Jessica Richards is a second-year Memorial University student, with a double major in Political Science and Law & Society. As a contender in the upcoming MUNSU elections, being held on the 19th and 20th of March, Jessica’s campaign for Women Students Rep stems from her passion for politics and the strong belief that we need to stand up for our rights.
Jessica has been heavily involved in student life at MUN through her participation in a number of debate conferences such as CHOGM, Metro Youth Parliament and Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament (NLYP), currently serving as the Director of Recruitment in the latter organisation. Besides, she is an active volunteer with the Rights to Play movement, We movement initiatives, Burry Heights, Special Olympics NL as well as Sharing our Cultures event and the 2017 Provincial GSA Conference committee.
On talking about her decision to run for this particular position, Jessica had this to say:
On campus, we have students from all over the world with different backgrounds and experiences. I hope that through leadership opportunities and representation of women, we as students can not only represent women on campus, but bring initiatives and empowerment back to our own communities…and the city of St. John’s. I believe that femininity doesn’t have to fit the conventional mold and that being a woman can take many definitions and I want everyone to have their identity treated as they wish. I would like to be a voice for all women on campus and be able to help motivate and empower others to have their voice be heard.
If elected, Jessica would dedicate her time to increasing awareness of MUN’s available resource centres, societies and student groups, creating accessibility to the free products the university offers to deal with menstruation, promoting the reuse of appropriate resources in an attempt to protect the environment as well as increasing promotion for the free rides offered from the clock tower.
I believe that I would be a better fit for the role because I have lots of experience with public speaking and being in leadership’s positions. I am not shy and [am] very outgoing, making it easy for me to connect with the students on campus. I have dedicated many hours previously to initiatives not yet seen on campus and I would love to introduce them to the students on campus, such as the Women’s We Movement, empowering women in other countries. I have a vision for campus, that all women be represented and to ensure everyone who identifies as a woman on campus has a voice and that their opinions matter.
Don’t forget to vote in the upcoming elections! More information on the voting process can be found here: http://themuse.ca/everything-you-need-to-know-about-voting-in-the-upcoming-munsu-general-elections/.