History & Mission
HISTORY
Established in 1946, the United Nations Association represents a collective of devoted Americans committed to the principles of global engagement. With an extensive membership base exceeding 20,000 individuals and a presence spanning over 200 Chapters nationwide, our resolute focus lies in the enlightenment, motivation, and mobilization of fellow Americans to endorse the fundamental principles and critical endeavors of the United Nations.
MISSION
For many decades, UNA Davis has stood as an enduring fixture within the fabric of the Davis community. For decades, we have been propelled by an unwavering spirit, entirely powered by volunteers. Our steadfast dedication is directed towards extending the broader vision of the UNA to the City of Davis. Our multifaceted mission encompasses:
Facilitating Informative Gatherings: We organize events designed to enrich understanding, fostering a greater awareness of global affairs.
Active Participation in Cultural Festivities: We engage in vibrant cultural celebrations that resonate within our diverse community.
Amplifying Human Rights Causes: Through thought-provoking awareness campaigns, we advocate for crucial human rights issues.
Nurturing Emerging Leaders: Our efforts extend to mentoring and empowering young individuals who stand poised to shape the future.
Effective Advocacy on All Fronts: We engage in vigorous advocacy, collaborating with both local and national elected representatives to drive impactful change.
We take immense pride in our volunteer-run framework, epitomizing our dedication to the values we champion. As we persist in our commitment, we welcome you to join us in this transformative journey, wherein you will have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the United
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion
As advocates of the United Nations and stewards of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UNA-USA affirms its commitment to build a culture to engage and support all members and stakeholders regardless of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, religion, marital status, political opinion, national origin, socio-economic status, or any other protected characteristics. Our goal is to ensure an organizational environment where members and stakeholders feel valued and empowered to support the principles and work of the United Nations, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Meet the Team
Verena Borton, UNA Davis Chapter President
Meet Verena Borton, an exceptional leader whose journey with the United Nations Association (UNA) began in the 1990s and has since blossomed into an inspiring legacy. Currently serving as the Chapter President, Verena's profound dedication to the ideals of human rights, sustainable development, and international cooperation stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment.
With a remarkable journey spanning decades, Verena's association with the UNA showcases her enduring passion for creating positive change on a global scale. Her leadership role reflects not only her depth of knowledge but also her remarkable ability to mobilize individuals toward a shared vision. Through her tireless efforts, Verena has fostered a community of like-minded individuals who share her passion for making the world a more just and sustainable place.
Verena's journey is a living embodiment of the UNA's mission, demonstrating how one person's dedication can ripple out to impact lives across borders. Her journey inspires others to engage actively in the pursuit of a better world, making her an exemplary figure in the realm of international advocacy.
To learn more about Verena’s background, click here.
Edgar Trujillo, UNA Davis Chapter Treasurer & Membership Chair
Edgar Trujillo is a first-generation Mexican American who has made significant contributions in his career and community. Born and raised in Soledad, California, Edgar grew up with a passion for education and social justice. He pursued his academic interests at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a degree in Sociology and Spanish.
After graduating from college, Edgar began his career as a Public Education Specialist at UC Davis. He was responsible for coordinating various outreach programs that aimed to increase the diversity of students attending the university. Through his work, Edgar helped underrepresented students gain access to higher education and helped create a more inclusive campus environment.
After several years of successful work in the education sector, Edgar transitioned to a new role at UC Davis Conference Center as an Event Venue Manager. In this role, he used his exceptional organizational and leadership skills to manage and execute events ranging from weddings to large-scale conferences. Under his management, the UC Davis Conference Center became a highly sought-after venue for events in the Sacramento area.
Edgar's passion for community involvement led him to volunteer with the United Nations Association of Sacramento in 2017. As an advocate for the UN's vital importance, he worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the UN's critical work addressing climate change, sustainable development, human rights, and more. His efforts helped to educate people about the UN's role in promoting peace and social justice worldwide. Edgar now lives in Davis and volunteers with UNA Davis Chapter as their Treasurer & membership Chair working tirelessly to ensure that the UN’s mission|vision|values are represented, promoted, and encouraged in the City of Davis.
Molly Thompson, UNA Davis Chapter Secretary
Molly is currently a 3rd year UCD undergraduate studying International Relations, with a focus on diplomacy and foreign language acquisition. She looks forward to applying previous experience in Model United Nations delegation work and leadership to serving not only the global community, but her local one right here in Davis.