Engineering Society: President

I’m Rabiyah, and I’m running to be your next UCLES President.

As your current Head of Events, I’ve had the privilege of bringing our community together, from organising our Boat Party to working on our end of year Eng Ball. I know what it takes behind the scenes to turn ideas into events people genuinely enjoy. More importantly, I understand what makes UCLES special: the people.

UCLES has been a huge part of my time at UCL, and I want to give back by helping it grow even stronger.

I intend to prioritise:

• Bigger, Better Events
  Building on what we’ve started, I want to deliver even more high-quality socials, formals, and collaborations that people are genuinely excited about.
• Stronger Community
  Making UCLES more inclusive and welcoming, so everyone — whether first year or finalist — feels part of something.
• Clear Communication
  More transparency about what we’re planning, more opportunities to give feedback, and more chances for you to get involved.
• Opportunities Beyond Socials
  Expanding academic, career, and networking opportunities so UCLES supports you professionally as well as socially.

I’m looking forward to take on the responsibility and build on what we’ve achieved so far!

Last October, I embarked on my journey with the UCL Hiking Club, starting with the Dover hike. It was there that I first encountered the welcoming and supportive atmosphere that characterises our community. Since then, I have developed from a new participant into an active walk leader, gaining an in-depth understanding of how our activities operate and how members experience them. Over the past months, I have helped introduce several members to the club and supported them through their first hikes, making sure they felt welcome and informed. I have also mentored three members become walk leaders and contributed to the sustainability and growth of our leadership team. Besides, I completed the Skills Workshop and First Aid Training, gaining practical navigation skills and essential emergency knowledge (including the use of an AED and how to stop bleeding).

As an active hiker who will continue to participate next year, I regularly gather feedback from members on various aspects of the experience, such as the hardness of routes and overall satisfaction due to continuous walking with few stops. This direct insight helps to identify what works well and where improvements can be made, enabling me to make timely and informed suggestions to the committee. I am running for president to strengthen safety and leadership support, try to lead the club through 26/27 that is both safe and ambitious, while remaining welcoming to all beginners.