Poker Society: Social Secretary

I’ve already put myself forward for other roles, not because I’m chasing titles, but because I genuinely want to contribute and take responsibility. If I’m going to commit my time to societies, I want to do it properly and make a real difference.

One thing I really care about is making activities more engaging and more competitive in a fun way. Taking poker as an example, I’d love to introduce more creative formats — like Mystery Bounty tournaments — that bring both strategy and excitement to the table. Poker shouldn’t just be repetitive games; it can be dynamic, social, and genuinely thrilling.

I’d also love to collaborate with other societies to run joint events, especially with other competitive or skill-based clubs. Cross-society events can make the experience bigger, more social, and more memorable. It’s not just about one group — it’s about building a stronger, more connected student community.

If elected, I’d also look into inviting experienced players or professional poker players to give talks or workshops. Learning from people who compete at a high level would help raise our overall standards and make the atmosphere more professional — while still keeping it welcoming and fun.

At the end of the day, I want societies to feel exciting, ambitious, and enjoyable. Not just something you attend, but something you’re proud to be part of.

Hi my name is ipek Mira sogancioglu, I am a second year Architecture Bsc student and I am running to be your social secretary for next year! I am originally from Turkey, and poker has been a huge passion of mine for a long time. For me, poker is more than just a game- it’s a blend of skill, strategy, and psychology, but beyond that, its an amazing way to connect with people, build a strong community. I am eager to take on the role of Social Secretary for the UCL Poker Society to ensure our members get the most out of this society. I want to help grow our community, organise engaging socials, and make our Friday games more exciting.
Poker for many people can be a pastime, but for me it’s an opportunity to create an environment where everyone from beginners to experienced players can feel welcome. I believe that the Poker society can be more than just a place to play cards it can be a hub for social interaction and skill development. If elected, I will focus on increasing the numbers of social event and collaborations with other societies to create a lively and interactive poker community at UCL.
One of my key objectives as secretary is to enhance the social aspect of the poker society. While our weekly games are great, I believe we can do even more to bring members together outside of the usual sessions. Organising more social events, such as poker themed pub nights, creating a welcoming atmosphere were both casual players and serious competitors can enjoy their time. As an arch