our team
We are the Penn students that make up Model Congress at Penn. Hover over us to learn more!
President
Josearmando Torres
Josearmando is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Political Science with minors in Statistics and Data Science. Despite having no prior experience with Model Congress before Penn, he played a large role in his high school's debate team and loved to judge competitions across the city. In addition to Model Congress, he serves as the Business Manager of the Penn Political Review and works as an NBC Decision Desk Intern through the Penn Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies (PORES). He also recently completed a Spring 2024 internship at The White House. Feel free to reach out to him at jtorres8@sas.upenn.edu with any questions about Model Congress or life at Penn. He looks forward to providing you with an outstanding conference experience!
Vice President
Mia Antonacci
Vice President
Mehreen Chowdhury
Mehreen is a sophomore studying Economics with a minor in Statistics and Data Science and she is so excited to be co-Vice President for PennMC this year. She is originally from Dallas, TX and has interests in business and public policy. Outside of PennMC, Mehreen is involved in Penn Bangla, Undergraduate Economics Society, and the Penn Named Scholarship Program. In her free time, Mehreen loves hanging out with friends and her cat (Beef), watching new TV shows, or just being outside. Feel free to contact her at mehreenc@sas.upenn.edu for questions about Economics at Penn or to send show recommendations!
Executive Director
Remy Rabin
Remy Rabin is a junior at Penn studying Political History with a minor in Spanish, and is so excited to be one of the Co-Executive Directors of Penn Model Congress. While she has served on the PennMC board since her first year of college, her love of model congress dates back to high school, in which she traveled all over the country participating in conferences. She is a huge Swiftie, lover of dance and the arts, and is so excited to see you in March 2025!
Executive Director
Jennifer Mesa
Jennifer is a sophomore majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Originally from Miami, FL, she was involved in the legislative process through research and lobbying. Her interest in law and public policy drew her to joining the Penn Model Congress team. On campus, Jennifer is also involved with the Penn Undergraduate Law Journal and Penn Mergers and Acquisitions. Feel free to contact her at jenmesa@sas.upenn.edu for any questions regarding Model Congress and all things regarding being pre-law at Penn.
Business Director
Ali Ahmad
Ali is a junior at the College of Arts and Sciences, studying history on the pre-law track. He is fascinated by governmental policy and public speaking. Outside of Penn MC, he is involved with the Penn Debate Society and Penn Muslim Student Association. Feel free to contact Ali at aliahma@sas.upenn.edu.
Chief of Staff
Michelle Shi
Michelle is a sophomore double majoring in Biology and Spanish on the pre-med track! Originally from Moorestown, NJ, she loved being a part of debate and was president of her high school's Model Congress team. Michelle loves public speaking and getting to meet her delegates as a chair! Beyond Penn Model Congress, Michelle is involved in the Medical Emergency Response Team, Penn Reproductive Justice, and Penn Symphony Orchestra. Whenever she has free time, Michelle is obsessed with thrifting, cafe-hopping, and Studio Ghibli films. Ask her about her love for turtles (she's got two at home!) and of course, any and all questions at micheshi@sas.upenn.edu.
Administrative Director
Micaela Alpert
From her hometown of Summit, NJ, Micaela is a senior on the pre-medical track majoring in biochemistry, biophysics, and biology, with a minor in anthropology. Outside of Model Congress, she is involved with the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), Educational Pipeline Program, MathMates, W3ABT Amateur Radio Club, Anthropology Undergraduate Advisory Board, and hematology research efforts at CHOP. Micaela is currently applying to medical school with aspirations of pursuing a career in pediatric surgery. In her free time, you’ll find her biking along the river trail, playing the piano, reading a good British murder mystery, or spending time with her roommates and cat (Frankie). You can reach her at alpertm@sas.upenn.edu.
Program Director
Andrew Luong
Andrew Luong is a junior studying Political Science and History and is excited to serve as Program Director for Penn MC this year! Andrew is born and raised in Philadelphia. Despite having no Model Congress experience from high school, Andrew has worked in both the House and Senate for a combined time of a year so far. At Penn, Andrew is co-president of the Beekeeping Club and a member of the Polybian Society. In his free time, Andrew spends time with the beehives and plays the classical guitar. Feel free to contact anndy@sas.upenn.edu for advice with Congress or anything else!
Social Director
Veronica Smith
Veronica Smith is a junior studying Political Science and History in the College of Arts & Sciences. She is from Branford, CT where she participated in Model Congress for four years in high school and was president of her delegation. She had an amazing time being Chief of Staff last year and can’t wait to be your Social Director.
Executive Branch Director
Tyler Ringhofer
Tyler is a sophomore in Wharton studying economics with a concentration in legal studies and business ethics. He is originally from Orange County, CA, and his interests include the intersection of business and law, particularly in the sports industry. In his free time, he loves watching basketball and football, and cheering on his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs. He is excited to hear great debate and new policy initiatives!
Supreme Court Coordinator
Camilo Baltodano
Camilo Baltodano is a first-year student at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Law & Society with a minor in Economic Policy. Originally from San Luis Obispo, California, he served as president of his high school's 50-member Model Congress team and competed in the Supreme Court Committee. At Penn, Camilo is active in Penn Model Congress, Penn Undergraduate Moot Court, DJ@Penn, Penn Democrats, and the Latinx Coalition. He has also externed with state Superior and Appellate Court judges in California. In his free time, he produces music, explores Philly, and enjoys connecting with friends. Reach him at bcamilo@sas.upenn.edu