Search Engage

Hi guys! I’m Aaminah, a second-year English Lit w/ Creative Writing student running for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer.

As a young Muslim, Pakistani woman recently diagnosed with ADHD (pick a struggle I know), I’ve often felt different from others, marginalised, misunderstood and unheard. I find that people hardly remember what they did with you as much as how you made them feel. That’s why I’ve always tried to carry myself with authentic care and appreciation for others. I would endeavour to hold this value closely as Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, because I want our society events to represent our compassion and love for literature shared amongst a like-minded community who can respect and learn from one another in kindness. I want everyone to feel safe in their own skin, to never feel like their needs are too loud or unimportant, to foster a space where everyone is included equally.

I am an enthusiastic person, mind buzzing with curiosity and a heart eager to reach out and relate. I love meeting new people, learning from others, helping anyone where I can and talking to strangers (well talking in general!). I care deeply about other people’s experiences and stories, both in the literature I read, and in the poetry and prose I write. Connecting with others on a personal level excites me to no end, and these principles would serve me well as EDI Officer.

If elected, I would help promote an open-minded awareness surrounding (but not limited to): disability, race, culture, gender, sexuality, faith, wellbeing and diversity, making English Society a place of belonging and true friendship- a home away from home.

My loved ones know me as the ‘woke, therapist-friend,’ quick to call out that racist uncle or body shaming auntie, noticing a shift in someone’s tone and the look in their eyes when that ‘joke’ hit a nerve. Likewise, I would carry this attentive care into the role, as it is important to educate ourselves and always amplify the voices of those so often silenced. Inclusion is about making everyone feel comfortable, valued, appreciated, celebrated, seen, and heard, and I would be honoured to cultivate a society full of kindness in this way.

Thanks for reading, I would greatly appreciate your vote!!

With love, from Aaminah xoxo

My name is Debi and I’m a mature student at Leeds, studying for an MA in English Literature. Outside of studying, I am inclusive education consultant and I specialise in advocating and educating on accessibility and inclusivity in higher education. I have a little over ten years of experience in accessibility activism and I have won awards for creating safe, inclusive spaces.
As a part-time student, I have spent my first year of post-grad study learning not only in my classes but also around campus, taking in Leeds and all it has to offer as an institution. The School of English, in my rather biased opinion, is a fantastic part of the university and our society is a busy, well managed, group of committed individuals that I would very much like to support, and be a part of.
I am experienced in working in groups within institutions and ensuring that all voices are not only heard but valued. Welfare checks, which form part of this role, are my natural instinct and I never miss an opportunity to ensure that every space I walk into is as accessible, inclusive, and welcoming as it can be for everyone in it, and I have very little tolerance for those who gatekeep, mismanage, or put their egos above the welfare of others.
If elected, I will do all I can to ensure that students and volunteers feel as supported and valued as possible, and will safeguard their work, studies, social lives, and ongoing wellness, to the best of my abilities.