With voting for the NTSU elections beginning in just a couple of days, it’s time to find out who the nominees are for Equality and Diversity Network.
Here are a list of this year’s candidates and what they have to offer.
Angel Momoh, Ethnic Minority Students candidate
Tell us a little bit about yourself
“My name is Angel Momoh, I am Nigerian and I am currently in my first year studying Mechanical Engineering on Clifton Campus.”
Why did you decide to apply for the role?
“When I found out that only 30 per cent of the university is made up of ethnic minorities, I wanted to ensure that all our voices were heard and that our experiences were represented and seen.”
What are the main three changes you would like to make to improve equality and diversity at NTU?
“I want to create a forum for students to share ideas and experiences.
“I want to ensure there is a strong communication line between all the ethnic minority societies to continuously understand how NTSU can help and to ensure we are all better connected.
“I would also like to implement workshops, where BAME professionals from different industries speak on issues such as Cultural Awareness & Intelligence, Conflict Resolution & Management etc., and help aid them with skills to prosper in academics and industry.
Why should people vote for you?
“I have always been passionate about representing student issues to bring about change and solutions having done this with being in the school council in college, and as Academic Rep at NTU.
“Although I only have the experience of being from an African background, I would love to become the point of contact for all to feel comfortable enough to share their experiences and issues and hopefully together we can make long lasting significant change that will impact their NTU experience.”
Callum Jepson, Sexuality candidate
Tell us a little bit about yourself
“My name is Callum and I’ve been studying at NTU since 2017, completing the LLB, PGCE and now LLM.
“I am an openly gay student in a relationship of three years with my partner, Jordan.
“I currently work at a local college as a Law and Business lecturer, helping the next generation of Lawyers embark on their academic and legal career.”
Why did you decide to apply for the role?
“To help provide a safe environment for students to explore and find themselves whilst at NTU, without fear of being singled out or targeted based on their chosen sexual orientation or preference.
“As an openly gay man myself since the age of 16, I can relate to those students and be that beacon of support that we all sometimes need, even if we don’t yet realise it.”
What are the main three changes you would like to make to improve equality and diversity at NTU?
“I would like to implement a sexuality café, where students are able to join us for a chat over a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate or any other beverage.
“I would like to also improve the marketing aspects of sexuality and the network to current students at NTU, be more visual on freshers week and throughout specific weeks in each academic term – to further demonstrate the importance that we are all the same, irrespective of sexuality and that you are not alone.
“I would also like to implement a monthly or termly newsletter to be sent to all students, across all courses and years to gain the wide range of support that I have no doubt students have for one another so it normalises ‘sexuality’ and becomes embedded in each students mind that, actually, we are human and just the same as you and I.”
Why should people vote for you?
“Students should vote for me to help me implement the changes outlined above, I cannot do this alone and without your support I will find it difficult to make the traction I want to make.
“I will still fight for us, but with you behind me, it will make the road ahead smoother – there are strength in numbers!”
Annelise Edwards-Daem, Gender candidate
Tell us a little bit about yourself
“I am a first-year doctoral candidate at NTU exploring the figure of the doll in women’s writing.
“I completed my Undergrad in English with Creative Writing and MRes in English Literary studies at NTU and I also worked as the Research Assistant at NTU’s Trent Editions for a few months last year.
“This year I am the Arts and Humanities Doctoral School student rep and an Athena SWAN student committee member.
“I am passionate about social justice and tackling inequality which is why I have taken on the majority of the roles above.”
Why did you decide to apply for the role?
“I decided to apply for this role because I have always been passionate about gender equality in the university, as well as all settings.
“I want to help counteract this with compulsory consent training as well as clarity and support surrounding disclosing sexual assaults.
“I remember when I first joined the university, all we were given was a ‘consent’ fridge magnet which everyone ignored. Sexual assault is serious and needs to be taken seriously.
“I am a feminist, and my feminism encompasses all genders as I believe all feminism(s) should.
“I strongly oppose TERFs (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists) who seek to demonise marginalised genders and I will not tolerate any behaviour in or outside the Network that aligns with the hateful rhetoric of TERFs.
“I am fully in support of gender-neutral toilets and a person’s right to be any gender, whether it does or does not align with their sex assigned at birth.
“I am also passionate about ensuring my feminism is intersectional and, therefore, also considers how class, race, disability and sexuality can increase inequality amongst students, as well as gender inequalities.”
What are the main three changes you would like to make to improve equality and diversity at NTU?
“Implement gender neutral toilets across campuses and make changing room showers and cubicles more private.
“Implement compulsory bystander and consent training for all students.
“Ensure the university is adhering to its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and that the policies are up to date.
Why should people vote for you?
“I will listen to everyone in the Network and try my best to ensure changes are made based on your opinions and concerns.
“So, Network members who believe I would make a good chair for the E&D Network for Gender should vote for me.”
Danni Olver, Accessibility and Disability candidate
Tell us a little bit about yourself
“This marks my fifth year as a student at NTU as I also did my BA in English Literature and MRes in English Literary Research at Trent.
“I’m also a Team England Adaptive Abilities, and ex-Trent Tigers, cheerleader.
“I was due to compete at the world championships with TEAA in April 2020 and can’t wait to get back to training for the next international event when it is safe for everybody to do so.”
Why did you decide to apply for the role?
“As a student with both sensory and physical disabilities, I have had to adapt continuously throughout my own education.
“I want to make sure disabled students and those with accessibility needs are fully supported on their journeys with education, at NTU and beyond.
“I feel passionate about improving accessibility in education, disability equality, and working to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.”
What are the main three changes you would like to make to improve equality and diversity at NTU?
“The promotion of disability awareness days as well as awareness campaigns on issues directly affecting disabled students, like the ‘drop-off’ in support disabled students experience in their transition from graduation to entering the workplace.
“A continuation of the adaptability measures seen within this pandemic – measures that were previously denied to members of the disabled community and labelled ‘unrealistic’.
“Employability events catering directly to a disabled and adaptive audience.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I would like people to vote for me so that we can work together to fight institutional, physical, and societal barriers.
“I will always prioritise listening and feedbacking on student’s concerns regarding how their condition(s) have affected both their education and their overall experience as a student at NTU.”
Urte Poznanskyte, International students candidate
Tell us a little bit about yourself
“During my free time, I manage my Instagram account where I post about sustainability in Fashion but in Lithuanian (@kjuuute).
“Also, I am a dancer, and I had an opportunity to dance on the Lithuanian version of The Voice stage three times.”
Why did you decide to apply for the role?
“Honestly, it is my second time when I am applying for the International Students Officer role.
“Last year, I kind of won second place which was disappointing because I was so close to winning.
“However, I became friends with Ayan (current International Students Officer) and she encouraged me to nominate myself this year.
“To add, I think that I could bring new wind into the SU.”
What are the main three changes you would like to make to improve equality and diversity at NTU?
“Obviously, I want to make the best conditions for International Students during the Brexit situation and to tackle Covid-19 consequences which made difficulties for those students.
“Free Covid-19 tests for International Students who come to the UK, a Home Kit collection service and a free pick-up service from not just Heathrow airport.
“Also, I want to create a host family scheme for International students who come earlier than their accommodation contract starting date and do not have a place to stay.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I will be the quickest way to solve any issue you have.
“I am opened to listen to you and act accordingly to represent International Students point of view in certain situations during this tough time.”
You can cast your vote from 7pm Friday March 12, until Friday March 19.
By Helen Dubber