Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarianism Society: Communications Officer

Combining my digital expertise, creativity, and passion for humanitarianism makes me an ideal candidate for Communications Officer. I believe in the power of social media to engage all generations, especially in Disaster Risk Reduction, where digital platforms can demystify humanitarian work and spotlight the incredible efforts of UCL’s department.

While the Society’s current communications are strong, I see opportunities to elevate them further. I propose introducing reels to boost engagement, especially around major events like Society Balls and showcasing the Disaster Dribblers. I’d launch a Disaster MythBusters series, host Crisis Communication Workshops, and create a lecture series in an “In Conversation With” format to highlight academic voices. Regular updates for BSc Global Humanitarian Studies students would help expand our reach.

I take a detail-oriented, data-driven approach to content strategy. My experience includes managing social media for the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board’s 7–17 portfolio, where I’ve created narrative reels spotlighting global community members—one reaching 220K views. I was invited to continue in this role and selected as youth host for a podcast exploring Shia Ismaili Muslim history. Our platforms grew by 8,000 followers in a year, reflecting my commitment to inclusive storytelling and impactful communication.

Dear DRRH Society members,

My name is Mai and I’m standing for communications officer because I want our Society’s work in disaster risk reduction and humanitarianism to be visible, engaging and accessible to everyone at UCL.

I’m passionate about this field and have experience in website design, social media PR, adobe tools, and yearbook design. I want to use these skills to strengthen how we communicate our events, opportunities and impact.

If elected, I will:

• Boost our online presence
  Keep Instagram, LinkedIn and other channels active with clear, timely posts on events, calls for volunteers, and opportunities in the DRR/humanitarian sector.
• Create simple, consistent branding
  Use visually stimulating templates  so our posters, stories and announcements are recognisable and professional.
• Consistent regular newsletter/blog
• Improve outreach across UCL
  Promote our activities in different departments and year groups to grow an interdisciplinary, welcoming community.

Share event highlights, speaker takeaways, internship/volunteering tips and member spotlights to help everyone stay informed and involved.

I’m organised, responsive and committed to listening to feedback so our communication keeps improving. I’d be honoured to serve as your Communications Officer and help the Society reach more people and create more impact.

Thank you for your support,
Mai Sakamoto, Second Year GHS student

Hello everyone! I’m Mafalda, and I’m running for Communications Officer of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarianism Society. As a Global Humanitarian Studies student, DRRH is something I care deeply about and I want to be more involved in my final year at UCL. Since the start of the year, I’ve already been supporting Emma and the committee with social media content, event promotion and outreach, so stepping into this role feels like a natural next step.

If elected, I will focus on three priorities:

1. Strengthen our online presence
I want our social media to be more active, engaging and reflective of the society’s values, with clear event promotion, student spotlights and relevant opportunities.

2. Improve accessibility and communication
I will make updates clearer and more consistent across Instagram, email and WhatsApp so everyone knows what’s happening and how to get involved.

3. Build a stronger DRRH community
Communication is also about connection. I want to create a more welcoming space where students across IRDR can meet, collaborate and feel part of something meaningful.

I am passionate, organised and committed to this society, and I’d love the chance to serve as your Communications Officer.

Thank you for reading and I hope you’ll consider supporting me!