Olivia Adekunle

POC Ex-Elected Officer

Years active: University of West London - 2014 to 2016

Current: Head of Academic Engagement, Student Voice & Equality

"Starting my journey I did not have any political understanding and never knew the importance of advocacy, human rights, and justice until joining my Students’ Union at the University of West London. I was a committee member of the Afro-Caribbean society when hearing about the Students’ Union elections’ which at first, I was quite scared about. However, after talking to SU staff and speaking with friends, I ran and become the Vice President of Student Activities and Participation for two terms.

This was one of the best experiences of my life and looked good on my CV! I developed my people skills, communication skills and relationship building techniques too. I was able to sit on board meetings and higher level university structures and enact real change. It is the truth when they say you will not get an experience like this again. From this I have stayed in Students’ Unions and I am now one of the few black senior managers within an Students’ Union across the UK."

Toluwa Atilade

Vice President Welfare & Community

Years active: Students' Union for Bournemouth University (SUBU) - 2020 to 2022

"I ran because I had supportive people believe I would be good to run. At first, I was completely against the idea because I didn't think I fit the description and the image of a vice president in my head and other peoples. After doing some research, speaking to other people who work with Student Unions such as Olivia Adekunle & looking at what I'm passionate about I knew I was the person for the role. I was able to identify cracks in the system that I believe I was the right person to help fix."

"The role also helped me develop as an individual in a space where people like me are not in leadership roles. I understand that just by me being elected twice and being out there and interacting with students it'll give all minorities, but especially Black Women, the encouragement needed to go for these roles. I have been able to use the resources at my disposal to further develop my own interests and start planning my next steps career-wise. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role within my SU and though it was tough at times especially in a pandemic, I wouldn't have changed it for the world."

Katherine Hacksaw

VP Activities and SU President

Years active: University of West London Students’ Union - 2017 to 2019

Current: Communications Manager, University of South Bank Students Union

"I ran at the time because I truly felt like I’d be the best person to represent the students at west London and make changes for them. The SU changed my life while I was studying and I wanted to help do that for other students.

I really believe that everything I’ve done since becoming an officer I wouldn’t have been able to do if I didn’t run because this role really helped to improve my confidence MASSIVELY! There were times I was out of my comfort zone and I had an amazing team that helped me to see my potential and really believed in me. Public speaking petrified me and in my role I had to do a lot of it and now when giving presentations at work or anything where I need to address a lot of people I feel so confident which still to this day I’m like I can’t believe i did that. I wouldn’t have been able to get there without being a sabb. Being a officer also helped me realise what I’m good at and what my skills are and now i work in a sector I love doing something I really enjoy!"

Ancha Joof

Vice President of Activities and Participation & President

Years active: University of East Anglia - 2019 to 2021

Current: Student Opportunities Coordinator (Widening Participation and Outreach), UEA(SU)

"During my time at university, I was heavily involved with union activities. i was a committee member for netball and ACS. The student union has always supported me during my studies, when I was struggling with my assignments, the advice service helped me and when I needed a job in my second year, they gave me employment. I ran because I wanted better support for students with disabilities and wanted to make the union and university more inclusive. With the support of my friends and union I ran for the role of vice president of activities and participation in my first year and in the second I ran to be president."

"Since being an officer my confidence and abilities has grown massively. I went from a shy person who didn’t believe in my own abilities to running part of the senior management team for 2 years. This has helped me now in my current role as the opportunities coordinator (Widening participation and outreach). Being an officer made me realise that I was really passionate about higher education and In particular helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds have a better student experience. I now work in a role where I can question, challenge and help students. If I didn’t run as an officer I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Before running in SU elections, I was lost on what I wanted to do after I graduated from university but now, I know that I want a career in higher education working on equality, diversity and inclusion."

"If anyone is thinking of running in SU elections, I highly recommend you do! It was the best decision I have ever made!"