WAP Officer Corps
We are excited to introduce you to the FSU WAP Officer Corps. Each individual has a wealth of experiences to share. Check them out below.
FALL 2020 THROUGH SPRING 2021
Aliyah Hurt
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Email | LinkedIn
Aliyah Hurt is a fourth year student pursuing a dual degree in Public Health and Political Science. As Director of the World Affairs Program, Hurt organizes all WAP programming and plans the success of the Model United Nations team. Hurt has been involved in WAP since her freshman year, previously serving as the organization’s Vice Director and Secretary General of the 28th Regional Training Conference. Also on campus, Hurt serves as the Secretary of External Affairs of the Student Government Association. In this position, she has empowered the creation of Rectifying Injustices through Student Empowerment of Underrepresented Peoples (RISE UP), a student organization tasked with creating a platform for policy action at the state and national level. Hurt has interned for several organizations, including: the British Parliament, the Department of Defense in the Defense of Counterintelligence and Security Agency, and a healthcare interest firm. Hurt is also a 2020 Social Science Scholar working on completing an undergraduate thesis on COVID-19 and how bills in the U.S. Congress may or may not affect its spread. She is open to receiving emails regarding any of her involvements and is looking forward to welcoming you to the program!
Lucy Walsh
In her fourth year at Florida State University, Lucy Walsh is earning Dual Degrees in Political Science and International Affairs with a concentration in Economics and Minors in Arabic Studies and Social Welfare. As Vice Director of the World Affairs Program, Walsh handles Alumni Relations and manages internal affairs within the Officer Corps. She also currently helps manage the WAP Journal. In past years, she has served as WAP's Assistant Director of Finance and as the Under-Secretary General of Conference Logistics for the 27th Regional Training Conference. Walsh is also active on campus as an executive board member of the College of Social Science and Public Policy Student Leadership Council. During her time at FSU, Walsh has interned at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and at a criminal law firm in her home country, Ireland. If you need any help or have any questions, Walsh's inbox is always open.
Shelby Fleshood
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
Email | LinkedIn
Shelby Fleshood is a third-year student studying Interdisciplinary Social Science with concentrations in History and Economics. As the Assistant Director of Programming, Fleshood is responsible for training program members for competition at Model United Nations conferences during the school year. The 2020-2021 school year is Fleshood’s second year serving on the WAP officer core, the first being as Assistant Director of Involvement. He has also been an eager traveling member on the team since he discovered WAP in his freshman year. Outside of WAP, Fleshood is involved in Reformed University Fellowship, where he is also an officer and small group leader. This role allows him to help foster community with his fellow students. In addition to performance and public speaking, Fleshood aims to teach others the leadership skills he developed as an Eagle Scout. Outside of school, Fleshood has worked as a development intern for the Nevada Policy Research Institute, which is a state-based think tank dedicated to protecting individual liberty and civil freedoms. Following graduation, Fleshood hopes to continue working in politics and using his skills in interpersonal dynamics to lead people in making positive community change. He is always eager to talk about WAP or anything else, so feel free to reach out!
Jessica Middleton
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CONFERENCE LOGISTICS
Email | LinkedIn
Jessica Middleton is a third-year student pursuing a double major in Political Science and International Affairs. As Assistant Director of Conference Logistics, Middleton coordinates registration, lodging, and travel for the conferences that the World Affairs Program members will attend throughout the year. This year is Middleton’s second year as a WAP member and Model United Nations delegate. Middleton discovered her passion for politics and debate through her participation in Model United Nations in high school. Her membership in WAP has allowed her to continue to compete while expanding her knowledge of international relations and global events. Middleton’s experience includes internships with the City of Palm Coast in both the Department of Innovation and Economic Development and the City Manager’s Office. She has also participated as a legislative intern for Representative Shevrin Jones in the Florida House of Representatives. She would be happy to receive any emails regarding questions or comments you might have for her or about the program!
Alain Acanda
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INVOLVEMENT
Email | LinkedIn
Alain Acanda is a third-year student double majoring in History and Political Science. As Assistant Director of Involvement, Acanda focuses on expanding the World Affairs Program’s presence on campus, partnering with other organizations, and coordinating with the professors who speak at WAP’s weekly meetings. Acanda also works on improving upon WAP’s social media presence, keeping members invested in the program, and increasing recruitment numbers. This school year is Acanda’s third year as a WAP member and he has been traveling with the Model United Nations team since his freshman year. Acanda discovered his passion for politics and debate growing up in a Latinx household and later while participating in Model United Nations in high school. Alain also received his Associate’s Degree from Miami Dade College in 2018 and has worked since he was fifteen at various jobs, including Publix and Homefirst Appraisal Company. If you have any questions regarding the World Affairs Program or ways to get involved, feel free to email Acanda.
Ryan Villacorta
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Email
Ryan Villacorta is a senior majoring in English with a focus in Creative Writing, a minor in International Affairs, and a certificate in U.S. Intelligence Studies. As Assistant Director of Finance, Villacorta oversees and manages the World Affairs Program’s budget, secures sources of funding, ensures compliance with University regulations, and coordinates with the various departments and entities that support WAP. This year is Villacorta’s second year as a WAP member, and he is looking forward to continuing to develop his skills, and bringing more gavels back to FSU. Outside of WAP, Villacorta has served as a Student Senator, where he had the position of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee, and Chair of the Sustainability Ad-Hoc Committee. Villacorta also serves as Treasurer of the Mixed Student Union. Always happy to talk about WAP or any other concerns, you can reach Villacorta by email.