Elizabeth Gado Johnson

Best Person Statement

Over the past two years at college, I’ve been deeply involved with the Student Union, serving as Head of the Afro Club, volunteering at open days and events, and currently holding the role of Assistant President of Communities.

I’m passionate about advocacy, activism, and creating positive change. I have strong communication and public speaking skills, and I relate easily and confidently with others. I’m also creative, both digitally and through art and writing, which helps me promote union activities, create engaging content, and boost campaign visibility.

My experience extends beyond campus, with extensive involvement in community work and volunteering. I’ve represented students at the NUS National and Liberation Conferences and the SOS Sustainability Summit, which broadened my understanding of impactful campaigning and collaboration.

Through these roles, I’ve gained valuable skills that have shaped me personally and prepared me for greater responsibility. As Assistant President of Communities, I’ve completed relevant training and developed a solid understanding of what the President’s role entails.

I’m fun, empathetic, and driven to always do the right thing. I care deeply about student welfare and community building, and I’m committed to making every voice heard. If given the opportunity, I will dedicate myself fully to representing and uplifting the student body.

Manifesto

If elected as the President of Dudley college student union, my vision will be built on enhancing student experience and fostering a stronger sense of community. If elected I will prioritise the following;

1. Women's safety on and outside college: over the years the rise of violence and discrimination against women has been dangerously high, i would like to improve this by creating a safe and enjoyable college environment for female identifying students in college by having info sessions and activities to sensitise women's safety through talking about how rape culture and patriarchal misogyny is prominent within our society. I would also promote more women's sport like an active women's football club.

I would also aim to promote the liberation groups (BAME, LGBTQIA+, Trans and women network) to make sure they are heard and respected in college and do not suffer from discrimination as I aim to promote a safe and accepting environment at college, though sensitisation workshops and info sessions, community building events and social media campaigns. My experience at the NUS national and liberation conference has given me an evenly well-rounded experience with liberation work and how to do better for the groups. I can actively implement knowledge gained from this experience in carrying out my set goals.

My role as a leader of the Afro club, where I organise activities to promote community, tolerance and understanding as well as promotion of culture and roots within the Afro-Caribbean community primarily, has driven my passion in helping liberation groups through promoting the culture of the group and engaging students to inform them appropriately, also I have also been actively planning an Anti-Racism and discrimination festival to promote peace, tolerance, understanding and culture within our college community.

2. Secondly, I would advocate for and implement expanded support networks/services. This would include reintroducing peer mentoring/support to promote camaraderie, tolerant and relation and academic assistance amongst students. This would also reduce strain of stress related mental health issues as the support system would reduce the burden of stress. Also, by collaborating with the college administration, i aim to make the bus pass accessible to all ages as long as they are still in the college's schooling system. This will directly benefit students by providing them with the necessary support to succeed academically and personally.

3. Thirdly, I aim to improve student engagement through social media campaigns, creative posts and innovative videos and creative forums for student expression. This will in turn promote a well-rounded college experience for all student to get involved and will also facilitate campaign success.