Coming off the heated Haymarket and Homestead strikes comes another distribution to the rapidly industrializing United States. The Pullman Palace car company workers are now on a nationwide strike for better pay and working conditions. Trains are delayed and canceled, shutting down nationwide logistics and bringing the country to a standstill. Union leaders, robber barons, politicians, and other elites gather to resolve the strike and address the divides plaguing the nation. 

This Crisis Committee will focus on resolving the nationwide strike for good through negotiation and compromise. Delegates will take on the role of one of these rabble-rousers and reactionaries as you navigate the contentious class divides, growing political turmoil, and economic system on the verge of collapse.

Conrad Blom is a sophomore at the University of Maryland studying Public Policy and Government and Politics. A Montgomery County native, he previously served as president of his high school's Model United Nations club. This year marks his sixth year participating in MUN and his second year chairing with UMUNC. Beyond Model UN, Conrad helps lead the Global Communities Student Association, competes in the Maryland Student Legislature, and enjoys playing games with friends. He is excited to host the Pullman Strike crisis committee and witness the creativity, conflict, and collaboration sure to come.

David Akamine is a sophomore, studying Computer Science and Math. He has been involved in Model UN since high school. This is his second-year staffing UMUNC, and is excited to be a Chair for UMUNC VII. Outside of UMUNC, David is a member of the Rock Climbing Club (and works there), he also helps put on different events for the Maryland Promise Program and for Maryland’s University Honors Program. For this year's Pullman crisis, David is excited to see where the delegates go with the strike!

Vardaan Srivastava is a sophomore studying Economics and Government & Politics. He staffed for UMUNC last year and is excited to serve as a Crisis Director this year, as well as to serve as a USG of Logistics for UMUNC VII. Outside of Model UN, he is involved with the Maryland Student Legislature and the Global Communities Student Association. He loves playing board games with his friends, traveling to see new sights, or taking a quiet evening listening to old Hindi music. For this Crisis Committee, Vardaan is excited to witness the chaos that comes from these conflicting forces and how they negotiate to find a solution that works for everyone!

Chase Fournier is a freshman, studying Computer Science. He's from Georgia and has competed in Model UN all throughout high school. He's been a crisis director in the past, and is excited to be one for UMUNC VII! In his free time, Chase competed in Track and Cross Country club and codes. Chase can't wait to see the dramatic arcs and fierce debate between the most influential people in the gilded age.