The Secretariat
Emily Chen
Secretary-General
Emily is a junior at Harvard studying Economics and Neuroscience with a language citation in French. She was born and raised in the Toronto area in Canada, but her family is originally from Shandong, Jinan.
Emily started doing Model United Nations in grade 9 to overcome her fear of public speaking. She competed at and staffed various Canadian MUN conferences throughout high school, later becoming President of her school’s club, and she continues to compete as a part of Harvard’s Intercollegiate MUN (ICMUN) team. She has also staffed HMUN and HNMUN Boston, most recently as Under-Secretary-General of Operations at HNMUN 2026. In 2025, she staffed HMUN China for the first time, chairing the SOCHUM committee.
Outside of MUN, she is involved in the Harvard Undergraduate Clean Energy Group, various consulting clubs, and serves as a campus tour guide for tourists and prospective students. In her free time, she enjoys art, visiting museums, hiking, running, and baking.
You can reach Emily at secgen@hmunchina.org with any questions or concerns.
Jimmy Merino
Director-General
Jimmy is a junior at Harvard studying Economics and Government. He was raised in Boston, Massachusetts, but his family is originally from El Salvador.
At Harvard, Jimmy has been involved in the MUN community in various capacities, holding various staffing positions at HMUN Boston, Dubai, Canada, and China. This will be Jimmy’s 3rd year at HMUN China, having previously served as USG of Finance and Director of the Futuristic Crisis Committee for HMUN China 2026. In 2025, he directed the CSTD ECOSOC committee. Additionally, Jimmy currently serves as the Secretary-General of HMUN Canada 2027.
Outside of MUN, Jimmy is involved with the Harvard Research & Strategy group, advising non-profit clients on strategy, going for runs, playing volleyball, and trying different coffee spots in Boston! His academic interests include analyzing the economic impacts of globalization.
You can reach Erta at dg@hmunchina.org with any questions or concerns.
Erta Ismahili
Under-Secretary-General of Committees
Erta (air-tah) is a sophomore studying Social Studies and Ethnicity, Migration, Rights (EMR). Proudly from Revere, Massachusetts, her first-generation upbringing has shaped her interest in immigration/international law and debate. She has competed in Model UN and Model Congress since her freshman year of high school, where she enjoyed mentoring other students in public speaking.
On campus, Erta competes on the Intercollegiate MUN team and staffs HMUN Boston and Canada. She also serves on the boards of Harvard Model Congress Europe and Boston. Beyond debate, Erta enjoys working in public service, activism, and mentorship. As USG of Committees, she is excited to help bring engaging, educational, and exciting committees to HMUN China 2027. In her free time, you can find her playing the guitar or thrifting!
You can reach Erta at committees@hmunchina.org with any questions or concerns.
Sydney Burns
Under-Secretary-General of Finance
Sydney is a sophomore at Harvard studying Social Studies. She was raised and grew up in a Boston suburb, and is very excited to return to HMUN China as Under-Secretary-General of Finance! At Harvard, she is an active member of the Model United Nations community.
Currently, she serves as the comptroller and a delegate on the Intercollegiate Model United Nations Team, and will also direct at HMUN, HNMUN, and HMUN Canada. She even competed in HMUN Boston as a high school delegate!
Outside of MUN, Sydney is involved with the Harvard Public Opinion Project and Harvard Model Congress, and in her free time she enjoys going on walks by the Charles River or getting sweet treats with her friends.
You can reach Sydney at finance@hmunchina.org with any questions or concerns.
Jia Michel
Under-Secretary-General of Administration
Jia Michel is a sophomore from Brooklyn, New York, planning to concentrate in Physics and History.
Jia started Model U.N. in 6th grade and has seen its massive impact on public speaking, research, and collaboration. She is excited to continue by serving as the USG of Administration. Last summer, Jia directed a World Health Organization Specialized Committee at Harvard Model UN China and had an incredible time. Outside of Model U.N., Jia is a strategy associate for the Crimson Business Board, Community Director for the Harvard Computing Society, and stage manager for multiple musicals. At home, Jia loves throwing potlucks, watching movies, and trying new foods.
You can reach Jia at admin@hmunchina.org with any questions or concerns.