Michael Karam was born in Massachusetts, went to preschool in Egypt, and moved to Lebanon when he was five. As an incoming freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, Michael looks to study International relations. Besides reading French classics, Arabic poetry, and English mystery novels, he also likes to draw and paints. Words can’t describe how excited he is to be contributing to make PIRC a great conference! You are sure to hear him from several rooms away!

Born in a suburb of Philadelphia, sophomore MaryCate did not stray too far from home when deciding to attend the Wharton School. At the University of Pennsylvania, she is the Online Publicity Chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters (as well as a Big Sister in the program), a writer for Penn’s weekly arts and culture magazine 34th Street, an assistant director for PIRC, and a sister of Sigma Delta Tau. Outside of the Penn bubble, she loves travelling and encountering new places and people.

Irene is a freshman in the college hoping to major in International Relations and Economics. She is a Benjamin Franklin Scholar and a Civic Scholar, and she hopes to widen her perspective of the world while at Penn. Irene is specifically interested in U.S. and Latin American relations and would like to work on improving these relations in the future. Originally from California, Irene has lived in eight cities so far. She can't wait to make PIRC even greater this coming year!

Born and raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA, Alex moved up north to attend the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a freshman and he’s most interested in economics and international relations. During his free time, he enjoys mini golfing, watching intense films, and attending concerts. He loves to travel and try new foods. He also serves as the Cosponsorship Chair for Undergraduate Economics Society. He is incredibly excited for an amazing conference and an awesome year!

Janice is a sophomore in Wharton, potentially majoring in Marketing and Management. Born and raised in the awesome land of Hong Kong, she is often teased by her US friends about her weird mix of British and Asian accent and her "foreignness". When she was in Hong Kong, she loved playing rugby but unfortunately is no longer allowed to play. She loves learning new languages and has a good grasp of five languages. For PIRC, Janice looks to engage with sponsors, students and interested people!

Diane is a sophomore in the College majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience and minoring in International Development. By connecting these two disciplines she hopes to one day work with education development and improvement in developing nations. She was born and raised in the States but when she was 10 moved to Nairobi, Kenya, which she now considers to be home. She loves coffee, brunch, puppies, and traveling and is determined to eventually visit every single continent (including Antarctica).

Isabela is a freshman planning to major in either International Relations or Economics. She has lived most of her life in Washington, D.C. but recently moved to Mexico City. During high school, Isabela was actively involved in Model UN as well as her school’s squash team. In her free time, Isabela loves to watch European soccer and is an avid Real Madrid fan. She hopes to someday connect her interest in sports to her love of traveling to work in the field of international development.

Will Slotznick is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. From West Chester, Pennsylvania, he has been involved with Model United Nations since his freshman year of high school, travelling and competing at several conferences, including ILMUNC. He has spent two summers abroad teaching in Mankessim, Ghana, and is interested in pursuing studies in International Relations and Educational Development at Penn. In his spare time he loves to draw, paint, and try to play the ukulele.

Jessica is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. She was born and raised in Mexico, where she loved spending time with her friends and eating tacos! In her free time, Jessica loves to dance and watch movies. One of her favorite activities in High School was organizing conferences that take real-world issues and foster critical discussion between those involved, which is why she is beyond thrilled that she will get to do this at Penn with the amazing PIRC people!

Kashfia is a sophomore in Wharton, considering finance and/or OPIM as her major. She was born in Bangladesh but moved to the US when she was 8. Since then, she has lived in Virginia and most recently, Long Island, New York. In addition to the IAA, she is involved in Zeta Tau Alpha, the Penn SFCU, and Microfinance. She is known to be a major klutz - falling off of chairs, and dropping/breaking things. When she’s not being clumsy, she’s probably being a foodie and eating out with her friends.

When Jamol is not devoting his time to his Community Outreach & Engagement projects, he enjoys taking long walks in the park, gardening, painting, dancing, and working out. Jamol attends The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, studying Economics. For PIRC, Jamol hopes to ensure that all its participants develop their knowledge and have a good time! Remember, if you want a show at the conference, just ask him to sing!