Shivani Ganesh, candidate for BAME Rep
This role is focussed on creating change for the BAME community. The BAME Representative (Mile End) collects feedback from BAME students and represents their interests on issues they face as BAME students. The role supports the Vice President Communities, and liases with members of the relevant clubs, societies and student groups. The BAME Officer will also be able to feed into the planning of key campaigns and events such as Black History Month.
What's your favourite moment from being a student here?
Meeting icons like Professor Kumar and Adam Kay in my first year!! Both major fangirl moments
What's something you've done that you're proud of?
I’m really proud of the work I have done in societies both within Barts and externally! Despite everything being online, I have been able to help organise a wide range of events, from decolonising medicine panels to quiz nights, which has been incredibly fulfilling.
What is a problem facing students and how do you propose to fix it?
I believe that mental health provision for BAME students could be improved.
I would like to bring awareness to the cultural aspects of mental health provision, and the effect of racial trauma on BAME students’ well-being.
I want to improve this by campaigning for dedicated BAME counsellors with the appropriate training, encourage conversation about BAME students’ mental health and also holding drop in sessions.
