Campaign Platform

My name is Amina Banda, and I am running for Vice President External for the Faculty of Arts Students’  Association. 

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Over the past academic year, I have served as the Associate Director of Fundraising and Scholarship,  and more recently as the Interim VP External. These roles have given me direct experience working  within FASA, advocating for students, and building relationships that support the Arts community.  Through this experience, I have learned how the role works and I have already started contributing to it. 

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Stepping into the VP External role on an interim basis has already began to show me how important it is  for Arts students to have a strong and consistent voice beyond our faculty. I have taken part in  conversations with student leaders within the Arts' community, and one thing is clear. Arts students  deserve to be better represented, better supported, and more visible in those spaces. 

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My main goal as VP External is simple. I want to make sure Arts students are heard and that it leads to  real results. 

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Advocacy is a key part of this role, but I believe it should also be transparent. Students should not have  to wonder what is being done on their behalf. If elected, I will share regular updates about what I am  working on, who I am meeting with, and what progress is being made. Advocacy should feel accessible  and accountable. 

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I also want to continue building partnerships that bring real value to students. During my time in  fundraising, I saw how strong external relationships can create opportunities such as funding, events,  and student support. As VP External, I want to build on that by creating more networking opportunities,  career connections, and collaborations with local organizations that benefit Arts students during and  after their degree. 

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Another priority is collaboration. Many of the challenges students face, such as affordability, mental  health, and access to resources, go beyond one faculty. By working with other faculty associations and  the Students’ Union, I want to help strengthen our collective voice and push for meaningful change at a  larger level.  

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I also want to make sure that representation within Arts is inclusive and reflects the students we serve.  Our faculty is very diverse, and those perspectives should be heard in the spaces where decisions are  made. I am committed to connecting with different student communities and making sure their voices  are included. 

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Most importantly, I want to be someone students feel comfortable approaching. Whether it is a  concern, an idea, or a conversation, I want students to feel that their voice matters and will be taken  seriously. 

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This role is familiar to me, but I know there is more that can be done. With the experience I have gained  and the relationships I have started building, I am ready to keep moving forward and deliver results for  Arts students. 

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Thank you for your support.