - Clearwater

Lucia Rodriguez Ed.D
Director, Global Masters in Development, The Earth Institute at Columbia University

Tim Rosta
Senior Media and Marketing Consultant, Tim Rosta Inc.

Andrew Roush
Communications Specialist, Texas Computer Education Association

Jessica Webb (Ex-Officio)
Social Studies Staff Developer, Pinellas County Schools

about

Who We Are

Amy Ruggiero

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Kelly Siegel-Stechler

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Allyson M. Holley

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Liz Rebecca Alarcón

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Our Advisors

Our Partners