About Us
Founded in 1993 by a group of Yale undergraduates, Yale Model Congress, a registered 501(c)(3), was created to cultivate a deeper appreciation for American democracy among high school students and to inspire a lifelong commitment to civic engagement. For nearly three decades, we have advanced this mission by convening hundreds of delegates from across the country for an immersive educational experience that transcends the boundaries of a traditional classroom. Over the course of the conference, students step into the roles of elected officials, grappling with the complexities of governance as they debate and devise solutions to the nation’s most urgent challenges.
What We Do
Yale Model Congress is entirely student-run—conceived, organized, and brought to life by current Yale undergraduates who serve on our board or lead committees during the conference. For many of us, this work is a way of giving back, offering today’s high school students the same transformative experience that once shaped our own paths and deepened our interests in public service.
Meet the YMC Board
President
Rebecca Wasserman
Rebecca is a senior in Pauli Murray College. She was born and raised in New York City and is majoring in Humanities. In addition to serving as director of operations for Yale Model Congress, she is a student guide at the Yale Center for British Art and an editorial assistant at the Yale University Press. When she’s not waiting in line for a bagel sandwich (she recommends visiting Olmo while you’re in New Haven for the conference!) Rebecca is likely found wandering through Yale’s museums, watching old Saturday Night Live clips, or rearranging her dorm room.
Director of Delegations
Lukas Koutsoukos
Lukas Koutsoukos (he/him) is a sophomore in Yale’s Benjamin Franklin College, majoring in Ethics, Politics, & Economics. A native of Wilton, Connecticut, he attended Yale Model Congress as a sophomore and junior in high school, and is excited to help out behind the scenes as this year’s Director of Special Programs. He is especially interested in international relations, elections, and combining political science research with statistical analysis. When not immersed in discussing political philosophy or the results of the 2024 U.S. House races, he enjoys singing with the Glee Club, competing in Yale Quiz Bowl, and hosting events with the Hellenic Society. Outside of academics, he likes to learn languages (including Portuguese on Duolingo), watch soccer, eat chocolate, and listen to classic rock.
Director of Operations
Estelle Gerber
Estelle Gerber is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and is a Junior in Pierson College. On campus, she is the Vice President of SheCode and a TA for CS50. In her free time, you can find her crocheting or playing video games with friends.
Treasurer
Liron Chan
Liron Chen is a junior in Pierson studying Computer Science and Math. Outside of Yale Model Congress, he is involved in Yale Alternative Investments, Squash, Climbing, and also volunteers in a homeless shelter. After a long day of work, he loves to play some Go, or just relax with his friends in the buttery!
Chief of Staff
Alexander Medel
Alex is a junior at Yale University in Timothy Dwight College and is originally from San Jose, CA. He is studying Political Science. In addition to Yale Model Congress, Alex is a member of the Yale College Council and a staff columnist for the Yale Daily News. In his free time, Alex enjoys writing for his travel column, listening to Frank Sinatra, or planning his next big road trip.
Deputy Chief of Staff
Evan Kahn
Evan Kahn is a junior in Morse College studying political science and energy studies. Before coming to New Haven he was raised in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Outside of Yale Model Congress, he is an Army ROTC cadet, member of Yale Club Swimming, FOOT leader, and avid runner.
Director of Legislation
Steffi Khine
Steffi is a sophomore in Silliman studying Economics and Global Affairs! She is from Brooklyn, NY. Outside of YMC, she is involved in research on campus and likes watching shows in her free time!
Director of Business
Eugene Covington
Eugene Covington is a Sophomore at Berkeley College, double majoring in English and Philosophy, and obtaining a certificate in Arabic. Eugene hails from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and is highly active in various sectors, including public policy, the legal industry, technology, and philanthropy. Eugene is especially interested in Intelligence, constitutional law, and legal research. Alongside serving as the Director of Business in Yale Model Congress, Eugene is the Co-President of the Yale's Black Moot Court Team, Director of Highschool Fellowships for the Yale Policy Institute, Director of Finance in the Yale College Council, a Lobbyist and Senior Policy Researcher for the Yale Democrats, and a member in the Yale Black Men's Union. Beyond academics, Eugene partakes in frequent outings with his friends, playing video games, and listening to Lana Del Rey.
Director of Education, New Haven Delegation
Harper Murray-Nelson
Harper (she/her) is a Junior in Silliman College majoring in History with a focus on the ancient world. In addition to being the Director of Education, Harper works at the Bieneke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, and writes for a comedy magazine. In her free time, you’ll likely find her watching movies with friends or taking photos around campus.
Director of Special Programs
Daniel Mora
Director of Communications
Kathryn (Katie) Weinberger
Katie Weinberger (she/her) is a junior in Pierson majoring in history with a certificate in Medieval Studies. She was born and raised on Long Island, NY, so she has very strong opinions on diners and delis. Outside of Yale Model Congress, she has worked in the Yale University Art Gallery’s Conservation Center conserving a Gilded Age table. She also works in a paleo-anthropology lab, where she cleans bone tools from ~22 thousand years ago. In her free time, she loves to watch David Attenborough’s nature documentaries, have game nights with friends, and listen to soundtracks from Broadway musicals.
