Dania Magsi

Being an ethnic minority in Pakistan, I have realised the importance of community and simply being human. As a welfare officer, I want to build systems that proactively support emotional and physical well-being. 

As COO of a Pakistani NGO, I led community initiatives providing medical and social aid to over 1,000 individuals, including projects specifically tailored to neurodivergent and marginalised groups. This work required sensitivity and the ability to understand people’s needs in vulnerable situations, which is central to effective welfare work. Being a part of the top 10 debaters in the country and having worked as a debate coach, I have not only been in high-pressure environments but also guided students through such situations. To be in a position to guide, you need the ability to understand diverse perspectives intersectionally, which I believe I have developed over the years, being a debater. 

As Welfare Officer, I would establish inclusive, accessible channels to seek support, like anonymous welfare surveys to understand what the cohort is struggling with, run regular welfare check-ins and low-pressure social events like study socials, free breakfast mornings, and walks, particularly around high-stress periods like exams, create a peer support network, not just a welfare officer to student, but student to student. I am passionate about destigmatising mental health conversations and ensuring that every student, regardless of background, feels seen and supported.