Executive Committee
Cohen Fitzwater
President
Cohen is the President of the Cornell International Affairs Society. He's a junior studying Political Science & Government with minors in Crime, Prisons, Education & Justice, as well as Moral Psychology. Cohen is passionate about building community and supporting the future of Model UN at Cornell, as well as providing a forum for students to discuss international relations and foreign affairs. Outside of CIAS, Cohen is Director of Events for Electric Buffalo Records, a Radio DJ for WVBR 93.5 FM Ithaca's Alternative, and a summer lifeguard with New York State Parks. Cohen enjoys hiking in the Adirondacks, skiing, and getting a good deal while thrifting. He looks forward to serving our members, growing our community, and supporting our programs.
Contact him at president@thecias.org.
Melissa Moon
Executive Vice President
Melissa is excited to serve as the Executive Vice President of the Cornell International Affairs Society for the upcoming year. She is a junior studying English and History in the College of Arts & Sciences with a minor in Business, and she is part of the Humanities Scholars Program. She has been involved in Model United Nations since sixth grade, both from the delegate and administrative perspective, and has found great enjoyment. Outside of CIAS, she serves as the Arts & Culture Editor of the 144th board of the Cornell Daily Sun and writes her own column, and she enjoys painting in her free time. Melissa is looking forward to another wonderful year of CIAS and to putting the organization’s best foot forward.
Contact her at vp@thecias.org.
Abdurrahman Ali
Vice President of Finance
Ali is an international student from Afghanistan. He is a senior, studying Government with a minor in Public Policy. This year, Ali will be serving as the Vice President of Finance for CIAS. Apart from CIAS, Ali is an author for the Cornell Daily Sun where he writes for Department of Arts and Culture. As a pre-law student, Ali has worked with faculty members at Cornell Law School in topics of immigration, international law, and corporate law. He is also a member of Cornell Cricket Club. In additional to his responsibilities as VP of Finance, Ali is also excited and looking forward to a year filled with opportunities for students to explore Model UN and Global Affairs.
Contact him at finance@thecias.org.
Mei Reed
Vice President of Membership
Mei is thrilled to serve as CIAS’s Vice President of Membership for the upcoming year. A sophomore double majoring in Chemistry and Chinese and Asian Pacific Studies, she also serves as the Director of Operations for CIAC XVII. Mei is excited to help create a welcoming and engaging environment where all members can connect, participate, and enjoy club events and meetings. Outside of MUN, she is a coach with the club rowing team and the Political Union on campus. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, watching movies, and taking “study breaks” that often turn into bubble tea runs.
Contact her at membership@thecias.org.
Argenis Alas
Vice President of Public Relations
Argenis is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University studying government and environmental sustainability. He has been involved in Model UN since his freshman year, competing at the North American Model United Nations conference and later staffing Cornell Model United Nations Conference. Outside of Model UN, he serves as President of Cornell’s QuestBridge Scholars Network chapter and works as a social media manager for Partners In Health. He is passionate about advocacy, sustainability, and creating supportive communities on campus.
Contact him at pr@thecias.org.
Fiona Silbermann
Executive Secretary
Fiona is so excited to serve as the Executive Secretary of CIAS this year! She is a sophomore majoring in government, with minors in Law & Society and American Studies. She has been involved with Model UN since her freshman year of high school, where she found a passion for organizing conferences and facilitating meaningful conversations about international affairs. Outside of CIAS, Fiona is involved in Jewish life on campus, ultimate frisbee, and Cornell’s pep band. You can often find her at Zeus(come say hi!) or supporting Cornell’s hockey team. Fiona looks forward to some fruitful conversations about international affairs, lots of fun social events, and an amazing year of MUN!
Contact her at secretary@thecias.org.