Log in to vote

Nominations: Nominations closed

Voting: Voting open

Read more about the role of the Student Trustees here.

Two students will be elected to the position of Student Trustee, including one Postgraduate student. 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact [email protected].

Candidates

Othman Ibrahim (he / him)
Here to help!
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I will be a principled voice for UCL students and work with our elected sabbatical officers to ensure that the SU is boldly tackling the issues that matter to students the most, from tackling cost-of-living pressures to championing inclusivity on campus.

As an international PGT student I also hope to increase the diversity of student perspectives represented at the highest level of governance for the SU. 

I will ensure transparency in all my work, hold our elected officers accountable, and always listen to what students are saying and make myself approachable to everyone on campus. 

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I have been involved in student politics since my undergrad, and spent the last two years as a sabbatical officer at the students' union for University of Liverpool, where I studied previously before joining UCL.

Some things I achieved as a sabbatical officer: 

  • lobbied the university to make deadline extensions easily accessible 
  • provided free breakfast for students during exam season
  • opened a quiet room on campus 
  • organised "Palestine History Week" to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people
  • lobbied the university to install bidets in toilets around campus 
Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I have been a student leader for multiple years now and I know how to get things done! 

I promise to always to listen to students and lead with empathy, integrity, and transparency to both hold our elected officers accountable and support them in making campus a better place for all students.

Sue Cidad (she/her)
Evidence into action. Community into impact.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I want to make the Union more evidence-led, internationally connected and accountable for measurable student outcomes. Using UCL data alongside Office for Students and OECD benchmarks, I want to track whether students are engaging more, withdrawing less and progressing better. My aim is to turn evidence into practical policy, strengthen support and help UCL lead internationally not only in research, but in student wellbeing, inclusion and achievement.  At UCL, I want to contribute as someone who connects data, community, innovation and action to improve experience and institutional impact.

 

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I will bring a combination of academic representation, humanitarian experience, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving. My work with UNICEF UK,  initiatives connected with Gaza and Congo, and logistics-focused aid distribution has strengthened my ability to work under pressure, assess risk, coordinate resources and think beyond conventional solutions. I also bring an international network and a genuinely inclusive approach: I am comfortable working across cultures, disciplines and different forms of need.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Students should not vote for me because I ask for their confidence; I should earn it first. The fair question is not “why should they vote for me?” but “why would they need me in this role?” I want to deserve that answer through work: listening carefully, using evidence, challenging weak assumptions, turning data into practical action and treating every student as part of one community. I will bring crisis-tested judgement, analytical thinking and a willingness to do the difficult work behind representation.If students see value here and in what I deliver, then their vote will have been earned

Arhham Shah
YOUR UNION. YOUR VOICE. YOUR FUTURE.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

A UNION THAT WORKS FOR STUDENTS.

Where does our money go?
I want to scrutinise spending, reserves and major investments. Every pound should have a purpose.

Are decisions fair?
I'll question who benefits, what risks we're taking and whether the Union is delivering on its promises.

Where's the accountability?
Students deserve to understand major decisions, not just hear about them afterwards.

My goal: A financially secure Union that listens to students and can explain the decisions it makes.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I'VE SEEN HOW THE UNION WORKS.

As Accommodation & Housing Officer, I've represented students and their concerns.

As Physics Society Treasurer, I've gained experience with society finances.

As Vice President of Jain Society and Technology Officer of Mathematics Society, I've worked with committees and seen the challenges societies face.

I also study Theoretical Physics and have worked in research and operations.

I bring practical experience, an analytical mindset and a willingness to ask questions when something doesn't add up.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I WON'T PROMISE WHAT I CAN'T DELIVER.

I've worked on both sides of the Union: representing students and helping run societies. I know how frustrating unclear decisions and unnecessary processes can be.

Here's what you can expect from me:

  • Ask questions. Especially about spending, risks and priorities.
  • Challenge decisions. Respectfully, but without avoiding difficult issues.
  • Follow through. Check whether the Union is delivering what it promised.

No empty promises. Just responsible, independent oversight.

Zoey Zhou (She/her)
Vote me! I will be loud for you!
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

So far, I have recognised how housing can shape the university experience. Limited UCL accommodation means some students must seek private housing, which can be more expensive, raise safety concerns, and make it harder to build a social network. I hope to help the Union better understand barriers like these and prioritise students' experiences, safety and overall well-being. I want students to feel heard and know their concerns are followed up. I also want to use my enthusiasm to make a practical contribution to the community.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

As Head of Media in my high-school Student Union, I established our first broadcasting team alongside my daily responsibilities, recruited and trained members, reported progress to teachers and managers, and oversaw the group's development. This strengthened my critical thinking, organisation and reporting skills. As a wellbeing ambassador, I trained in effective listening and feedback. My 68 hours of IB EE fieldwork also taught me persistence, self-reflection and how to address my shortcomings. I am always ready to learn and improve!

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I am responsible, approachable and committed to making a difference. I have experience turning ideas into practical projects, working with others and reporting progress to decision-makers. I am someone you can reach out to when you are in need, as I respect and care about different perspectives as much as I can. I may be new to student trustee and uni governance, but I am a quick learner who is willing to ask questions, challenge ideas constructively and take this responsibility seriously. I want to see more constructive ideas from students and help make our voices count.

Mahmud Amir (He/Him)
Your Voice. Your Trustee. Your Future.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

My goal as a Student Trustee would be to make sure student experiences do not simply become feedback that disappears into a meeting. For example, if students raise concerns about the cost of student life, access to services, learning resources or the wider student experience, I would want those shared priorities to reach the right decision-makers and be properly followed up. I would work to ensure students understand what was raised, what decisions were made, why they were made and what happens next. Students should be able to see the journey from raising an issue to understanding its outcome.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I bring previous experience representing students as a Faculty Representative at Kingston University(March 2025 – April 2026). I listened to students' concerns, identified shared priorities and communicated them to staff. This taught me that representation requires listening to different experiences, asking the right questions and following issues through. As a current UCL postgraduate, I understand student life from a new perspective. I would bring strong communication, organisation, reliability and an open mind to the Trustee role, using these skills to ensure student voices shape decisions.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Imagine you raise an issue say, you're struggling with your mental health, need extra support or the cost of living is making things harder but you're unsure what happens after it's reported.I'll listen carefully, understand the wider experience, identify shared priorities and communicate them clearly.My experience as a Faculty Representative and current experience as a UCL postgraduate would inform how I approach the Trustee role.I also value clear follow-up, so students know what happens after their concerns are raised.Your voice won't disappear into a meeting it will be heard,& followed up



 

Rutong Li
Listen, Represent, Deliver — Your voice at UCL’s decision‑making table.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I aim to be a reliable link between students and the Board of Trustees. I will listen widely to varied student experiences, identify shared priorities and present them at board and sub-committee meetings. I will advocate for student lived experience to inform strategic decisions, collaborate with Officers to explore improvements, and uphold the Union’s legal duties as a legal director. I will provide clear updates back to students about discussions, outcomes and next steps, ensuring student voices meaningfully shape the Union’s future. I am prepared to commit the required time for this role.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

As a former representative of SU volunteers, I have extensive experience in collecting student feedback and organizing viewpoints. My psychology module has cultivated my empathy for the experiences of different students. My project coordination experience as the secretary-general of the "Good Night, Mom" production team enabled me to effectively collaborate with other officers. I have organizational skills and a sense of responsibility. I participate in strategic discussions and provide transparent reports to students. I can commit to the time needed for this role.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Choose me as the student representative. I will listen carefully to the opinions of different students. I will bring collaborative, organized work to the trustees' meeting, drive student-centered decision-making, and provide transparent updates to keep you informed of what's going on. I'm committed to making your priorities count.

Nawal Adawe (She/her)
Listen. Represent. Deliver. Vote change, vote Nawal
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

Given students are the beating heart of our university, I will champion every concern - big or small.  I’ll act as a listening ear, grounding the wider business picture with understanding student concerns and presenting these in front of key stakeholders. Alongside my fellow trustees and wider committee members, I will pursue our unified objective with relentless persistence. Overall, I am dedicated to being an advocate and a voice for those who feel they do not have one.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I am personable, enthusiastic and a keen listener, so students will be comfortable to voice their concerns with me. These qualities make fostering strong relationships with my peers possible, allowing me to best represent the student body as a whole. My previous leadership role in Sixth Form as an elected class representative has given me useful experience in advocating for students with key faculty stakeholders, to improve the learning experience in a meaningful way. My commitment to improving academic environments means I’ll strive to better myself to best serve all UCL students as a trustee

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Voting Nawal means voting for someone who is a dedicated, approachable listener who will always put your needs first. My prior leadership experience as a class representative, means I know how to bridge concerns into actual change. Moreover, as a trustee, I won’t just look at the finances but I pledge to hear your concerns and voice them to ensure your time with Students’ union UCL is supported, heard, and valued.

 

Francis Deng
Ask the hard questions. Keep students at the heart.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I want student experience to inform the Union's long-term decisions. On the Board, I would ask how proposals improve access, whether resources are being used responsibly, and how success will be assessed. I would pay particular attention to affordability and participation, while considering the Union as a whole. I would support clearer explanations of major decisions wherever confidentiality allows.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I bring student representation, analytical thinking and experience weighing competing priorities. I led the winning team in FDM's AI consulting challenge and a six-person Practera consulting team, turning research into practical recommendations. Studying politics and sociology, alongside coursework in enterprise risk management, has sharpened my interest in institutions and accountability. I would bring that questioning approach and a willingness to learn.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Vote for me for thoughtful scrutiny, not promises a trustee cannot deliver alone. I would prepare carefully, ask constructive questions and consider both today's students and those who come after us. My experience across representation, societies, volunteering and sport gives me several perspectives on student life, but not every perspective. I would listen beyond my own circles and be willing to challenge my assumptions.

Aras Alpaslan
Yes to Transparency, Yes to Student Power, Yes to Aras
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

The SU runs on your tuition and should serve you. I firmly believe in this principle. I would do my best to ensure every single penny of your money is spent on you and your uni experience. To this end, I promise transparency and service: you shall know exactly where and how your money is spent, and guide what the SU does.

For this, my proposals are simple: 1) a statement released at the end of each term to you detailing how much is spent where and 2) minimum 5 ideas offered by you implemented per term.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

1) I am willing to listen more than I speak. I will not impose anything. I will gather your ideas and implement these for you. I enjoy conversation, hence, you can be assured I will never shy away and refuse your ideas.

2) I was Student Council President in 10th Grade and represented 500 students. Now, I am ready to represent you, all of you in your thousands.

3)Youth. I am a fresher. I have come here with brand new ideas and a spirit not-yet-worn-out by university. I can combine my energy with the Sabbatical Officers’ experience to create a balanced and well-led Union at your service.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Do you want to know where your money goes? Do you want your ideas to become reality? If you answer “yes” to both, you and I are in agreement. I say “yes” to these and provide two concrete proposals to have them implemented. If you choose to vote for me, you choose to send a signal that “transparency” and “student power” are more than just words, they are real. Vote for change, vote for your friend, a future echo of your voice. For this, I plead that you trust me with your vote.

Sophia Whelan (she/her)
A Union that works for all of us
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I want to make Board decisions reflect students' experience. 

Accessibility and Inclusion is at the core of how I'd approach this role.

  1. I want to seek out underrepresented voices, including commuters, part-time, and minority students, to represent shared priorities, not just my own.
  2. I'd ask how major proposals affect accessibility and inclusion, building on the toolkits I co-created in my Faculty to improve student-staff communication.
  3. I'd report back after every Board cycle on what was raised and decided, including any "no", ensuring fully transparent communication.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
  • As a two-year Academic Representative, I've taken student feedback to staff, including accessibility and inclusion toolkits I co-created and presented to Faculty leaders. 
  • My Anthropology training means I listen carefully and look for patterns across different experiences, which is how I'd gather and represent shared priorities. 
  • I've presented data to senior leadership, managed partner agreements and run a 30-student DEI committee, so I'm comfortable with strategy, finances and collaboration.
  •  I'm reliable, curious and committed to following through.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I'll make sure your experience of UCL is heard where decisions are made.

 As a two-year Academic Representative, I've seen how often the same voices dominate, and I'll actively seek out commuters, part-time and minority students. 

I've turned student feedback into practical change, co-creating accessibility and inclusion toolkits presented to Faculty leaders. 

And I'll always report back on what was raised and decided, so you can see what your vote achieved. 

Your voice shouldn't depend on how loudly you speak. 

Vote for accountability, positivity and inclusion.

Valentino Thomas (He/Him)
I've led the SU's biggest club, now I can help lead the SU's biggest decisions.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

Ever been asked for feedback and then never heard what happened next? I want to fix that. 

I promise to:

  • Take your ideas and suggestions to the Board, where decisions on Union money and priorities are made
  • Report back every term: what I raised, what changed, what's next
  • Push for plain-English updates after every meeting, so students never wonder where their feedback went
  • Make the Board visible, so you know who decides how your Union spends its money
  • Fight for the issues YOU tell me matter, not just mine

Your voice should lead to visible results, so UCL feels like home, and you're proud to be here.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

Want someone who’s already proven they can deliver for students?

What I bring:

  • Led UCL's biggest club last year: UCL Hiking Club, 2,700+ members & 120+ events delivered last year alone
  • Made it easy for thousands of new students to get involved in sport
  • Budgeting and strategy experience, so I know how to make limited money go further
  • Inside knowledge of the UCL SU: I know how it works, so I know what to ask
  • One of the 200 "Faces of UCL", recognised for an existing impact on UCL
  • Approachable: message me anytime about what matters to you

I'm a student like you, so I'll listen first and follow through.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Because you deserve a Trustee who listens, delivers and tells you what happened next.

Why vote for me:

  • I listen: your ideas, not just mine, shape what I take to the Board
  • I deliver: I've turned student ideas into real events and opportunities, not just promises
  • I report back: you'll always know what I raised and what came of it
  • I ask the tough questions: Trustees are legally responsible for the Union, so I'll make sure student money and staff time is used well

Vote Valentino for a Union that answers back.

Rain Luan (She/Her)
Vote for me, Vote for fun livesss
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I would like to contribute to a more responsive and supportive campus, delivering students' ideas and thoughts to the reality. For example, new students sometimes find it hard to get to teaching rooms, and there should be a person who's close to them to raise the pertinent questions or help to direct better.

I would be really appreciate to be the one actively speak for us and negotiate with different parties. To maintain or build a handy and easy school life by listening and sharing our own experiences.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I've always been described as a helpful and easygoing extrovert and was passionate about doing nice things, providing support whenever needed. I have had a few work experiences that developed strong communication skills and fast paced learning abilities, which could enable me to effectively investigate students' priorities and work with various groups and organisations. Help to keep things organised and foster a community with inclusive and open thoughts. I would do the best I can to improve student experience and make the uni life funnier and more enjoyable.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Any of the ideas and thoughts would be heard and appreciated. I would definitely do all the best to improve the experience, understand what we really need, and respond to every concern. It would be a good chance to contribute to the community and try to make some changes. With you, with us.

Gulnar Bharati (she/her)
Case Closed. Vote Gulnar.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I want students’ experiences to be part of the decisions that shape the Union. I’d listen to students from across UCL, identify the concerns and ideas they share, and bring those priorities to the Board. I’d also make sure students know what was raised, what happened next and where more work is needed. I’m keen to understand how the Union can best support students and help shape its future direction.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I have always enjoyed getting involved and supporting other students. At school, I was a prefect and Vice President of Business and Economics, where I worked with both the student and staff bodies. At UCL, I have mentored state-schooled students applying to university and now help new students settle in as a Transition Mentor. As Interim President of the Detective Society, I have recruited committee members, secured funding and spoken to hundreds of students during the Welcome Week. I am approachable and genuinely interested in making sure that student concerns are addressed. 

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I got involved in student representation almost as soon as I arrived at UCL, putting myself forward for the First Year Representative position within my first two weeks. I later ran for the Publications Officer post and received strong support. Since then, I’ve continued to take on roles that bring me closer to students’ experiences, from mentoring to leading the UCL Detective Society. I have persistently advocated for student interests and I would do the same in this role. 

Alistair Green
Independent, practical and accountable.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I would like to help make sure decisions taken at Union level are sensible, transparent and genuinely reflect the interests of students. I would bring a postgraduate and professional perspective, while remembering that the role is about the whole student body. I would particularly like to see good communication around major decisions, responsible use of resources and clear follow-up when students raise concerns.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I bring experience as a clinician, postgraduate student and current Academic Representative. I am used to listening to different viewpoints, raising concerns and working with staff to find practical solutions. I am comfortable asking difficult questions when needed, but I also understand the importance of being fair, responsible and constructive. I would bring an independent mindset, good judgement and a willingness to do the work properly.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I would take the role seriously and approach it with common sense, independence and accountability. I already have experience representing students and I know the importance of listening before speaking. I would not treat the position as a title for my CV; I would use it to ask sensible questions, challenge decisions where necessary and help make sure the Union acts in the interests of students.

Amias Porin (He/him)
Greener campuses. More affordable education. Stronger student voices.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
  • Affordability meets sustainability: We have to invest in affordable, sustainable food and create circular systems that cut waste.
  • Finances aligned with our principles: A year ago, the SU switched from Barclays to more sustainable banks, including Lloyds, through a policy that expires in June. I will push to renew it, explore greener alternatives to Lloyds, and support initiatives to move UCL itself away from Barclays.
  • Extra-academic involvement: UCL is full of talented students. It needs to be a space where their projects can thrive and where we can be inspired by each other.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
  • I lead the Sustainability Council’s Banking Task Force and have led clubs and societies since high school. I know how to run campaigns and organise large groups. I have also regularly met with UCL’s finance team. I would bring this experience to meetings with the SU and administration.
  • I am also hardworking and comfortable taking on multiple commitments while ensuring I deliver on all of them.
  • It may be the French in me, but I think my friends would describe me as honest and direct when it comes to what I believe in. I believe this is vital to hold UCL and the SU accountable to us, students.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Our student trustees are the ones who decide what projects to support, based on the causes they find just. If you care about making our campuses more affordable and sustainable, know that I would do everything I can to make that happen.

As head of the Banking Task Force, I have gained experience that I would put to great use in that position.

I also believe the SU should be accountable to us. This can be achieved with more effective communication and a more direct way for students to make their voices heard. If elected, I will look into organising frequent referenda to do just that.

Chelsea Cheng (She/her)
Stop the snooze, make your move - vote Chels C to I.M.P.R.O.V.E.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

Achieving I.M.P.R.O.V.E: 

  • Include every voice. Bi-weekly drop-ins and an open inbox. Everyone matters!
  • Make students' priorities heard Student perspectives into Board of Trustees meeting
  • Put the £23k NUS savings to work. Monitor and plan the reinvestment as we left this year
  • Reduce the gap between policy and practice. Such as reimbursement processes, The Active Bystander Programme and misconduct policies 
  • Open the books. No hidden fees, increase transparency
  • Value long-term thinking. Support the SU's building plans 
  • Embrace the future. AI as a tool, not a replacement, increasing interdisciplinary

 

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
  • As Course Rep and Student Partnership Committee member, I gathered student feedback, identified priorities and report needs... Trustee is just at a wider scale. 
  • Being UCL's Rep for COL-CEMICA, I'm reviewing global AI policy, contributing to strategic decision-making with AI usage
  • Experienced as Boarding Prefect, Academic Ambassador, Dance and Cheerleading Captain, I've led and represented people from all backgrounds. 
  • On the Events and Diversity Committee, I ensured different student voices were heard 
  • I am multilingual with a diverse-cultural background, providing insights as an ESL student

     

 

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I'm here to listen, represent and report. Too often, students feel unheard between elections. I want to change this! 

As your Student Trustee, I'll bring your concerns to the Board, question decisions rather than blindly agreeing to drafted policies. I will be your voice, and keep you informed on what's raised.

I'll set practical goals and directions to I.M.P.R.O.V.E our educational system and institution. Include, Make, Put, Reduce, Open, Value, Embrace

I'm an active listener and ENFJ :) Reliable, friendly and altruistic, you can count on me, and I will not let you down.

Vote for me, I'm Chels C

 

Kavin Jayaprakash
Vote for Kavin, Vote for Scrutiny
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

The core activity of a trustee is scrutiny towards the activity of the institution. As such, I plan to:

  • Ensure Union spending actively targets the promised social impact initiatives.
  • Monitor administrative strategy to keep it in the best interest of students.
  • Act as a clear bridge between the student body, the non-student trustees, and UCL.
  • Enforce the accountability and transparency of the Student Union.
  • Keep the Union's long-term strategy in line with its targets on environmental, financial, and social sustainability.
  • Deter the Union from investments that contradict its principles.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

You should vote for me for the following reasons:

  • I have a serious desire to represent the voices of UCL students from all backgrounds.
  • I am one of the very few non-executive members who attends Union Executive meetings - I am actually engaged with the SU.
  • I am empathetic to the needs of a range of different students.
  • My track record as a resilient and collaborative leader is storied.
    • Head of Personnel at a youth charity, overseeing 50+ staff members.
    • President of UCL PRIS; Activities Zone Rep.
    • Student Vice-President & Charity Event Director at sixth form.
  • Most importantly, I am always open to ideas!
Please summarise why students should vote for you.

UCL is in a time of great change. Just around our 200th birthday, we have entered an uncertain world with several unanswered questions about the future of student governance. Therefore, it follows that a student trustee should be someone who does more than sit in board meetings. I intend to be active in scrutinising the ethics & viability of SU decisions, as well ensuring that SU resources are spent where they are needed the most. 

I have already demonstrated my commitment to the SU and its members. All that remains now is for you to vote for the person who wants to hold our SU accountable.

Palak Choure (she/her)
"A Union that listens, connects and cares.”
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I hope to build a Students’ Union where everyone feels heard and comfortable reaching out. Coming from small town and a first-generation learner background, I know how much it matters to have someone who listens without judgement. I want students to think, “Let’s reach out to Palak; she seems easy to talk to.” Through outreach, inclusive activities and teamwork with fellow trustees, I hope to create safe spaces, strengthen connections and bridge the gap between students and decisions that affect them. I may not have every answer, but I will listen, respect boundaries and work toward solutions.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I bring empathy, organisation and a genuine love for connecting with people. Coming from a small town and being a first-generation learner, I understand how important it is to feel heard and supported. My NGO experience taught me to listen to students from underprivileged backgrounds and help them realise their potential. I enjoy planning activities, balancing different perspectives and working collaboratively. I want to bring fun, create safe spaces and be a leader students feel comfortable approaching, while respecting their boundaries and ensuring their voices are heard.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Vote for me if you want a Student Trustee who is approachable, empathetic and genuinely cares. Coming from a small town and working with an NGO supporting underprivileged students, I have learnt the power of listening without judgement. I want to be someone you can approach as both a trustee and a friend, who respects your boundaries and takes your concerns seriously. I may not have every answer, but I will listen, work with the team and help find a way forward. Let's make UCL a place where everyone feels connected, supported and heard.

Yiming Hao
Your voice heard. Your trust earned.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I have organised many events and exchanged ideas with a wide range of societies. I also stay in regular contact with students, listening to their suggestions and learning from their experiences. This has strengthened my ability to understand different perspectives, identify shared priorities and work with others. As a Student Trustee, I would bring these perspectives to Board discussions, exercise independent judgement and scrutinise decisions to help ensure the Union’s priorities and use of resources reflect students’ interests.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I want a Union that listens, explains its decisions and makes resources easier to access. My priorities are:

  • Transparent spending: push for clear budget summaries and explanations of major decisions.
  • Fair resources: advocate clear funding criteria and simpler application and reimbursement processes.
  • Visible progress: gather feedback each term and publish updates using information that can be shared publicly.
  • Stronger connections: support accessible social and academic events across faculties.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I offer an approachable, independent and practical voice on the Board. I will assess proposals by their evidence, fairness and value to students, and ask difficult questions when needed. I will work constructively with other Trustees while keeping students informed about what I have raised, what has progressed and what remains unresolved. My commitment is to take your concerns seriously, follow through and make decisions with the whole student community in mind.

Talha Noor Tahir (he/him)
Listen first. Follow through.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I want students to know who represents them, how to raise an issue and what happened after they raised it. I would make it easy to share concerns and ideas, both online and in person, then take common priorities to the Board and sub-committees. I would focus on practical issues such as accessibility, safety and shared facilities. I would also keep students updated instead of letting concerns disappear into a meeting room.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I have spent several years representing students. At RNC I served as a student representative, lead student representative and student governor, and at Kingston I was a Course Representative. I also ran weekly story nights for 20 to 30 students for three years and completed a Civil Service policy internship. Being blind and living in UCL accommodation has also shown me how small practical decisions can affect independence and inclusion. I know how to listen, raise an issue clearly and keep following it until there is an answer.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Vote for me if you want a representative who will ask before assuming, chase answers when issues stall and tell you what happened afterwards. I have represented students before, and I know the job is not to speak over people but to make sure their views reach the right room. I will make myself easy to contact, look for concerns shared by students and push for practical changes. If something cannot be changed, I will explain why rather than disappearing after the election.

Monty Money (He/him)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I hope to bring my enthusiasm for representing a diverse range of students’ interests into the conversation at key events within the Students’ Union. I look forward to the opportunity to engage with members of the student body whom I would not have otherwise met; and providing my support for them.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I am currently the Charity Secretary of UCLFC: representing both minor and major groups at UCL always has been and always will be a core tenet of who I am. This is reflected in my years at Bloomsbury Football charity where I promoted their belief of giving everyone equal opportunities through the medium of football. Additionally, I have experience leading campaigns and engaging with people: I was personally responsible for 26 people joining Movember across two fundraisers, helping to establish the charity at my school where over £50,000 in donations has been generated in the past two years

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Students should vote for me if they want an enlivened Students’ Union by which they feel listened to because they see the direct resolutions of their issues.

Draco Song (they/them)
Empowering Diversity, Championing Every Voice.⁠
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If elected as a Student Trustee, my primary goal is to ensure the Union remains financially resilient, operationally transparent, and deeply responsive to student needs. I aim to contribute to robust long-term strategies that enhance campus facilities, student welfare, and support services. By bridging the gap between everyday student life and high-level board decisions, I want to ensure every decision made directly empowers our diverse student community and safeguards their best interests.


 

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

bring a sharp analytical mindset, unwavering objectivity, and a strong commitment to ethical governance. My experience working in diverse team environments has sharpened my ability to evaluate complex situations, weigh risks, and think strategically about long-term goals. Furthermore, I am approachable, eager to learn, and ready to ask critical questions. I will bring a fresh, student-first perspective to the board, ensuring robust financial and strategic oversight that benefits all students.


 

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Vote for me if you want an inclusive, forward-thinking, and truly representative voice on the board. As a proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and diverse groups, I am committed to ensuring that every student—regardless of background, gender, or orientation—feels safe, valued, and heard. I bring analytical strength, unwavering dedication, and a passion for student welfare. I will make sure the Union's decisions actively champion equity and build a welcoming campus for all.


 

Cassie Feng
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If elected Student Trustee, I’ll amplify student voices at the Students’ Union’s top level. Leveraging Course Rep experience, I’ll listen to diverse students and convey their needs, ensuring major decisions—strategy, finance, organization—prioritize long-term student impact. I’ll hold the Union accountable, optimize resources for student life, and advocate for fair, sustainable choices benefiting current and future students. As an active Board member, I’ll ask insightful questions, consider diverse viewpoints, and always prioritize the Union and its members.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I’d bring my student rep experience, strong communication skills, and real dedication to listening to different views. As a first-year Course Rep, I got hands-on with collecting feedback, talking to staff, and advocating for students in meetings. Being an international bilingual student, I offer a unique perspective and better understand diverse student experiences. I’m curious, responsible, and not afraid to ask questions when I need clarity. Most importantly, I’ll keep an open mind and commit to making thoughtful decisions that prioritize both students and the Union.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Students should vote for me because I already have experience representing students and I genuinely care about making sure different voices are heard. I’m open-minded, responsible and not afraid to ask questions or challenge things when needed. As both a student and an international student, I would bring my own perspective while always listening to others and making decisions with students’ best interests in mind.

Raisa Rahman
Accountable governance, student-centred strategy.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I aim to ensure the Students' Union operates transparently, responsibly, and with student welfare at the core of every strategic decision. As a legal director, I will scrutinise budgets to ensure student fees translate into real, accessible services, particularly around mental health, academic support, and community spaces. I want to bridge the gap between high-level governance and grassroots student needs, ensuring long-term Union policies are robust, legally sound, and proactively responsive to our diverse student body.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I offer a proven track record in compliance, governance, and stakeholder support. At Camden Council, I coordinated board-level administration, managed GDPR-compliant data for 1,000+ youths, and translated data into executive strategies. As an IT Support Engineer, I manage critical system compliance, SLAs, and security frameworks. Combined with my background in Computer Science and Human-Computer Interaction, I bring analytical rigor, clear communication, and the objective judgment needed to safeguard the Union’s charity status and strategic health.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Vote for me because I combine genuine empathy with the practical boardroom skills needed to hold leadership accountable. Being a Student Trustee requires more than good intentions, it demands an understanding of compliance, strategy, and evidence-based decision-making. I have managed sensitive data, streamlined operations, and represented diverse voices across university and charity sectors. I will be your diligent, analytical, and accessible voice on the Board, ensuring every strategic decision serves your everyday student experience.

Zara Farooqi (she/her)
Your Voice. My Priority.
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I want students to know they can rely on Students’ Union UCL to act in their best interests. If elected as a Student Trustee, I will help ensure money is spent responsibly, represent student needs and contribute to future planning. I believe students should understand how the Union operates and why its decisions matter. I would look forward to promoting transparency, supporting effective decision-making and ensuring different perspectives and voices are heard. My priority would be to ensure student concerns are taken seriously and their interests remain central to the Union’s work.

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

As a Student Governor at St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College, I served for two years (2023–2025), voicing student views on welfare, teaching and college life. At UCL, I’m a BA Communications Student Ambassador and led a Grand Challenges x ChangeMakers project tackling dementia misinformation with academic staff. Beyond my studies, I work with young people as a Westminster Youth Councillor and Youth Advisor to the Metropolitan Police. Having moved from Asia, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new environment. These experiences have shaped how I listen, speak up and collaborate.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I have several years of experience representing students and young people and working with charities, institutions and organisations. These opportunities have strengthened my skills and allowed me to work with people from different backgrounds. I would bring these skills to Board discussions and consider how decisions affect the wider UCL community. My background in youth representation gives me an understanding of issues affecting young people and the importance of considering their interests. I would take the responsibility seriously and work to earn students’ trust.

Elyes Cherif (he/him)
Shaping an even bigger and better UCL
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I wanted to get involved with Students’ Union UCL as soon as I first learned about it, and I see this role as an opportunity to contribute to the community while gaining valuable experience. If elected, I hope to help ensure the Union remains accountable to its members and makes responsible decisions that reflect students’ needs, both now and in the long term. I want to help create a Union where students feel represented, understand the opportunities and support available to them, and know that their interests are at the heart of its work.


 


 

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

I’ve lived in Dubai for 13 years and speak 4 languages, I like to think that I bring an international perspective and an appreciation for the different experiences students bring to UCL. My experience in high school student government helped me develop my communication, teamwork and leadership skills, as well as an understanding of the responsibility involved in representing others. I am open-minded, and always eager to learn. I hope to continue working with people from different backgrounds, meeting people from around the world and bringing their perspectives into my work with the Union.


 

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

Students should vote for me because I want them to feel comfortable sharing their views, raising concerns and asking questions without worrying about whether they will be heard. I’ve seen that students do not always fully understand what the Union offers or how it can support them, and I want to help bridge that gap. I would bring an approachable, open-minded attitude and a genuine willingness to listen, ensuring students’ perspectives are considered in the Union’s decisions. I look forward to meeting students from across UCL and helping build a community in which everyone feels represented.

Saima Sami (She/Her)
I am not THE voice but rather THEIR voice
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I believe it’s important to ensure the Union puts student wellbeing and community at the heart of its decisions. I will create a formalised and accessible chain of communication, including student discussion opportunities before every board meeting and accessible summaries after every board meeting, while maintaining the legal confidentiality entrusted to me. I commit to transparency and accountability, with measures such as anonymous evaluative surveys to make sure the Union and I keep students at the forefront, especially regarding welfare, safety, and spending decisions.  

What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?

With the impact of our educational institution, we need a leader who can prioritise, engages with students, and can communicate with different stakeholders. In just 5 months as Inclusivity and Sustainability Coordinator for McGill's Faculty of Education, I safeguarded confidential data for 4,000 incoming students and implemented mass training across student and administrative teams. As Chapter President of a women’s organisation, I worked within headquarters protocol and bureaucratic contexts to address member concerns, leading to our largest membership growth and harmony in four years.

Please summarise why students should vote for you.

I cannot attempt to know every student’s experiences, but I know listening to the community is the start. Through my fieldwork in Ghana this past year, working on programs for youth employment and women’s empowerment, I engaged with diverse stakeholders, including international NGOs and participants themselves, on projects that affected livelihoods. A key ethos from that is that everyone, no matter their position, has an equal and valuable contribution to foster a socially sustainable community. If elected, I will work to ensure we are fairly represented at the highest-level decisions.