Meet Leeds Conservatoire's New Diversity Representatives

Leeds Conservatoire has appointed seven new Student Union Diversity Reps!

Find out more about Elektra, Lauren, Emmanouela, Anna, Del, Ed and Jess 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.

What most excites you about your role?

Being a representative for my community is an exciting and important role. I am here to support all international students, whether that involves providing information, offering a listening ear, or helping them navigate the ins and outs of living and studying in Leeds!

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

I am an international student myself and although Leeds now feels close to home, I know that it can be challenging to live and study in a different country. It feels great knowing that I can make a difference to someone's experience and support them during their time here. I think that is my favourite part of this role. 

Are there any events or campaigns coming up? 

I am currently working on organising an international student event to showcase music and artists from different countries! I am also working on a mental health campaign to ensure all students are aware of the different support resources available at the conservatoire and feel supported when dealing with any health or wellbeing concerns.

What most excites you about your role?

I love being able to represent a community of people and have conversations with people that I may not have if I wasn’t in this role. I also enjoy learning about different policies the conservatoire has and attending equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) meetings.

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

Not everyone is confident enough to speak up about things they disagree with or that impact them. I think it’s important to have someone approachable to talk to who is well linked with the SU and is confident enough to initiate change. 

Are there any events or campaigns coming up? 

We’ve recently had LGBTQ+ History Month which was full of a range of events. My personal favourite was the gig at Wharf Chambers!

What most excites you about your role?

What excites me most about my role is the opportunity to put all my knowledge and passions into practice. For example, I was passionate about the addition of a prayer room on campus at St. Peter’s square, and we are on our way to having one! Seeing change happen in real time is very rewarding.

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

My role is as bit different as I don't cover or represent just one community, but rather a very diverse collective of people. It's important because religious visibility can make the students union more welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds. For example, a Muslim prospective student visiting us on an open day will see that we have a prayer room available and feel included, seen and appreciated in the conservatoire. This is what is most important to me, especially because my mother is Muslim.

What most excites you about your role?

I’m most excited about being able to bring people together at the conservatoire to make it a safer space. 

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

I think it’s important to have a representative for this community as many people sometimes feel nervous to bring up any problems they have. I wanted to create a space where people would feel comfortable giving me feedback which I could then give to the students union.

Are there any events or campaigns coming up? 

The women’s day showcase is coming up, which I'm also playing in, as well as other women’s day gigs around Leeds that week. There was also a trans awareness training workshop recently and many LGBTQ+ month activities. 

What most excites you about your role?

What most excites me about the role is being able to offer guidance to students who face (as I do), or have faced financial hardship. Being aware of and feeling confident enough to apply for the right funding is, for many students, the foundation of a fulfilling and memorable education experience.

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

As the cost of living and tuition increases it is now, more than ever, vital to know what funding and help is available to you during your time in higher education.

Are there any events or campaigns coming up?

We are currently in the process of arranging events that we feel would benefit the students I represent.

What most excites you about your role?

I love working with people to help find solutions! Whether that involves signposting to existing support, or making sure your voice is heard, I enjoy working with people to ensure the best possible experience for students at Leeds Conservatoire.

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

It is really important that students at Leeds Conservatoire feel represented in all areas of diversity, especially when it comes to disabilities and neurodiversity. Many people with neurodiversity are attracted to creative subjects, and often excel in them. However, many barriers exist, especially in educational and academic areas. Everyone deserves for their experiences to not be marred by these difficulties, and with a representative, you know there is someone breaking down these barriers, and challenging the conservatoire to make sure everyone has the best chance of success.

Are there any events/campaigns coming up?

We currently have a number of events in the early planning stages that we hope will benefit the students I seek to represent. 

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

It’s great to have a rep for minoritised ethnic communities so that the conservatoire can have feedback in terms of inclusivity and openness. This will help promote a happier, more diverse space for us all.