Equalities Officers
Equalities Officers
Equalities Officers are responsible for creating supportive and exciting communities and networks within their group, bringing people together who self-identify into that equalities area.
Meet your new Equalities Officers!
You can find the names of all our newly elected reps below, along with their election manifestos. Once they have completed training later this month, we will publish their contact details should you wish to get in touch.
Mehak Khan
Hi, my name is Mehak and I’m a proud British Pakistani student based at the Birmingham campus, currently studying Law. I’m passionate about justice and advocacy, and I aspire to pursue a career at the Bar after university.As a South Asian, Muslim woman, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges that come with navigating university life as part of a minority background. I’ve been involved in community volunteering projects, mentoring younger students, and helping to create safe spaces for open conversations around identity, culture, and faith.I’m standing for BAME Officer because I want every student to feel represented, heard, and empowered to succeed. For me, this role is about more than just listening, it’s about taking action to challenge inequality, celebrate diversity, and ensure that our voices are not only included but also valued. Together, we can build a campus community that thrives on unity and respect. Why do you think you are a good fit? I want to run for BAME Officer because I care deeply about making sure every student feels they truly belong here. As a British Pakistani woman of faith, I know how empowering it is to see your identity represented, and how hard it can feel when it isn’t. I want to be that voice for others, and make sure no one feels overlooked. Studying Law has pushed me to become confident in speaking up, debating, and standing up for what’s right. My ambition to become a barrister has also taught me the importance of listening carefully, understanding different viewpoints, and being persistent when change is needed. Outside of my course, I’ve been involved in community volunteering and mentoring, which gave me experience in bringing people together, organising events, and supporting others through challenges. If elected, I’ll work hard to celebrate our diversity, challenge inequality, and make sure every student feels heard and supported. What are your ambitions for the role? As BAME Officer, I want to create spaces where students feel represented, celebrated, and supported. One of my main ideas is to launch a “Culture & Community Week”, showcasing food, music, art and traditions from different backgrounds across campus. This would be a fun and inclusive way to celebrate diversity while helping students learn more about each other.I’d also like to set up monthly drop-in sessions where BAME students can share their experiences, concerns, or suggestions in a safe and welcoming environment.Another focus would be running campaigns around tackling discrimination and unconscious bias, working closely with student societies to promote awareness and encourage allyship.Finally, I want to work on improving career support for BAME students, such as networking events with alumni and workshops on overcoming barriers in the workplace.
Jayda Leigh
Hi, I’m Jayda, and I’m running for the role of Disabled Students Officer. As someone living with epilepsy, I understand the challenges of navigating education and work while managing a disability. I want to help build a space where disabled students feel not only supported, but seen, heard, and valued.In 2019, I was diagnosed with epilepsy while studying for my A-levels. This time brought personal and academic challenges. I remained determined to achieve my goals and went on to study Psychology at the University of Plymouth, where I deepened my understanding of both the human mind and the importance of accessible support systems.I’m a student on the MA Law Conversion Course, while working full-time as a paralegal. Balancing study, work, and health has given me insight into the barriers many of us face, and the strength it takes to overcome them.I believe in turning challenges into change, and I’m committed to advocating for inclusion and support for all disabled students. Why do you think you are a good fit? I’m putting myself forward for the Disabled Students Officer because I know how isolating and overwhelming navigating university life with a disability can be. I want to not only be a voice for disabled students, I also want to provide personal support and understanding. Living with epilepsy has shaped my resilience, adaptability, and determination. Balancing a full-time job as a paralegal while studying on the MA Law Conversion Course has strengthened my organisation, time-management and communication skills. These qualities I believe are essential in this role. While being in the professional setting I’ve had to advocate for myself, and I want to use that experience to advocate for others. Whether it’s creating safe spaces, or simply listening when it’s needed, I’m ready to be proactive, approachable, and persistent in driving change for disabled students. What are your ambitions for the role? I want to launch a "Different Needs, One Voice" campaign to give disabled students a platform to share their lived experiences and raise awareness of all types of disabilities. This campaign would help educate the wider university community, challenge stigma, and most importantly, ensure that disabled students feel seen, heard, and represented.Another key aim is to organise peer support sessions, creating safe, informal spaces where students can connect, share advice, and support one another, whether that’s with study tips, navigating university life, or simply having someone to talk to.My ultimate goal is to be a proactive, approachable, and a student-led voice, pushing for inclusion, accessibility and support, with solutions shaped by the real experiences of disabled students.
Aven Latter
Hi, my name is Aven. I’m a mature student on the PGDL with a background in political sciences. I’m passionate about employment law and human rights law, and I’ve chosen to study law to challenge discrimination and help people who are marginalised.As someone who is both non-binary and autistic, I know from experience how daunting university life can sometimes be — from navigating admin systems to finding the right support. These experiences inspired me to stand for Equality Officer. I don’t pretend to have every solution, but I believe real change comes from listening, working closely with LGBTQ+ students, and making their needs and interests the absolute priority. Why do you think you are a good fit? • I bring lived experience as a non-binary and immigrant student, so I understand the real challenges of navigating university systems and life as an LGBTQ+ person. • I have a proven track record of championing LGBTQ+ rights in my workplaces and communities, standing up against bullying, harassment, and discrimination. • I’ve completed specialist training on dealing with discrimination and harassment complaints, which gives me the tools to advocate effectively and push for accountability. • My passion for human rights and equality drives both my legal studies and my campaigning. Above all, I’m committed to being a voice for all LGBTQ+ students, working collaboratively, listening closely, and making sure our needs and rights are prioritised at every level of university life. What are your ambitions for the role? I want to make our university a place where LGBTQ+ students are respected, supported, and celebrated. That starts with reducing barriers: simpler, quicker processes for name and pronoun changes, and a “tell us once” system so updates apply across all IT platforms without endless admin.Support must also go further. I will push for mental health services that are inclusive, intersectional, and link with specialist LGBTQ+ counselling and organisations like Galop.Community and visibility are key. I want more events marking awareness days, dedicated LGBTQ+ clubs, “coming out with confidence” workshops, and an allyship programme to empower peers to stand against discrimination and microaggressions.Finally, I will work with career services to provide tailored employability support for LGBTQ+ students, especially around disclosure when applying for training contracts and jobs. My goal is simple: to make sure every LGBTQ+ student feels safe, seen, and able to thrive.
Kara Wansbury
Hi, I’m Kara, a part-time online GDL student. After twenty years in the Navy—ten as a Submariner—I’m now navigating Halsbury’s instead of the high seas! Stepping out of uniform has given me time to figure out who I am beyond work and how that factors into my next career.I bring resilience, perspective, and lived experience to my studies. I’m curious about how culture and power shape our everyday lives. I don’t believe they are abstract ideas—they show up in our studies, our work, our families, and our friendships. Mature and multi-hyphenate students—those juggling study alongside work, family, and other commitments—live that complexity every day.When I’m not studying I’m experimenting in the kitchen, taking all too-infrequent restorative dips in the sea, and spending time with my family. I’m a long-time fan of the em dash—pre ChatGPT—and I love exclamation marks! Why do you think you are a good fit? I believe that this role is more than just representing students older than 21, it’s about acknowledging and advocating for all students whose lives can’t pause in exam week: carers, parents, employees, business owners and volunteers. I understand the unique pressures of adding study into an already full life. This lived experience, combined with my professional background, has given me the skills to represent you. Previously, I have founded both peer support and professional networks in my roles, which demonstrates my ability to bring people together, foster collaboration and make sure voices are heard. I have mentored junior personnel through challenging career decisions, which highlights both my advocacy skills and my ability to support others in stressful times. I have also led teams in high-pressure environments, which taught me how to balance competing needs, and deliver results. These are the skills I’ll use to ensure you feel represented, supported, and valued. What are your ambitions for the role? My pledge to you is to:Champion. I pledge to represent any student whose university study is but one aspect of their full life: young students with caring responsibilities, full-time workers, business owners, parents, and those of us who are older.Connect. Knowing you are not alone in juggling studies is empowering. I want to create spaces—both online and in person—where students can share strategies, swap support, and feel part of a community that understands their balancing act.Cut the clutter. Kim Kardashian was wrong; we don’t all have the same 24 hours in a day. I pledge to streamline communications between the university and students. I will also establish a simple system for suggestions so that every resolved issue makes your student experience a little easier.
Leaoni Edwards
Hi all! My name is Leaoni, I'm 22 years old and currently in my first term of my MA Law SQE 1 course with ULaw as an online campus student. I am a revert Muslim by faith, which is my main reasoning behind electing myself to be your new Religion and Faith Officer! Being a revert Muslim I've built resilience from personal hardships in having my voice heard personally and professionally about my beliefs and boundaries. I understand that it can be daunting at times to express yourself in terms of your religion or belief system in any setting, including University. I have an undergraduate degree in Criminology and Law, as my interest has always been justice and advocacy. I'm passionate in learning about various belief systems and traditions as well as discussions with people about their values and ideas. With that being said, I believe connection and community is built off the back of conversation! Why do you think you are a good fit? I believe I would be a good fit for the role because, most importantly, I care for other students’ experience at ULaw and my motivation is to create safe spaces for people to express their faith in a way that makes them feel represented and valued. I am punctual and organised, which I have exercised in roles working across different professional capacities such as banking and event management previously. I am a compassionate person and care about everyone’s voices being heard and valued. Personal experiences such as discrimination for being part of my own religion has led me to realise how important it is for people to be supported and to feel less alone no matter what religion or background! It can be isolating feeling the need to fit yourself into a box that doesn’t include your faith, I want to create a non-judgemental safe space where everyone can connect with peers and share experiences as a student without apprehension to express their faith or background. What are your ambitions for the role? My main areas of focus are: Connection, Communication, Inclusivity and Advocacy. Firstly, to build spaces where connections can be made in the first place in order to allow communities to flourish. Secondly, make sure that communities have access to events online and in person so that no one has issues with accessibility, we all have different schedules and priorities after all! Thirdly, making sure that there is plenty of opportunities for students to have their say and aim to reach solutions that are inclusive for all. Finally, advocacy which I pledge to remain one of my main priorities as officer to ensure fellow students' wants and needs are being met and campaign for any changes agreed upon. I would like to achieve various events of which will be debated on in terms of what students are comfortable participating in. My vision, to begin with, is informal workshops and sessions that connect students to get to know each other and share experiences about University and their faith!
Wiktoria Klocek
Im Wiktoria (vik), Im a 21 year old Business Management and Marketing student at the Manchester campus. I moved to Manchester in 2022 to study Criminology at Salford, after a year I had to withdraw from my studies because I did not know how to manage my ADHD and PMDD. During the year working full time and paying council tax- I knew I wanted to go back to uni and my plans to own a cafe-bar with my Bestfriend confirmed my decision to study Business. My personal experiences have shaped who I am and why I want this role. From painful and confusing periods and PMDD, to being spiked, facing harassment, and navigating mental health challenges, I know how much women carry in todays society and how important support is. These experiences showed me that while change isn’t easy, it is possible; if someone steps up and tries. That’s why I want to be your Women’s Equalities Officer: to stand for feminism, women’s health, and sisterhood, and to make our uni a safer, stronger place for women. Why do you think you are a good fit? I’m passionate about feminism, women’s health and ensuring every woman feels supported, seen, and heard. Living with ADHD, PMDD and PCOS has given me a first-hand understanding of how important awareness, compassion, and proper resources are when it comes to women’s health and medical misogyny. I already have connections with a recognised PMDD charity, which I can invite into our university to raise awareness, host events, and create supportive spaces. I believe in building a strong sisterhood on campus; one that empowers women, celebrates achievements and tackles inequalities head-on. As Women’s Equalities Officer, I’d be approachable, proactive, and dedicated to making sure all women feel represented throught involvement. What are your ambitions for the role? My goal is to build a supportive, welcoming community where every woman feels safe, represented, and valued. I believe the best change happens when we work together, so I want to create opportunities for students to shape campaigns and events with me. The more voices involved, the stronger the awareness and impact we can create.I’d like to focus on topics such as PMDD, painful/irregular periods, and mental health through workshops, collaborations with a recognised PMDD charity, or regular meet-ups on campus where students can share whatever support they need. I’m also part of The Circle Cycle; a group for AFAB people living with conditions like PMDD, Adenomyosis, and Endometriosis. I'm sure they would love to welcome more membersSafety will also be a priority, with campaigns addressing spiking, harassment, and the importance of creating safer spaces for women across campus and the general public.
