Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
Election
Category
Candidates
If the role of the university is to make individuals valuable members of society, then the role of ACS is to give students the confidence to believe that they already are. I am standing as ACS president because I want a space where students of African and Carribean descent can cultivate a better perspective of the world. Being well-rounded requires exposure and confidence. Fortunately, I can make ACS a hub where members can be introduced to new ideas and strengthen personal perspectives.
By addressing Community, Education, Engagement and Networking (CEEN) I wish to sustainably elevate the role of ACS not only within the community and the University but the world, in the same way that our counterparts in Oxford and Cambridge have. We are members of a world leading institution yet I fear that we have not recognised the opportunities to be seized. Recognising chances for growth requires a leader who has complete audacity and gall, characteristics I believe I have. The time has come for our Society to unapologetically impose ourselves upon the world. I am Asantia Musakanya and I am CEEN to be your president!
Having grown up as a Black Zimbabwean woman in Predominantly White Institutions, I understand what it means to be a minority and the isolation that can come with it. Even at UCL, where I am 1/3 Black students in my year for Classics, the lack of representation is clear. However, UCL ACS became a space where I could connect with others who share my experiences. I am committed to ensuring ACS remains a space for those of African and Carribean heritage first and foremost—a space in which we celebrate heritage, build friendships, and uplift one another while being inclusive, accessible, and welcoming.
If elected, my key priorities will be:
- A Safe & Inclusive Space – ACS should be a place where every African and Caribbean student—regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, or sexuality—feels they belong. I hope to break down the stigma around who ACS is "for" Whether you are queer, introverted, extroverted, or still finding your identity, ACS is for you.
- Innovative & Diverse Events – I will advocate for fresh events, collaborate with London universities and UCL societies, and invite external speakers to provide insight and networking opportunities.
- Feedback – I will release surveys before and during the academic year to hear from members directly, ensuring ACS reflects what students truly want.
Ultimately, I aim to continue the legacy of the ACS being a safe space for all, especially those who feel like they do not necessarily "fit in" - as this is the original mission of the ACS.
Hey, I'm Aya! I'm a first year Politics and IR student, and I'm standing to be your ACS President in order to encourage more members of our community to join this space and feel included! The ACS has meant so much to me as someone who did not go to a Black-majority school, and it has allowed me to find people I can relate to and connect with.
As someone who has had numerous experiences in leadership roles, such as being a member of UK Youth Parliament for the borough of Camden, or leading my own charity initiative Sisters4Sudan where we raised £1000 in the span of 4 weeks, I recognise the skills and qualities needed in a leader, especially when dealing with issues impacting large groups of people.
As your ACS President, I will propose the following changes in order to improve our society and make it an inclusive space for all:
- Collaborating with the Access team to encourage more Black students to apply to UCL
- Encouraging the participation of East Africans and Caribbeans through collaborating with other societies and proposing committee roles to further this engagement
- Have accessibility needs in mind when planning events e.g: creating women's only events or events with no alcohol for people who do not feel comfortable in that environment
Ultimately, I recognise that my role as president would be to lead the committee. I am someone who is attentive to the needs of others, empathetic and easy-going, making me the ideal person to lead the society.
Vote Aya to be your ACS President:)