I’m an international Exeter MBA student specialising in Sustainability, with over eight years’ experience across finance, governance, entrepreneurship, and public service. I firmly believe that education should deliver value, fairness, and opportunity; not just promises. Employability should be embedded in every degree, not left to chance. That is why I am standing for Education and Employability Officer.

As an MBA student specialising in Sustainability, and a finance and operations professional with over eight years’ experience working across charities, businesses, and public institutions, I understand how systems work, and how they fail the people they are meant to serve. I’ve spent years leading teams, managing budgets, analysing risk, and working with organisations to fix broken systems. I believe students deserve fairness, value for money, and a real voice in decisions that affect us.

I will be a focused and credible advocate for academic fairness and value for money. I will push for transparent assessment and feedback standards, and student partnership in curriculum design. I am equally committed to employability that works for all students. By collaborating with the Career Zone, faculties, and external partners, I will champion course‑embedded employability, paid placements, research opportunities, and enterprise pathways that reflect the diversity of Exeter’s student body.

Hello, my name is Esther Agbenla, and I’m an MBA student at the University of Exeter. I’m passionate about social impact, sustainability, and building communities where people feel supported, represented, and empowered to succeed.

Beyond my studies, I work as a Postgraduate Events Organiser with the Students’ Guild, and I’m actively involved in leadership, volunteering, and student-focused initiatives that bring people together.

I bring over seven years of experience working across non-profits, youth development, and sustainability projects across Africa and the UK. In these roles, I’ve learned how to listen carefully, represent diverse voices, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and turn student and community feedback into practical outcomes. While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I do know how to advocate effectively and work collaboratively to drive change.

As a postgraduate and international female student, I understand the challenges many of us face — from navigating funding, housing, and cost-of-living pressures to accessing inclusive study spaces, societies, and wellbeing support. I want to help ensure undergraduate, postgraduate, and underrepresented student perspectives are heard clearly and acted on.

I'm a physics student with a strong passion for outreach, activism, and giving students as much agency over their academic experience as possible! Everyone who comes here to study has their own goals, but as a student body education unites us! Studying with Dyspraxia, I faced many barriers in my degree. I believe education is driven by authentic, personable learning experiences that have a strong culture of welfare and accessibility at all levels. And that is what I want to see in Exeter.

Over the last year I have advocated for more accessibility, more accountability and more opportunity for students to actively influence university life. I fought against cuts to PTA hours this year and continue to support students in Politics or any other department who want to work on solutions together with their faculty. Through my work as Education Officer this year, and my experience as a Department Officer before that, I've stood my ground where it matters most to students.

Education means something different to every student - that's why we need more voices that aren't just being heard, but are collaborators in improving the quality of our learning and ensuring each and every student gets the support they need to learn in their own way. In the current education environment, there is little room for error- this MUST change. We need more chances to engage with your department on academic issues, and we need feedback to be transparent, both in the Uni and the Guild.

I am an MSc Advanced Computer Science student from India, passionate about blending technology and community service. Beyond my love for coding and dance, I bring 3 years of experience as a Full-Stack Developer. I have a proven track record of leadership as a Trustee for the Smile Foundation in India, where I led various impactful campaigns. I am a proactive problem-solver who believes in using technical innovation to simplify and enhance the student experience at Exeter.

My unique mix of technical expertise and high-level governance makes me a standout candidate. As a former Full-Stack Developer, I understand how to build efficient systems and manage complex projects. My tenure as a Trustee for Smile Foundation gave me direct experience in charity governance, financial oversight, and large-scale campaigning—skills directly transferable to a Guild Trustee/Officer role. I offer a global perspective and the professional maturity to represent student interests.

Representation starts with radical inclusivity. I will leverage my background as an international student to bridge gaps between diverse communities. I plan to implement 'Tech-Talk' feedback loops—using my coding skills to create accessible digital platforms where students can voice concerns in real-time. I will ensure every student, regardless of their course or background, is heard at the Board level.

I’m Mia, a proud working-class, first-gen, state-educated, current student from the Black Country. I know what it’s like to feel out of place, confused by jargon, and how that quietly shapes confidence, grades and futures.

I’m running to keep changing systems that make students feel small. I’m fighting for real inclusive curricula and better structures, accessible employability, and a Guild where no one leaves feeling unheard, unprepared or second-guessing if it was all worth it.

I already do Education & Employability work at scale, leading curriculum reform, widening participation, and employability access, and social mobility, across the Guild, University, and nationally. I rebooted 93% Club Exeter to 300 members, created the upcoming Social Mobility Week, produced institution-wide resources, advocated and built trusted student platforms reaching 150k+.

I combine lived experience, data and leadership, so all students leave uni confident, represented, and prepared.

I’d represent all students by listening first and acting second. From my main leadership roles – 93% club co-president, work for the Guild and HASS, to 93% Club workshops, to my podcast and all my projects, I’ve built spaces where students feel safe to share. I will amplify your voice, give you the platform to speak, reach those who feel excluded, and turn every perspective into action.

So, all students, whatever your background, feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive, not just survive, at Exeter.

I am a national sports player, athlete, dancer, yoga instructor, model/actor and International Business student. As a team captain and all-rounder, I believe in discipline, balance and leadership. I am approachable, hardworking and passionate about supporting students and creating positive change across the university.

I have led teams, managed elections, volunteered in programmes and actively represented others. My background in sports, teaching, modelling and leadership has strengthened my communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. I understand responsibility and fairness, and I am committed to improving education and employability opportunities.

I will be the voice of students from every department through open discussions, feedback and collaboration. I will represent their concerns confidently and respectfully. My goal is to ensure every student feels heard, supported and included, while working to create practical solutions for academic and career development.

I’ve supported students both formally and informally by listening, guiding, and helping them feel confident. I’m a strong communicator, organised, and comfortable speaking up for others. Working with people from different backgrounds has taught me empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills I’ll use to represent students clearly and confidently.

I’ll stay connected with students by being visible, approachable, and available. I’ll listen through conversations, feedback, and student spaces, especially to those who feel unheard. I’ll share updates openly and make sure student concerns are taken forward honestly and fairly.

I've had the opportunity to gain leadership experience in various settings, from serving on a freshers’ committee and being a student counsellor, to coordinating fellowship leaders and supervising in a clinical lab. Each of these roles has taught me invaluable communication, negotiation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. But more importantly, they’ve shown me how powerful it is to listen and collaborate for meaningful change.

If you choose me, I’ll work closely with departmental representatives to set up drop-in sessions, peer support groups, and specific seminars designed to help us tackle academic challenges confidently. Ultimately, I want to help build a vibrant community where everyone feels fulfilled, confident, and inspired to get involved. Supporting each other in our goals increases our chances of engaging in growth activities, learning new skills, and feeling connected to our university experience.

I’m a proactive and approachable problem-solver with experience turning student concerns into action. I work well with diverse groups, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for seeing projects through. My experience balancing multiple roles has strengthened my organisation, adaptability, and commitment to improving student wellbeing, belonging, and day-to-day life across campus.

I would represent students by actively listening to a wide range of voices, especially those less likely to engage, attempting to amplify them. I would make use of the Guild's multiple feedback channels, work closely with societies and reps, and be visible and approachable. I have the advantage that I am already familiar with these Guild systems. I would then communicate transparently and turn student feedback into clear, inclusive actions that reflect the diversity of the student body.

My leadership as Bake Society President and two years as subject rep make me the best candidate through proven leadership and advocacy skills. I lead Bake Society with people-first events. My time as a subject rep honed welfare and representation skills. Plus, as a state school person of colour from a minority background, I’ve fought ILPs, PIP, and Blue Badge systems. I’ll fight for you so you don’t have to. My perspective drives real change and advocacy from a first-hand experience.

To effectively represent all students, I prioritise listening, inclusivity, and tailored action. I’d ensure inclusive outreach: weekly chat hours plus Freshers’ Fair sessions for disabled, international, low-income students, using surveys to ensure every voice shapes policies. I’d utilise diverse collaboration: panels from diverse students to implement ideas, partnering with societies and individuals so that every voice counts. Finally, I’d ensure measurable action: 24-hour complaint responses and public dashboards. My experience ensures no one is overlooked.

Being a passionate student who genuinely cares about improving the student experience. I’ve partnered with students from various backgrounds to deliver initiatives that inspire growth and engagement. I’m committed to turning ideas into real impact and ensuring every voice counts in our community.

I would represent all students by actively listening and engaging across courses, cohorts, and communities. I would ensure every student feels heard, valued, and included in decisions that affect them.

With leadership experience from my schooling, I come with a positive attitude and problem-solving skills. I work with the Guild as the Department Officer for the Business School and also sit on the EDI Advisory Board, which keeps me up to date on the current issues and helps me improve my communication skills. I’m also working as a Video Content Creator for the University. I learned how social media helps students in many ways. I’m also a master's rep for the Asian Society.

To understand the diverse needs of students, I would, among other things, actively listen to them and gather their feedback through open forums, surveys, and regular conversations. Collaborating with societies, course reps, and support services would be my way of ensuring that every voice is heard. My goal is to develop inclusive projects, disclose information in an open manner, and be a strong advocate for changes that would surely improve student life.

Founding and leading a student society has given me hands-on experience in building communities, listening to students, organising activities, and turning feedback into action. I’m organised, approachable, and confident representing others. My ability to communicate clearly, collaborate with different groups, and balance responsibilities prepares me well to advocate effectively for students and support inclusive communities.

I would represent students by actively listening and engaging with a wide range of voices, not just the most visible ones. This means being approachable, working closely with societies and student groups, using surveys and open forums to gather feedback, and regularly communicating outcomes. I would make sure student experiences shape decisions and that students feel heard, respected, and represented.

My second priority is inclusivity. Students deserve to feel safe and to know that Exeter truly is for everyone. As President of LGBTQ+ Soc, I’ve protected the Gender Expression Fund and fought for trans inclusion. As President of NDSS, I’ve worked on the University’s disabled student's commitment and on improving campus accessibility. As an EDI Rep, I supported projects for international and BAME students, and I now sit on multiple university Equality Boards. A vote for me is a vote for inclusivity!

Transparency is absolutely vital for the Guild. Far too many of us don’t even know what the Guild is, let alone what it can do for us. Students indirectly fund the Guild, so we deserve to know where our money’s going. I sit on the Guild Accountability Board, where I get to question the Officers and ensure they’re focusing on our priorities. I’d love to see this expanded into more community assembly and town-hall style events, so all students can come together and create the Guild we want to see!