Marian Kutsoati

Manifesto for Marian Kutsoati: Leadership that Listens and Drives Transformation

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

As a Doctoral Researcher at Goldsmiths,  I have seen the power of leadership that listens, empowers, and most importantly, drives transformation.

I am standing for the position of President of the Goldsmiths Student Union. In my previous student leadership experience,

I understood the responsibility that comes with representing and serving students.

1. A Leadership That Listens

Listening is the foundation of meaningful change. It is not enough to simply hear what students need. We must truly understand their concerns, aspirations and action them.

Through regular online forums, and anonymous feedback mechanisms, I will ensure that every student has a space to share their ideas, and concerns.

Additionally, I will work closely with student representatives across all schools and departments to ensure that no voice goes unheard.

2. Championing Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity

Goldsmiths has always been a hub for diversity, but we can do more to create an environment where everyone feels equally appreciated and supported.

I would focus on ensuring that our union is representative of the entire student body, especially groups that have been underrepresented in decision-making.

This includes increasing support for students with disabilities, international students, those from lower-income backgrounds, and ethnic minority students.

I will advocate for policies that tackle discrimination at its roots and ensure there are clear pathways for students to report incidents without fear.

Furthermore, we must continue to foster an atmosphere, where all cultural backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated.

Through carefully curated events, workshops, and student-led initiatives, I will promote unity among Goldsmiths students.

3. Advocating for Mental Health and Well-being

Many students face pressures ranging from academic stress to personal challenges that impact their well-being. My leadership will make mental health support more visible,

and stigma-free. As President, I will work closely with university staff to expand mental health services and ensure that support is available when and where it is needed most.

This includes working on increasing the number of well-being officers available, providing mental health training for student leaders, and organising peer support networks

through 'You Are Not Alone(YANA)' initiative.

4. Fostering Sustainable Change and Student Empowerment

True leadership is not just about solving problems. It is about empowering others to become part of the solution. I will provide training, resources, liaise with stakeholders and support to student leaders

and activists, and ensure that student-led initiatives receive the recognition and funding they deserve.Additionally, sustainability will be a core focus of my Presidency. The earth is our home and we have a mandate to protect it.

I will work on promoting eco-friendly initiatives across campus, and ensure that our student union is an exemplary leader in the area of environmental

responsibility and reporting.

5. A Transparent and Accountable Union

Transparency and accountability are at the heart of effective leadership. Decisions made by the Student Union will be transparent, well-communicated, and always serve

the best interests of students. My administration will hold regular open meetings, where students can directly engage with the Union’s work and hold us accountable. In addition, I will create

a comprehensive online platform that allows students to track the progress of key projects and vote on important issues. I am committed to ensuring that every student’s voice is heard,

their needs met, and ambitions supported.

With your trust and support, I will lead a Student Union that not only addresses today's challenges but also proactively shapes a better, more inclusive, and sustainable Goldsmiths.

Vote Marian Kutsoati—a leader who listens, empowers, and drives meaningful change for all.