VP WELFARE CANDIDATES

Becca Farrell(she/they)

Compassionate | Approachable | Innovative

Why are you applying for this role?

University is full of ups and downs for students and I want to be there to support them through all of these. Our university is already such an inclusive space but I want to push the institution to better support the students and their welfare as they should be at the forethought of every decision that the university makes. I am passionate about ensuring that every student, no matter their walk of life, has access to everything they need to achieve at university whether this is related to mental/ physical health support, cost of living on campus or just needing someone to talk to.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I am currently the Students with Disabilities SCO, this means I am already involved in making sure student voices are listened to in Student Council and relaying any issues that students are having to the SU. I am actively involved in the welfare processes that are in place here and available for students, for example I undertook Mental Health First Aid Training. I also am the President of the Bookish society, and have also been the Welfare Officer and Treasurer this has given me an opportunity to hone my leadership skills and has made me aware of the responsibilities of creating a welcoming environment. I feel as though I am very in tune with issues that students face, I have personally felt the impact of the cost of living crisis and the pressure that comes along with being a student, this makes me a strong candidate to represent student voices.

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Donna Yu Chih Chiu(she/her/hers)

Thoughtful | Organised | Warm

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Why are you applying for this role?

The university is experiencing financial and political turmoil, which is undoubtedly a hard time for students, academics, and professional services staff members. Having worked as a Social Science Faculty Convenor during this period, it is evident how worried students are when I gather feedback from them and present that feedback to the university's leaders. Higher education is losing the fundamental nature and qualities it was designed to entail and that were promised to students. Students came here with confidence that they would grow quickly at Essex; now they are worried about whether their courses will be delivered and whether the modules they like will still be run. Given the difficult situation the university is currently in, what I am dedicated to doing is not purely fighting against any decision the university makes, but bringing students' voices to the table to ensure the education they deserve is in place.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

As a Social Science Convenor in the Student Union Education Team, I have been working with student leaders this year to represent students' interests in various committees across campus and advocating for many heated issues, such as the arrangements for compensation for students at Southend. By engaging with the university administration and representing the student voice there, I have gained complex institutional knowledge that will allow me to navigate different channels and cooperate with different people to resolve the issues that students are facing. My experience and knowledge in politics will enable me to find support from external parties in the current difficult situation that students and staff members are facing. As the Welfare Officer of the Essex Politics Society, I am capable of viewing things from different perspectives and recognising potential systemic issues that might harm the welfare of a specific group.

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Hareem Rehan(she/her)

Creative | Welcoming | Empathetic

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Why are you applying for this role?

I am rerunning for the Vice President Welfare role because I want to build on the experience and insight I have gained over the past term. Having already worked closely with students and university teams, I understand the challenges we face and how to respond effectively. I am passionate about strengthening student safety measures and creating a more inclusive environment where every student feels supported and heard. I am also leading two ongoing projects that are already in progress, and I intend to continue progressing this work and giving it the focus and oversight it requires through to October 2026. Continuity is essential to ensure real impact, and I am motivated to deliver meaningful, lasting improvements for our student community

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I would bring a combination of experience, empathy, and strong leadership skills to the role. Having already served in this position, I understand the responsibilities, processes, and challenges involved. This experience allows me to act confidently, make informed decisions, and deliver effectively from day one. Empathy and active listening are central to my approach. I prioritise creating safe spaces where students feel heard, understood, and supported. By genuinely listening to their concerns, I can advocate for solutions that reflect their real needs. I also bring strong networking and collaboration skills. Through building relationships with university staff, student leaders, and external partners, I have been able to advance key projects and initiatives. My experience managing ongoing projects has strengthened my organisation, communication, and problem solving abilities, ensuring that ideas translate into meaningful outcomes for students.

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Kenny Adekunle(she/her)

Grounded | Rigorous | Relentless

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Why are you applying for this role?

I did not read about welfare gaps in a journal. I lived them. Childcare before 8am. Mental health support running out mid-semester. Financial pressure with nowhere to turn and no one in the system who understood the full weight. I am a doctoral researcher, a mother of three, and a student who used welfare support and saw exactly what the system lacked. I know what needs fixing, and I know how to fix this.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

My PhD research focuses on gender equality and organisational development. I have spent five years building frameworks to improve how institutions respond to the people they are supposed to serve. I understand the student conduct process, welfare referral pathways, and the mental health system at Essex from the inside, as a student who used them. I bring analytical precision, a researcher's discipline, and the determination of someone who raised three children while writing an 80,000-word thesis.

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Zakk Evans

Experienced | Supportive | Action

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Why are you applying for this role?

I have been a student here for 5 years and have experienced how hard it can be, especially in terms of students' mental health, from my own experiences and those of others, and as someone who is disabled, I also understand how those with disabilities can struggle in their higher education. I wish to be able to step up and be there for others, ensure the university can do more to help and support students, as well as work with them to ensure the well-being of each and every one of the students here at Essex.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I have been at the university for 5 years, and whilst I love being here, I know it can be better. I wish to use my experience dealing with my own struggles to my advantage, as I believe students in similar situations I’ve been in should feel safe and supported. I want to act where action is necessary. I understand there have been many issues for students this year, and many students I’ve spoken to are struggling, and I want to work towards ensuring the university can be as supportive as we deserve it to be. Most importantly, I care about the well-being of students. I want to be able to help students access support they may need during their time at the university, and hope to set up additional support options as well, as my aim is for every student to feel they have a safe place to go.

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