#VOTEFOREQUALITY
About Candace
Hi my name is Candace Stewart. I am a 3rd year health studies student and who standing for the role of Diversity Officer. I was born in Jamaica and brought up in Birmingham. I have Multiple Sclerosis and understand too well the effects of social isolation especially when studying. I have a strong passion for equality and I believe that we are all unique. We are investing in our futures and we deserve to be given the best opportunities for growth and success. I care about the experiences of students at our university and would do all I can to get our voices to be heard. I believe that the work done by our student union to provide a diverse environment and equality is already great but I also believe that I can work to improve this further.
Having experienced dealing with the ongoing stigma, isolation, social inequalities and prejudice associated with sex, race, religion, culture and disabilities I know these experiences have given me the tools necessary for this role, enabling me to understand things from a student’s perspective.
Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our futures.
Candace's promises
- Raise awareness & inform students of the 9 protected characteristic.
- Increase student involvement in the SU, more student led events, to assist with removing the barriers which cause isolation.
- City center pick up and drop off point for students who commute from Birmingham.
- All students treated equally and with respect.
More information...
I believe that social justice and inclusion can only truly happen if our voices are heard. As your student elect I will explore all routes available and represent your views. Our university represent diversity in all its beauty, I will ensure that more is done to keep the 9 protected characteristics; age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity are safe from discrimination and isolation in our university by raising awareness by having a week around equality and diversity..
Over the years I have studied here, students have approached me for advice on thing such as student travel, events/ activities and timetabling issues etc. The university is OUR community, without a sense of belonging reaching your full potential whilst balancing your personal life, commitments and academic work can be challenging. I will represent student views on current support services. And work alongside university support staff to encourage student engagement, by developing workshops and events that meet the needs of our diverse student population whilst raising awareness of just how diverse we are. I want to make our international peers feel at home and know that they are a part of this community. This would involve creating activities with international themes so that they are able to share their cultures and interact with local students and develop new friendships/ networks. As well weekly group events to encourage interaction between both local and international students. I would voice the views of student who commute to university from Birmingham that feel that they are at a disadvantage to their peers who travel from Telford and Walsall that feel that they will benefit from transport to university from a pick up point in the city center.
Vote for me and I will put my all into keeping my promises.
THANK YOU! #VOTEFOREQUALITY