About Me 

Hiya! I’m Annie, your VP Inclusion! 

I graduated this year with a degree in Archaeology and Ancient History. Basically, I really like old things and the complex stories of the past that seeps its way into our everyday lives, unbeknownst to us! One aspect of history I became enamoured with is the stories of people often overlooked by history; this is where you get the true humanity of the past. My passion for this side of history has compelled me to dedicate my work toward amplifying the voices of those still overlooked in the present day.  

To give a little context about myself outside of a university setting, I am a massive fan of all things creative! Something I am very invested in is drag, and I watch Drag Race episodes at least twice, if not more (currently rooting for #teamDAWN for All-Stars 11 & #teamSAMILANDRI for All-Stars Canada). I also adore live shows, theatre, and music, as well as collecting trinkets, cooking, and doing all types of fun colourful make-up (you will see me most often with glitter, gems, and vibrant colours on my eyes!!) I hope I can bring my creative energy, enthusiasm, and love to this fabulous role! 

What do you do as VP Inclusion?

What I’m working on: 

I am deeply invested in improving the safety of the University and wider areas. This involves working closely with the Advice Centre as we work on expanding the SUSU safe initiative. This encompasses a number of my manifesto points, such as improved support and safety surrounding anti-immigration protests, and increasing the safety and support for victims of sexual assault. Further to this, the Union President and I will continue the ongoing quest of previous Sabbs to improve the lighting around Avenue Campus, particularly the Avenue to Highfield walk: Lovers’ Walk. 

I ran on the words safety – diversity – support. These words will shape all that I work on in the year. I will listen to, and improve the safety of students, providing additional support for those who have been affected by anti-immigration protests. I want to create more social media content surrounding SUSU’s amazing campaigns and use its reach to promote the beautiful diversity of Southampton University.  

I hope that everyone will feel comfortable coming to speak to me, or emailing VPinclusion@soton.ac.uk if they want to chat or share ideas with me! 🙂 

University meetings I attend:

• Inclusion action group 

• • Some more notes about this  

• Disability steering group 

• • Creating and developing a strategic plan to foster an environment in which everyone is respected, supported and dignified. Building upon previous EDI plans that thrusted us into being a world-leading university in this area  

• Education and student experience committee 

• • Joined by the VP Education, we sit on this meeting to provide a voice for students in the meeting where educational policy is set. Teaching directly impacts your student experience; as such, this meeting is vital in impacting your time at university  

• REC (sat) 

• • Race Equality Charter, (self-assessment team). This provides detailed overviews of action plans to continue commitment towards equality, diversity and inclusion, particularly in areas concerning culture, voice and experience  

• Other meetings I attend  

• • Sustainability implementation group  

• • Widening participation subcommittee 

• • Faculty EDI meetings