Institute of the Americas Society: President

Over the past year, my enthusiasm to the Americas course and to the Institute has grown profoundly, shaped by the supportive and vibrant environment fostered by staff, students, and the Society itself. It is this strong sense of community that inspires me to stand for President of the Institute of the Americas society. I vividly recall attending the Offer Holder Day and hearing our current President speak with such enthusiasm about her experience. From then on, I aspire to help create the same welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for both current and future students.Inclusivity and belonging are values I hold deeply.As a current EDI Representative for first year, I have the privilege of engaging openly with my peers, ensuring that concerns are heard and communicated to faculty.This role has continued my confidence in advocating for students and sustaining meaningful dialogue between staff and the student body—something I would continue to prioritise as President.Alongside academic engagement, I believe a healthy work-life balance is essential. I aim to organise inclusive events for all year groups, creating opportunities to connect across cohorts, share advice, and build friendships in a relaxed setting. Fostering strong relationships within our society is fundamental to an enjoyable and fulfilling university experience.I am confident that I possess the dedication, approachability, and leadership required for this role, and I would be honoured to further strengthen our Society.

I’m a second-year student at UCL, and you can also call me Ruki. I’m running for President of the Institute of the Americas Society because I want our department to feel more connected, friendly, and genuinely representative of everyone who studies here. I’ve already been involved in organising and supporting events that bring people together across different year groups, and I’d love to build on that with a more consistent mix of talks, socials, and careers-focused activities. If elected, my priorities would be to strengthen the link between students and staff, and to collaborate more with other regional and political societies so our events feel bigger, more varied, and more fun. I want the Society to be a place where people can meet each other, share ideas about the Americas, and feel comfortable getting involved, even if they’ve never been to a society event before. Above all, I see the Society as a platform for students’ voices. As President, I’d be organised, approachable, and transparent, keeping everyone updated on what the committee is doing and actively asking for feedback throughout the year. I hope you’ll consider supporting me so we can make the Institute of the Americas Society a space where everyone feels informed and included.