Race Inclusion Students Advisory Committee (RISAC)

The Race Inclusion Students’ Advisory Committee is a strategic, consultative, and support group for students from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds that will represent the voices of students from minority ethnic backgrounds.

For more information or to get involved, please email inclusivity@swansea.ac.uk

Hiya! My name is Marzia, and I am the Welfare officer of the student union for the next academic year. 

I studied Modern languages, translation and interpreting at Swansea University for the last 4 years and graduated in 2024. When I’m not at work you can find me on the running track, doing yoga or chilling at the beach. 

I’m excited to be part of RISAC and help promote diversity and inclusion on campus, hoping to make a positive change. I want to help to create an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard, valued and celebrated.  

Hello, my name is Afua Osei-Lah and I am a current 2nd year medical student at Swansea University. I have a background in public health and biomedical science, and I am passionate about global health and preventative medicine. I am delighted to be part of RISAC and hope to be an advocate for the underrepresented at Swansea by promoting a safe and respected community for everyone. 

During my first year here, I saw many valuable opportunities to speak up when teaching lacked racial inclusion, as well as the chance to discuss racial issues with students and staff. I look forward to engaging more with fellow students about what more can be done to support those from minority ethnic groups, which will in turn make our environment at Swansea University more inclusive for everyone to benefit from. 

Hello, I’m Emmanuela, a Masters student of Economics. I also completed my undergraduate studies here at Swansea University.

Alongside my studies, I am a Senior Student Ambassador, Student Reviewer, Student Opinion Panelist, Student Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion and now a Race Inclusion Student Advisory Committee member.RISAC is a platform to have a much bigger and influential voice in the happenings of our university society and I want to keep on doing what I love, which is to support my people and other minority groups, to create a more serene and inclusive environment for us all.

Cheers!

I am Naveen Kumar KK, currently pursuing my Masters in Management (Artificial Intelligence) at the School of Management (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences). I am proud to serve as the Student Representative and Academic Integrity Ambassador for the university. 

I am extremely pleased to be a member of RISAC because I am committed to advancing racial inclusion and diversity on campuses. I think there is a lot more that can be done to make minority ethnic students at Swansea University feel welcome, and I think RISAC is an ideal place to develop workable ways to make this happen. In addition, I have a strong desire to boldly and impartially represent my fellow students and staff members, especially international students who might not feel comfortable speaking up for themselves. I am looking forward to collaborate with everyone at RISAC to advance racial parity and create a more welcoming campus community.

Hey! My name is Sheila Agyei-Afari and I am a Pharmacy student here at Swansea University. I absolutely love my course, but if I'm not studying you'll definitely find me cooking or eating! 

I joined RISAC because I want to make a difference and be a voice for ethnic minority students. It is an excellent way to address student concerns and improve academic policies through it's collaborative approach. I've unfortunately had my own personal experiences in life of being treated unfairly or feeling excluded but no one should ever have to feel that way. Everyone deserves to be represented and feel included in any environment they're in. 

Hello, I am Yaa Dufie O. Appiah, a second year Law student of the senior status program in Swansea University and a volunteer with Blind Baseball Cymru. I am a proud Ghanaian from the University of Ghana, Legon, where I studied Marine Science before pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer here, in Swansea. In my free time, I enjoy reading novels, sketching, learning salsa, my gym time and just exploring the plethora of cultures I’ve been exposed to.

I joined RISAC this year to contribute to the international students’ journey in our university community while making an impact advocating for inclusion and racial diversity. I look forward to enjoying my role in RISAC with the other amazing committee members.

Hello! I'm Tejovathi Raghuraman, an Indian postgraduate student with a background in journalism. I am currently pursuing my master's in Communications, Media Practice, and Public Relations (CMPPR), and I also serve as the subject representative for the same! Since my undergraduate days, I have been deeply interested in issues related to race, intersectionality, and casteism, and have tried my best to give these issues a voice through my writing. My role in the RISAC will enable me to advocate for and represent the voices of underrepresented communities while also providing a platform that allows me to engage with these important issues.

Hello! I'm Tumi, a third-year law student and newly elected member of the Race Inclusion Student Advisory Committee (RISAC). I’m super excited to be a RISAC member this academic year as it aligns with my personal interests and career aspirations. 

Obtaining a bachelor's degree in International Development Studies enlightened me on global inequalities and this isn’t reduced to just economic inequalities but also social inequalities. As a Nigerian who has navigated multiple cultures by living in Nigeria, Canada and the United Kingdom, I am further enlightened and constantly looking for ways to drive change in our community to foster a safe and inclusive space for all, that celebrates diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all students. This perspective, combined with my legal education, fuels my commitment to RISAC's mission of fostering inclusivity and equality within our university community and globally!

Hello! I’m Success Nkem Okpuzor, and I’m proud to be a member of the Race Inclusion Student Advisory Committee (RISAC) from Nigeria. I’m currently studying Pharmacy, and being part of RISAC has allowed me to channel my passion for creating a more inclusive and equitable environment at Swansea University. I am also a Senior Student Ambassador. Outside of my academic life, I enjoy e.g., volunteering, swimming, crochet, gardening or engaging in university events, which give me a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.

As a RISAC member, I am committed to amplifying the voices of students from minority ethnic backgrounds and working towards impactful solutions. My goal is to help foster a campus where diversity is celebrated and every student, regardless of background, feels empowered and supported. Integrating diversity in medical lecture topics and how it is relevant. Together with my RISAC peers, I’m dedicated to ensuring our university truly reflects the values of equality and inclusion in everything we do.

Pravartika Wankhede is a second year Philosophy, Politics & Economics student. As a Dalit Indian international student who identifies as queer, Pravartika brings a unique intersectional perspective to their role on the Race Inclusion Students' Advisory Committee (RISAC). Their academic background, combined with lived experiences navigating multiple cultural contexts, informs their approach to promoting equity and inclusion on campus. They are passionate about fostering cross-cultural understanding, advocating for underrepresented voices, and creating a more inclusive university environment. They are particularly interested in addressing issues of caste discrimination, supporting LGBTQ+ students of color, and promoting decolonial approaches to education. In their spare time, Pravartika enjoys going on bus rides to Mumbles with a good book and their headphones.

Hello! I’m Harvey, a second-year pharmacy student and a new member of the RISAC! My interests include art, dance, and music. 

As a member of the Race Inclusion Student Advisory Committee, I’m passionate about uplifting, learning from, and celebrating the diverse racial and cultural backgrounds represented at our university. My belief is that embracing diversity at university enriches the academic experience, which strengthens the community overall.My goals are ensuring minorities in academic settings are supported, heard, and empowered. Through my role on the committee, I will strive to develop upon and create spaces where all students from can connect with one another. Advocating for greater inclusion, equity, and cultural awareness on campus has always been important to me and whether it’s through events, discussions, or celebrations, I’m committed to making positive change.

I am Awurabena Pokuaa Boateng-Mensah, a Ghanaian International student currently in my second year of LLB Law here at Swansea University.My curiosity and love for expression informs my keen interest in music, drawing, reading, writing and cooking. I'm able to embrace and understand other cultures through the lens of my art, different recipes, the genres of books I read and the people I meet.I am an observant and empathetic person, who is quick to identify and respond to the needs of others. I am therefore enthusiastic about collaborating with a passionate team whose mission is to effect and be part of change. I look forward to being one of the people to champion the causes to ensure a better experience for students coming from diverse backgrounds.

Greetings, I am Diana. Both law and criminology are subjects that I am now pursuing. To relax, I love reading and watching films. Swansea University recognises that diversity, equality, and inclusion are fundamental to its mission and the success of its students. This idea aligns with my work experience, demonstrating a firm dedication to diversity, equality, and inclusion. From my experience, I can attest that many students experience feelings of isolation and self-doubt due to the academic climate's lack of warmth, fairness, and equity. This is why I've resolved to make a difference by working towards a world where all students feel supported and empowered to reach their full academic potential.

I’m Aadam, a second-year undergraduate student at Swansea University studying Psychology & Sociology, BSc. I feel passionately about promoting equality and inclusion, and I am always eager to make positive contributions concerning wellbeing for all, which is why I joined the committee. I believe in the importance of giving a platform to underrepresented voices and making sure everyone feels seen and heard. Through my role in RISAC, I aim to raise awareness about racial and cultural diversity, while also contributing to meaningful changes within the university. In addition, I feel that this position complements my studies aptly, as I can use theoretical knowledge to understand social and psychological factors that shape people’s experiences.

Hi all, I am Kai Shuang (he/they) and I am a master's student studying research methods in psychology. I did my undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology here, and was fortunate to have been a member of RISAC since year two. This year, I am also the president of LGBT+ Society in Swansea University. When I am not in classes, I love doing art, crocheting, and spending time with my friends. 

Joining RISAC has given me the confidence and platform to speak up about racial inequality and share my experience as an international student who felt out of place in the UK and university, while working with other likeminded people to create a more inclusive environment for other international and minority ethnic students. This opportunity highlighted to me the importance of advocating for myself, my communities, and other groups in need, that change can only happen when we get our hands dirty and work towards it together. 

This year, I hope to further examine intersectional issues and needs of international and minority ethnic students, including making queer spaces more accessible to minority ethnic students and providing for the needs of international and minority ethnic students with disabilities. As always, I am excited to work with this year's committee and create the space for all of us to thrive and feel at home in. If you have anything you'd like to discuss, I am always happy to chat in person or over email!