SOFIMUN.org ---> Organisers ---> Org & Ex coms

SOFIMUN 2011 Organizational and executive committees

Ms. Paola Ivanova (Org-com)

Supervisory Board (Chairperson of the Assembly of Founders of SOFIMUN Foundation)

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Paola is a PhD candidate in Media Studies at the Sofia University, focusing her research on the new generation media, the web media, social networks and their influence on the international news. Paola holds a MA of South Slavic studies from the Sofia University and graduated with honors one of Bulgaria’s top high schools – National Lyceum for Ancient Languages and Cultures. During her MA studies, Paola has been oftenly awarded scholarships for studies aboroad and lived and studied in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Zagreb, Croatia.

Working for 8 years in the media field as an international desk journalist and editor in various media, currently Paola is a Public Relations manager in a prosperous communication group company, and works as a Corporate Social Responsibility consultant and New Media consultant for various business and public organizations. In a meanwhile Paola proudly occupies the position of a president of the SOFIMUN International Foundation. Another of her important activities is the Rotary movement, as a Vice President of the Rotaract Club Sofia International.

Fluent in English, Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, with working knowledge of Russian and French, basic in Turkish and Slovenian, now Paola is meeting the challenge of learning more and more new languages.

Whenever she gets a bit of free time from all this, Paola is mastering in her three favorite sports – tennis, ice skating and biking. She’s also a devoted football fan often to be seen strongly supporting favorite teams.

The remarkable experience called “Model UN” took Paola to several events of the kind providing her with the unique possibility to both extend her knowledge on the UN system and work on UN issues, but also to meet lots of new friends and participate in memorable cultural exchanges. Her MUN career started in 2007 at the very first ZAGIMUN in Croatia and continued with chairperson positions at BISMUN 2011 (Bucharest), GIMUN 2010 (Geneva), MUNUSAL 2010 (Salamanca), ZAGIMUN 2009 (Zagreb), NAPOMUN 2009 (Cluj-Napoca), MOSTIMUN 2009 (Mostar), editor in chief at MILMUN 2010 and delegating at ZAGIMUN 07 and 08, UNISCA 2009 (Amsterdam – best delegate award)), BISMUN 2010 (best delegate award), THESSISMUN 2008 (Thessaloniki) and several national MUNs in Sofia.

It is not too much to say for Paola that MUNs changed her life completely in both personal and professional way. Being part of this experience for years already, Paola had the chance to get the best of it – meeting lifelong friends and turning MUNing and UN by side engagements in a professional work.

"It's funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to." - J.D. Salinger, "Catcher in the rye"

Mr. Dimiter Mandradjiev (Org-com)

Supervisory Board, Fundraising manager (Executive Director of SOFIMUN Foundation)

Dimiter Mandradjiev is born in Sofia city, Bulgaria in 1986 and a month later he moved to sunny Cairo, Egypt for 3 years. His primary education was in the Baghdad International School under UN guidance in Iraq. He graduated the prestigious 35-th language high-school "Dobri Voinikov" in Sofia, Bulgaria.

He has an excellent bachelor degree in International Relations program from New Bulgarian University in Sofia. During his second and third years of studies he was awarded with scholarships for excellent grades. He has also obtained an excellent MA degree in International business. Now he is looking for a good PhD continuation...

In 1999 Dimiter started to work upon youth activities. Most of the projects concern patriotism, education, nature and humanity. Meanwhile he founded a communication group company SVETU Ltd. In 2005 he received a gratitude letter from the President of the Republic of Bulgaria for the efforts made in developing and accomplishing initiatives and campaigns with patriotic aims. Also he received a support letter by the Bulgarian prime-minister upon a new movement which he formed also in the beginning of 2005.

One of Dimiter’s main commitments is in trying to build a better deal for Bulgarian citizens. The membership in various organizations like The Atlantic Club of Bulgaria, founder and chairman of the national union "Treasure the Bulgarian Heritage", co-founder and Executive director of the SOFIMUN foundation are only part of his activities related at NGO level. He tries to make a difference in other organizations such as being a Past-President of Rotaract Club Sofia International and now Secretary-Elect. He has started making steps in improving his knowledge of different languages. Until now he is still bothered whether Bulgarian or English is his mother tongue, uses Russian and German and will master Arabic for the opportunities he will face in the future.

Dimiter became addicted to MUNs in Vienna in 2006. Since then - ZAGIMUN, THESSISMUN, UNISCA, MOSTIMUN, MUNUSAL, GIMUN, BISMUN and other MUN events - national and international - the aftermath says: over 20 MUNs, 6 times chairperson and Secretary-General of the BISMUN 2011 and MDIMUN 2011. He feels the spirit of MUNs defiantly coincide with his ideals to make things better – a problem solver.

"I'm faster than you, I'm stronger than you, certainly I'll last much longer than you. You may think I'm the future, but you're wrong-you are! If I had a wish, I'd wish to be human. To know how it feels, to feel, to hope, to despair, to wonder, to love. I can achieve immortality by not wearing out, you can achieve immortality simply by doing one great thing! Keep walking..."

robot from Johnny Walker advertisement.

Ms. Polina Goranova (Org-com)

Supervisory Board (Director of Board of Directors of SOFIMUN Foundation)

Born and raised in Bulgaria, Polina holds a Master Degree in Entrepreneurship at Amsterdam University. Her educational background also includes economics and computer technology.

Polina got the "MUN virus" about 3 years ago when she participated at UNISCA conference as a Chairperson at the Security Council. GIMUN and TEIMUN quickly followed the same year. Back in 2007 she considered the idea for organizing the first Model United Nations conference in Bulgaria as one of the most exciting initiatives she had ever undertaken. It did not take long to Paola, Dimiter and her to start real preparation for their common goal. Thanks to their entrepreneurial pro-activeness to create this exciting member of the MUN's family that now, in 2011 is about to be held for 3th time.

Polina's friends say they like working with her because of the constant positive energy she has and her open-minded personality that helps innovation to prevail.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

Mr. Boris Tassev (Ex-com)

Supervisory Board, Conference manager (Administrative Director of SOFIMUN Foundation)

Boris Tassev is born on December 29th 1984 in Sofia and considers himself lucky to have graduated form one of the top high schools in Bulgaria – the First English Language School (FELS). In 2000 he got accepted in Middlesex School of Concord New Hampshire, but he chose to stay in Bulgaria. After four years in FELS, he got accepted at Bard College in New York, Annandale-on-Hudson, back then one of the top 20 Colleges and one of the most expensive ones on a Distinguished Scientist Scholarship for Natural Sciences and Mathematics, which allowed him to stay in the United States for a little bit more than four years.

In the mean time his interests shifted in a new direction. After exploring Mathematics and Computer Science for a year and a half he got introduced to the world of Economics. At that time he moderated for the Department of Economics of Bard College part of the Levy Economic Institute. From that point he delved in the field of Applied Macroeconomics and Finance, exploring the United States financial market and ending his academic work with a year long Senior Project exploring the booming housing crisis in the world focusing primarily on Bulgaria. In the mean time he gained experience in micromanaging in several IT companies in NY.

Currently Boris is back in Bulgaria managing a family company, developing his own business in a meanwhile, dministrative Director if the SOFIMUN Foundation and a President for 2010-2011 of Rotaract Club Sofia International, where he whishes to have the opportunity to make a difference for the Bulgarian society.

Boris enjoys traveling around the world and meeting new people. His passion is the piano and he enjoys making conversations with it. His latest passion is dancing and he devotes quite some time to it.

Ms. Martina Boyuklieva (Ex-com)

Conference Secretary

Her name is Martina Bouklieva and she was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. Martina graduated from the American College of Sofia and is currently in her second year of studies at University College Utrecht (The Netherlands), obtaining a bachelor degree in Social Sciences with a major in Law and Economics. Her interest in MUN started from the first edition of SOFIMUN and since then she has participated in several MUNs as a delegate, chair, or organizer. The last MUN she has been working in is UCUMUN at her university in Utrecht. Apart from that, she is also involved with other organizations and is a member of Rotaract Club Sofia International and the SIFE team in Utrecht.

Martina participated in all the editions of SOFIMUN and is also part of the SOFIMUN foundation, thus she is more than happy to be in the organizing team once again and to contribute in making the 4th edition of the conference even better than the previous ones.

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." - Sir Winston Churchill

Mr. Andrey Stoychev (Ex-com)

Supervisory Board, Recruitment manager (Director "European Cooperation" of SOFIMUN Foundation)

Andrey’s life revolves around three things: politics, private enterprising and the preservation of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage.

Since 2005 he is a campaign manager, well it’s plain to see what it’s about, managing election campaigns. Sometimes and especially after the fifth one in a row he thinks that he is not managing it, but it’s the other way around. As soon as the elections are over, he and his colleagues from the department of political sciences at the New Bulgarian University, bang there heads at the question "Why people keep making the wrong choices time and time again?”. He and his friends are convinced that there is a world conspiracy aimed at rendering logic and reason worthless and to turn the conscious choice, which the voting is, into unconscious one.

From December 2006 he has gained interest in another area - the preservation and promotion of Bulgaria’s culture and heritage. So he and some friends started an NGO called National Union "Treasure the Bulgarian Heritage".

As far as private enterprising is concerned, in May 2007 he started his own business. Since then he says: "Moneymaking is a wonderful thing!”

In the following years he participated at multiple MUNs both as a delegate and chair, as his most favorite MUN experience until now he considers last year’s edition of SOFIMUN were he got the chance to chair at his home MUN. But that’s until now, because this year he will have the honor to do the recruiting together with his friend Mihnea Stoica.

Ms. Carl-Georg Plum (Ex-com)

Recruitment manager

M

Ms. Adriana Rusenova (Ex-com)

Public Relations manager (Bulgarian media sector)

To be updated soon

Ms. Evelina Sandalova (Ex-com)

Assistant to the Fundraising Manager, Recruitment Assistant

Evelina Sandalova was born in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. This year she is graduating at Banking, Trade and Finance at the National Trade and Banking school.

She began her MUN experience 2 years ago, being part of Council of European Union at simulation organized by the American University in Bulgaria and AISEC. Her next challenge was the participation in the International Security and War Conference against terrorism and simulation of the General Assembly at the National Model United Nations 2010-2012. Once she started she could not get enough and during the summer she attended the SOFIMUN 2010 conference, as part of the Council of European Union, representing Cyprus, granted honorary mention.

At the present Evelina is part of the SOFIMUN Foundation team, organizer of the annual international SOFIMUN conference as a financial manager.

Currently she is working on new project - simulation of the European Parliament in Bulgaria, a joint initiative of the European ParliamentRepresentation Office in Bulgaria and the SOFIMUN Foundation, where she is a chairperson.

For Evelina to be part of the team organizing SOFIMUN 2011 is an endeavor which will contribute to its most to her MUN and life experience.She hardly ever quits and if there is a chance for something to be reached, she gives it all.

For Evelina being part of the team of SOFIMUN conference will be one of the best ways to learn more, gain experience and opportunity to enjoy a great team.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams

Mr. Petko Popadiyski (ExCom)

IT manager

Born in the second largest Bulgarian city of Plovdiv in 1983, Petko graduated in applied mathematics. Since his early age he has been interested in new technology. Several years of working experience in IT companies has given him the confidence and the opportunity to travel and get better acquainted with European countries. After that he took the decision that he needed a change and he found a way to live in the marvelous country of Colombia for 9 months.

His first Model United Nations experience was at ZAGIMUN, where participating in the Human Rights Committee he became passionate about world issues and poverty. As part of this he participated in, "Un techo para mi pais", one of the biggest NGOs in South America, building houses in some extremely poor neighborhoods in Medellin, Columbia. He has also been an active member of the ecological NGO "Green Balkans", as well as participating in the international organization AIESEC. His broad range of interests includes adventure travel and extreme sports, and studying psychology and group dynamics, or anything which is crazy enough.

Ms. Maggie Zhelyazkova

Guest Speakers Manager

After participating in SOFIMUN 2009, my first MUN conference ever, Maggie have gotten the MUN virus for life. No words can describe how amazing the time spent with such interesting people was! Since then, she has organized SOFIMUN 2010 and is currently working on SOFIMUN 2011. Maggie have also attended two MUN conferences in the Middle East, more specifically in Doha, Qatar, sponsored by the Georgetown University, both of which were great experiences.

Currently, Maggie studies at the Anglo-American School of Sofia from which she will hopefully graduate next year. Besides doing MUN and getting involved in anything to do with international affairs and meeting new people, she also enjoys doing sports like rock climbing, swimming, tennis, etc. Maggie has also been engaged in different projects that aim at benefitting society and the community we live in. Since last year, she’s the secretary for her school’s Interact Club, which considers to be a wonderful opportunity for one to become more aware of current issues and also think of new, original ways to solve them.

This being Maggie’s third year at SOFIMUN, she can definitely say that the people she worked with are some of the most thoughtful, responsible, caring and up-for-a-good-time she has ever met. Participating in SOFIMUN both as organizer and as a delegate is an unforgettable experience and Maggie definitely recommends it to everyone interested in international affairs. Looking forward to seeing all of you and spending a good week in Sofia!

Mr. Lubomir Zhelehanov

Logistics Manager

Born in the middle of the summer, Lubomir Zhelehanov is very social and positive person. Together with various sports practices, he graduated a top high-school in Sofia, the Anglo-American School, as a scholarship student. Currently, he is a Political Sciences top student in the New Bulgarian University of Sofia.

Having himself faced and overcome many controversial moments in his life, at this young age Lubomir has learned that the thing that matters most in life is to love and help his relatives and friends, because they are indeed the people who would support him. On his way to becoming a successful and responsible person though, he would not rely on the help of anyone or anything other than his personal intelligence and ambition.

Lubomir Zhelehanov speaks fluently English and has a practically useful understanding of French and Spanish. The languages for him are an essential part of his future plans, because he is planning to work in the sector of International Relations. For him, variety in the everyday life is probably the most important thing and this is why he hopes to find realization in working with people from all around the world. Lubomir also has a keen interest in the areas of European history and Biology, as he finds them an essential knowledge, because they create the complex connection between past, present and future.

Lubomir is dedicated to his work in the social sector as having a great career as part of the Rotary movement in Bulgaria. Currently a member of the Rotaract Club Sofia International board, he is one of the youngest Presidents Elect and will obtain this position in July 2011. The SOFIMUN 2011 conference is second experience for him- in 2010 he occupied the Logistics position in a most successful way, which is why this year, he will be leading the Logistics team as their prominent manager. He estimates SOFIMUN as a great chance to use and improve his communication skills, get used to working with the others in the creation of something so important and grandiose, and prove that he possesses the sense of responsibility required for the task. Lubomir hopes that he would be as successful as before as part of the team and help as much as he can - share all hard work and creativity, problem resolving and consideration, and last, but not least all the joyful moments spent with the rest of the team.

"One learns during his lifetime"

Ms. Janet Georgieva

Logistics Officer

Janet was born in Sofia on a very chilly April day, but she’s not cold at all. On the contrary, her friends say she’s really warm, enthusiastic and positive. She’s always a good person to have around, because she deeply cares about her friends-they mean the world to her. Janet loves adventure and taking risks. She is spontaneous and a maybe a little crazy, but who isn’t?! At 22, she doesn’t feel like a grown up, yet-she tries to preserve the child in her. She is pretty funny, always smiling and she loves making witty remarks.

Janet studies English Philology in the Sofia University and every philologist knows it is quite a challenge to learn all the subtleties of a language, even though it is still manageable. She tries to have fun throughout her years as a student, because these are the most magnificent years of a person’s life. Janet is glad to have her fellow – students who help her through the difficulties and who are always by her side. Janet says philologists are extremely tough, stubborn and persistent. They have nerves of steel, otherwise they won’t last a month in the university.

In the future Janet sees herself working as a tour guide and a translator. Her dream is to travel all around the world where she would meet new people, see different cultures and try new things. She is also interested in music, because since she can remember she has been singing. She has traveled to Japan and the Czech Republic with her choir (The Bulgarian National Radio Choir) and she has performed in front of the late Pope John Paul II. Her biggest mistake has been that she has given this dream up and has left the choir, otherwise as a soloist she would have gone to many other places. Anyway, now she sings just for fun.
Her favorite quote is: “Make a difference!”

Mr. Yordan Dukov

Logistics Officer (Clubs)

Born by the Bulgarian seacoast in Varna, Yordan Dukov has been living in Sofia for two years now. He has graduated a classical high school with an accent on literature, philosophy and history. Yordan is currently an undergraduate in the University of Portsmouth in Sofia, studying business administration.

Yordan is spending most of his days dedicated to the family business, in the office, where together with his father, is working and learning how to run the successful brands of his family. With the experience gained, he has already brought and started distributing several world famous brands from different branches to the Bulgarian market exclusively under the family company‘s control. Other than that, Yordan is a passionate hunter and nature lover. He is also playing guitar and excellent singer, while doing a lot of different sports. Yordan loves the night life, and often enjoys the variety of the night clubs in Sofia city.

Yordan is speaking fluent English defended by a TOEFL and SAT exams and has a prominent knowledge of French, German and Russian.

Yordan’s natural passion for activeness also develops on the social service and charity scene. As of 2010, he’s part of the Rotary movement, as member of Rotaract Club Sofia International. He’s Board member of the club and from July 2011 he is occupying the very important representative position of Sergeant at Arms.

SOFIMN 2011 will be Yordan’s first MUN experience as organizer and second MUN – in March 2011, he successfully participated as delegate on BISMUN 2011 in Bucharest. Being very communicative and open minded, he awaits SOFIMUN with great anticipation. As part of the Logistics team, Yordan will be the first contact person with the great variety of people and cultures coming to Sofia for this one week experience and being very well aware of lots of organizational issues, he’s excellently prepared for both the challenges and the outstanding time that is coming with SOFIMUN 2011.

Secretariat

The secretariat of Sofia International Model United Nations. These are the chairpersons and the honorable Secretary-General. You can find more information about everyone of the secretariat and also you can enjoy interactive content that presents the members of the secretariat.

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Organizations

Here you can find information about the main organizations that are contributing Sofia International Model United Nations event happen. The organizations mentioned are the main supporters of the Sofia International Model United Nations idea in Bulgaria. They have been supporting it for a long time.

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