MUN 2027-2013, YIG 2011-2013, CONA 2011-2013
2024-present- State Office Program Specialist at YIG and volunteer with CYV Board
When Chris Ceglia began high school, he was afraid to speak up in class. That changed as he found his voice through Model United Nations and Youth in Government, gaining confidence, leadership skills, and experience with public speaking along the way.
“There’s no better experience that you can have to broaden your horizons and give you new perspectives,” Chris shared.
Throughout high school, Chris also built friendships that have lasted well beyond his time in the program. He even met his wife while they were both serving on the State Steering Committee for Youth in Government.
Chris graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2019 and now works in corporate sales. In 2024, eight years after his time as a high school participant, he returned to Youth in Government as a program specialist.
“There is something magical about this place,” he said. “You don’t have to volunteer every year — I came back after eight years and was welcomed back with open arms. It’s nice to know you can always come back. There’s always a spot for you.”
That sense of belonging is part of what keeps Chris coming back. He’s passionate about volunteering so today’s students can have the same experiences that shaped him.
“Setting up signs and behind-the-scenes stuff may seem small, but if I can help keep things running smoothly, it’s all part of the bigger picture.”
As a member of the Center for Youth Voice Board, Chris particularly enjoys helping with VIP tours and introducing others to the impact of the program. There’s a personal connection to that work, too: when Chris was in high school, his dad volunteered to help with tours. Now, Chris gets to carry that tradition forward.
He remembers one tour in particular. A visitor who didn’t even have children in the program joined the tour and was so impressed that he made a donation on the spot.
“He said, ‘This is awesome!’ and made a donation right there. That was great.”
For Chris, it’s another way to give back to a program that gave him so much—and to help make sure there’s always a place for the next generation to find their voice, build their confidence and discover what they’re capable of.
