Our Executive Board is composed of eight Harvard students working tirelessly to plan HMCA 2025
Top row (left to right): Kaitlyn Vu (Director of Programs), Angelina Xu (Faculty Liaison), Emma Jing (President), Ian Chen (Chief of Staff)
Bottom row (left to right): Caleb Thompson (Director of Programs), Talia Vaught (Vice President), Nathan Tesler (Business Manager), Connor Cowan (Director of Operations and Technology)
Emma Jing — President
Emma is a Senior in Winthrop House, concentrating in Government and Sociology. She grew up around Washington D.C. her whole life, so she caught the political bug early. Outside of HMCA, you'll find Emma dancing with Harvard's Asian American Dance Troupe or working with the Women in Business club. This year, she is so excited to serve as the president of HMCA. In her free time, Emma loves walking along the Charles River, reading paperback novels, and hanging out with her cats!
Talia Vaught —
Vice President
Talia is a senior at Harvard studying Environmental Science and Engineering. She is originally from Bluffton, South Carolina and now lives in Pforzheimer House! This will be her 6th HMC conference. When Talia is not talking about HMC, you can find her at a coffee shop, exploring Boston, working at The Harvard Shop, or spending time with friends. And most importantly, she cannot wait to see you at HMCA 2026!
Kaitlyn Vu — Director of Programs
Kaitlyn is a junior in Adams House, concentrating in Government with a secondary in Global Health & Health Policy. She is originally from Quincy, Massachusetts. Outside of HMC, Kaitlyn edits articles for the Harvard Political Review, analyzes polling data for the Harvard Public Opinion Project, and serves on the Harvard Global Health Institute Student Advisory Committee. In her free time, Kaitlyn loves to explore coffee shops, cheer on the Boston sports teams, and visit history museums.
Caleb Thompson —
Director of Programs
Caleb Thompson is a junior at Harvard studying Statistics and Economics. Growing up, he had the opportunity to embark on several impactful trips with his family, including month-long visits to Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan, which sparked a passion for learning more about the world. For his senior year of high school, he had the opportunity to expand his knowledge of the world even more by living in Adana, Türkiye as an exchange student. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, learning new languages, and spending time outside. Whether he is hiking or discussing international relations, exploration and curiosity unite his passions.
Angelina Xu — Faculty Liaison
Angelina Xu is a second-year in Dunster House studying Applied Math in Economics with a secondary in History. In the future, she hopes to travel across the world working on economic development policies for infrastructure and climate resilience. She is excited to serve as the Faculty Liaison and help plan the conference of a lifetime for everyone! When she's not speed-walking between class, you can find her writing creative non-fiction pieces and thrifting in Boston.
Connor Cowan — Director of Operations & Technology
Connor Cowan is a second-year in Lowell House studying Social Studies and Economics. Passionate about global affairs, he hopes to one day address the geopolitics of the renewable energy transition through working at the intersection of the public and private sectors. As Director of Operations and Technology, Connor hopes to create a seamless conference experience for all! When he’s not reading, Connor most enjoys exploring restaurants in Harvard Square and running along the Charles River.
Nathan Tesler — Business Manager
Nathan is a junior from Hingham, Massachusetts, a seaside town just south of Boston. He is a member of the Class of 2027 at Harvard, studying Applied Math and Government. Outside of HMC, he is a member of the Institute of Politics, DJs for the radio, and plays a lot of jazz. He is very excited to be returning as HMCA's Business Director. During his free time, he enjoys biking, jamming with his band, and playing Mario Kart with his roommates.
Ian Chen —
Chief of Staff
Ian is a sophomore in Kirkland House, concentrating in Social Studies. He is originally from Los Angeles, California. Ian is passionate about political storytelling, civic education, and collective organizing. Outside of HMCA, he teaches civics, edits for the Review of Philosophy, and continues his love for acting. This is Ian’s second HMCA conference, and he’s excited to return to Asia for the debate, the people, and (of course) the street food. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, dreaming up adventures with friends, and cheering on the LA Dodgers.