STUDENT COMMUNITY OFFICERS

The figure head for their community

COLCHESTER CAMPUS CHAIR

Nicoleta Maxim

Organised | Compassionate | Adaptable

Why do you want to represent your community?

I would love the opportunity to actively participate in the development of a More inclusive student environment, where I am able to engage with passionate individuals that are keen to enforce positive change. This is shaped by my personal experiences, such as being a woman from an ethnic minority background, who desires to embrace individuals' cultural identities that have been neglected in the past; this is pushed by my experience of having to try to alter myself to fit in. Following previous leadership roles, I am also a very confident individual who is ready to apply my critical thinking skills to challenging topics - this is fostered by my law degree.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I would aim to engage with student communities by organising social events, which would vary from sporty activities (perhaps bean bag races), to More relaxed sessions such as quizzes and pub crawls. Students will also be given the opportunity to select from a wide variety of food and drinks at our weekly meetings, where I am planning to reward ideas with vouchers within the university. I would also be willing to take on my peers' ideas and help implement them within the university by actively engaging with pupils both socially and virtually: this could be through helping them organise events or advertising them on social media.

Samvit Sibal

Friendly | Organised | Driven

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I want to represent our community because I am passionate about the university and the university community and want to do my part to make it the best it can be! I love the friendliness and community spirit across campus and want everyone to be able to experience this too. I have also experienced all the great things the SU is able to deliver from societies to Rebel media and have also been part of the work the SU does in terms of education as a course rep, so I want to make sure the SU is able to continue to do More great things for students. Our campus is such an amazing and diverse community, and so as Campus Chair, I would ensure all students feel like there is a place for them by representing their interests and making their voices heard.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I want to be able to represent all students, and so a big part of this means engaging with communities to be able to understand the issues they are facing, how the SU can support them with this, and also what students want from their SU. I would do this by interacting directly with students, communities, and societies to understand their needs. I would also make sure to be approachable and open to hear from all students about their experiences, thoughts, and ideas to make sure they can all be represented in council and that the SU can work towards providing for students. In addition to this, I would work together closely with all the SU Council Reps and Student Community Officers to ensure the SU and the Student Leaders deliver the best possible student experience for you!

INTERNATIONAL OFFICER

Hana Elessawy

Enthusiastic | Helpful | Understanding

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I want to represent my community to give back to the university that helped shape me in the last 3 years. I am extremely grateful for my previous 3 years for being able to experience life as an international student in the UK and the US. Following my journey, I understand how international students feel during their best and worst days, and I know I can have an impact on improving the life of international students here at University of Essex by getting in touch with them and organizing events to help them make the most out of their time university of Essex, and get through their homesickness days with all positivity.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I aim to engage with my community by organizing mixers and getting out there to communicate with different people and get all their insights into consideration. I also plan on going to different societies where there are international people to get to know them and expand my circle of international people. Moreover, I would be open to anyone who would just want to communicate or give me their thoughts regarding any specific issue through email or phone.

Charlotte Génin

Involvement | Optimism | Openness

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I would be delighted to represent the international community, as I am French myself. Many of my fellow students are very involved in university life, whether it's because they're in a sports team or because they're members of an society. Their voices deserve to be heard, and I would be honored to be their spokesperson. This responsibility can also allow me to speak in English as much as possible. It is also a great way to meet new people. I was supposed to be a Law Star this year, but could not attend the class sessions in September because I was working, so I think this is a good alternative, where I can be helpful to others and I can pass on what international students have to say.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I am already in contact with many international students, as I am part of one of the diplomas almost entirely made of international students. I also wanted to be the president of the Double Diploma's society, and lost by only 1 seat, so I think (I hope at least) that people would not be scared to tell me the things they want to say. I know there is always room for improvement.

Mini Sadiq

Empathy | Integrity | Honesty

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I'd like to be the voice for international students and advocate for them when they maybe too shy or nervous to do it themselves. Being in a new country can be hard and it's harder to adjust to new academic and social rules. I'd like to help make that transition smoother. Not only do I want to provide solutions and support for the international students but also give them an outlet to vent their frustrations so we can find a solution together. International students can have a hard time in communicating their needs. This is why being one of them while also having experience living and working in the UK for a few years will help me present their case and advocate for them.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I will create events and opportunities for international students to bring any issues or problems they maybe facing to me. This communication will be vital for us as a community. It will help in the process of creating solutions when putting forth any issues to the rest of the council. I will also create forums where students can send their issues directly to me without having to attend any appointments due to conflict of schedules. Everything will be read and sorted through and if further confirmation on any issue is needed, I'll reach out to the student to understand the issues better.

WOMEN'S OFFICER

Eden Traiberg

Friendly | Supportive | Responsible

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I am applying to be the Women’s Student Community Officer because I am passionate about creating a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for us girls on campus. I believe that every woman should feel safe, heard, and represented at our university. Whether it’s tackling issues like women’s safety, promoting gender equality in leadership roles, or addressing the challenges faced by minority women, I’m dedicated to making sure these topics are at the forefront of discussions. I’m committed to being an advocate for positive change and will actively listen to the concerns of women in our community, working collaboratively with others to create a campus where everyone feels empowered. My goal is to build a supportive network that uplifts women and fosters opportunities for growth, leadership, and solidarity. By representing women at Essex, I hope to ensure our voices shape the future of our university.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I would like to work on organizing workshops around self-defence, mental health, and professional development to help women feel more confident both on and off campus. I also want to ensure that women from diverse backgrounds are well-represented and supported, including addressing concerns like accessibility for women with disabilities and raising awareness about women’s health issues. I would aim to engage with the women's community by creating open and accessible platforms for communication, such as regular drop-in sessions, online forums, and anonymous feedback forms. Hosting interactive events like panel discussions, workshops, and social gatherings will provide opportunities for women to share experiences, voice concerns, and build a supportive network. I’d also use social media to keep students informed and involved in key issues, ensuring everyone feels connected and represented. Collaborating with other student groups and societies would further enhance engagement and promote a more united campus community for women.

TRANS OFFICER

Ari Senthil

Driven | Empathetic | Adaptable

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Why do you want to represent your community?

I would like to represent the trans community as I am interested in addressing issues that are often overlooked and negatively affect trans and non-binary students. I think it is crucial to call attention to the rise in transphobia and ignorance surrounding trans identity since the UK government blocked the Gender Recognition Reform Bill in January 2023. I hope that I will be able to facilitate a safe space where trans and gender non-conforming students can express themselves authentically. I would also like to correct the preconceived notion that trans and gender non-conforming people have to present in a specific way in order to 'pass'. I also hope that I will be able to forge strong relationships with other trans students when organising events for the community. In addition, I would like to gain insight into issues that affect gender non-conforming (i.e. non-binary and genderfluid) students such as feeling isolated in single gender spaces. Furthermore, I would like to emphasise solidarity for trans rights through organising exhibits at the Art Exchange during Trans Awareness Week. As trans officer, my main goal would be to remind students and staff that it is harmful to reinforce binary expectations on trans individuals to medically transition and pass. I would reiterate that non-binary people do not owe anyone androgyny in order to be referred to correctly. I would also like to highlight that it is not appropriate to label someone's gender based on their pronouns as pronouns do not always equal gender.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I'll collate trans allyship resources that cover a guide to pronouns and ways in which cis people can correct themselves if they misgender a trans person. This will enable students and staff to offer personalised support to loved ones who come out to them as trans or non-binary. I would also arrange trans allyship workshops (that are open to all students and staff) in partnership with The OutHouse. Furthermore, I intend on starting a Go Fund Me campaign for students in need of gender affirming surgery. I hope to share the fundraising links on TransActual, a trans non-profit organisation based in London. I am also working towards organising a drag event where funds will be donated to trans charities in the UK such as Mermaids and Gendered Intelligence. I strive to reduce transphobia of any form ranging from slurs and invasive questions to harassment. If a student repeatedly misgenders a trans/non-binary person despite knowing their pronouns, that student will have to go through an investigation by the Student Conduct Team. The same procedure will apply for anyone who harasses a trans person about their deadname or asks for personal details about their medical transition. Furthermore, I would start a petition for the IT Services team to change the initial of a trans person’s birthname in their Essex email to the initial of their current name. I believe that this change would help alleviate dysphoria as deadnames can be very triggering for many trans and non-binary people.

Theodore Broderick

Passionate | Approachable | Considerate

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Why do you want to represent your community?

Being transgender is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I want to spread that joy and pride around campus. I want to ensure that trans voices are heard in decision making around campus, and someone speaks in our best interest. I'd also love to contribute to a strengthened sense of both community and solidarity across both trans exclusive and wider lgbt spaces in the university.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I want to strengthen the sense of trans community around campus through trans & gender diversity mixers and exclusive events, alongside frequent collaboration with the lgbt officer to make sure that existing events are as open and accessible for trans and gender nonconforming people. I'm also keen to fundraise and collaborate with more organisations off campus (like the Outhouse), as well as fundraising for a bigger celebration of events such as trans day of remembrance. I'm also happy to hear the voices of trans individuals on campus, and would love to speak with people to hear and cater what I do to what they think needs to be done.

POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT OFFICER

Thomas Norton

Approachable | Reliable | Professional

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Why do you want to represent your community?

Having done my Undergraduate studies here at Essex and am now starting my Postgraduate Taught studies, I genuinely value the community and support that are available to us here, and want to give some of it back to the community. In this position, I want to ensure that as Postgraduate Taught students, we have the same high-quality support and community engagement available to us from the SU. And to promote the chance for any improvements to be made to better the time of Postgraduates Taught here at Essex.

How would you aim to engage with your community?

I will aim to ensure that all Postgraduate Taught questions, concerns, and suggestions are properly voiced, and that your issues are fought for. That there should be consistent and engaging social events and opportunities for Postgraduates, in what can be a big change for many. Another important aspect is the professional and career opportunities, which at every opportunity should be offered towards Postgraduates, both coming from within the SU and Departments. I would work closely with the various Student Representatives, Faculty Convenors, and PGR Officer to ensure that Postgraduates are properly heard while encouraging direct feedback on PGT issues as well.