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Hi, I’m Annabel, a first year LLB Law Student with a strong determination to be your Inclusion Officer for next years WILSoc. I really believe in helping build the society to be grounded within a community that mutually empowers one another, regardless of race, gender, neuro-type, sexuality, ability and class distinction. I endeavour to build upon the foundations laid out by the current committee, and have actively observed the efforts Women In Leadership have gone to to ensure the society is as inclusive as possible. I am organised, diligent and consistent, with a deep understanding of what it is like to face adversity based on who you are. My family is from a working class background on both sides, and I am the first in my immediate family to attend university. I am also openly gay, and thus am committed to ensuring that WILSoc is as inclusive as possible to the LGBTQ+ community.

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Looking forward, I have drafted an action plan to get things done in plenty of time, which will allow for any possible problems the committee may face in the future.

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Now - September:
- Learning from and communicating with past committee
- Brainstorming ideas and retrieving feedback from current WILSoc members on what they want to see more of next year
- Proposing new partnerships, sponsorships and connections. Actively reviewing current partnerships to evaluate the inclusivity ethos of the companies
- Proposing collaborations with the following societies: Amnesty International, Black Feminist Society, Commuters, Debating, Erasmus, LGBT, Leeds Marrow, Neurodivergent, Social Mobility Society
- Planning and drafting an online platform for feedback on efforts towards promotion of inclusivity and diversity
- Researching opportunities and initiatives
- Planning initiatives for the following: Black History Month, Autism Acceptance Week, Women’s History Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Stress Awareness Month, World Mental Health Day, Alcohol Awareness Week, South Asian Heritage Month… and many more
- Planning initiatives for a Women In Leadership Book Group, reading books that challenge social stigmas and barriers minority groups face in the workplace

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Sep-Dec:
- Integrate initiatives into society.
- Proposing initiatives for students facing immediate adversity that directly and actively affects their studies. For example, bereavement, health issues, and victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. Signposting free services these students can go to, and ensuring WILSoc creates an environment that is suitable and trigger-free.
- Signpost members to external support systems outside of the society for extra help re. Issues surrounding equality and diversity via a freshers booklet on inclusivity.
- Non-alcoholic freshers icebreakers: Karaoke night, Quiz night, Coffee and cake morning, etc.
- Implementing goals
- Check ins with members for feedback
- Reviewal of inclusivity ethos of sponsors
- Regular communications with social sec and mentorship coordinator

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Jan-Apr
- Achieving more inter-society collaborations
- Workshops on breaking barriers re. employability
- Continuing last semesters work.

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I greatly appreciate your time for reading this. Annabel x

Hi everyone! I am Natalie, a first-year Business Management with Marketing student from Hong Kong. I personally value inclusion and equality heavily as I believe everyone should enjoy equal rights regardless of their ethnicity and background, therefore I would love to be your WILS Inclusion Officer for the 2022/23 academic year.

I believe that I am a suitable candidate as I have experience working in a diverse environment. Working as a part-time barista at a bubble tea shop in Leeds, my colleagues are from different countries and I often encounter and serve customers of a different races.
Also, I was the group representative in my Foundation year, I collected feedback from my coursemates and represented them to voice their opinions to teachers, which is a useful skill when it comes to voicing concerns from members.
In addition, I was the Student Union Public Relations Officer during high school, which I participated in organising various events with other committee members, such as orientation day, fundraising activities and Christmas celebrations.

My aims and goals for WILS Inclusion Officer are to firstly let members understand and accept different cultures in a fun way. A Kahoot game session can be included in one of our activities, where questions are based on different cultures. This way members can feel inclusive when their culture is presented and learn more about cultures that they are less exposed to at the same time.
Besides, creating a harmonious atmosphere is vital for bonding friendships between members. Organising campaigns and activities with other committee members would be a great way to make students from different backgrounds feel welcomed.
On top of that, a support system can be set up for students to raise their concerns on issues regarding equality. It will be anonymous in case some members are shy.
Finally, it is important to be observant and listen actively to members' voices. All events organised by WILS will be made sure that they obey the discipline of being respectful and inclusive.

Hope I can have the opportunity to be WILS Inclusive Officer next year, be a part of the loving committee, and lead women to become leaders of the future. Thank you!