Meet Leeds Conservatoire's Diversity Representatives

Leeds Conservatoire has appointed five new Student Union Diversity Reps!

Find out more about Alex, Lucy, Neha, Mirela and Bethany below. See how you can get involved in the upcoming events, get in touch with a representative and stay connected to your Leeds Conservatoire community.

Why are you excited about your new role?

I am really looking forward to working with different organisations that champion the fight for gender equality and women's safety. We are in the process of setting up a partnership with the charity HomeSafe, who refund up to £10 of an Uber journey for anybody suffering financial hardship who may otherwise be forced to walk home in unsafe circumstances. The aim is for us to fundraise for them (the money for the refunds comes directly from donations) and work together to make Leeds a more student-safe city!

Do you have any events or campaigns coming up in the near future?

I am starting a Women's Network. This will be a space for women to come together and chat about whatever they need. It will be a chance to raise any concerns about women's issues at the conservatoire, to give feedback, or to share positive things too! The atmosphere will be friendly and relaxed but will be an opportunity to address problems and create plans of action. We're hoping to have our first meeting at the end of January; it would be great to see some of you there! More details to come.

Why do you think it's important to have a representative for your community?

It is important to have a representative for female students at the conservatoire because, unfortunately, the arts industry is very male-dominated. We need to create the change we wish to see in the arts at this level first (in our institution). If we start having these conversations now, understanding what we need and how we deserve to be treated, we will be able to navigate the industry with more confidence and power. No issue is too small to raise- if it matters to you, it probably matters to others too! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Fun Fact - I am a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo! I started with my dad when I was 12, we trained for our black belts for 6 years, and we were awarded our black belts together. I passed my second degree in 2020.

Why are you excited about your new role?

I am excited to make space for the pride that the LGBTQ+ community has and to use that pride to tackle any issues that LGBTQ+ students may face during their studies.

Do you have any events or campaigns coming up in the near future?

February is LGBTQ+ history month, so we are planning many events for people to get involved in and/or spectate! Look out for updates in your inbox and on our social media.

Why do you think it's important to have a representative for your community?

I think it's important to have a representative for the LGBTQ+ community because there are still so many people who don't understand the importance of identity. We need to educate everyone so they can understand, respect and celebrate diversity and sexuality.

Fun Fact - The 'Toy Story' films are my favourite films of all time.

Why are you excited about your new role?

I hope to create an inclusive and empowering hub where everyone feels able to express themselves and embrace their culture. I can't wait to see how we can band together and showcase the incredible talents from Minorities within our community.

Do you have any events or campaigns coming up in the near future?

We'll be having monthly meetings (day/time TBC) to discuss issues or concerns anyone may have, but most importantly, meet and connect with others! There will also be music/theatre nights dedicated to celebrating different cultures and fundraising opportunities for local non-for-profit Mafwa Theatre.

Why do you think it's important to have a representative for your community?

Having a representative ensures that everyone's thoughts and needs are spoken for, especially when individuals feel they are sometimes pushed aside. This way, we can encourage an inclusive and diverse society in which an eclectic mix of work and ideas can be expressed.

Fun Fact - I make Crepes for a living!

Why are you excited about your new role?

I'm really excited about spreading Disability awareness throughout the Conservatoire to increase visibility, promote inclusivity and empower Disabled students to use their voices.

Do you have any events or campaigns coming up in the near future?

Please get in touch over on Instagram with any event ideas or suggestions of things you'd like to get involved with. I'm always keen to hear back from LC students!

Why do you think it's important to have a representative for your community?

I think it's vital to have a representative for the Disabled community in the LSCU in order to be able to raise the concerns of Disabled students and improve their overall experience at Leeds Conservatoire.

Fun Fact - A fun fact about me is that I have a Blue Peter badge!

Why are you excited about your new role?

Generally, if you started your undergraduate degree after the age of 21, you will be classed as a mature student. So this is a broad term for a group of otherwise diverse and unique individuals. This is the first year that mature students will have an assigned student representative, which I am pleased about. It acknowledges that our experiences as mature students might look a little different from other students' experiences – and that we may have other obligations/responsibilities/worries etc.

Do you have any events or campaigns coming up in the near future?

I am working to ensure that your voices are heard and to lay the groundwork for a better student experience. The network will be a great place to socialize, discuss topics/concerns and generally get to know others. Social isolation can be an issue for some mature students, so I want to create an inclusive environment where we can relax whilst also making some progress. There might also be cake!

Fun Fact - I started to learn English a few months after moving to the UK at 3 years old by watching Pokémon!

Not sure who to contact? Email help@lcm.ac.uk with your question, query or problem and we can point you in the right direction!