We're taking a look back at some of the highlights, achievements and campaigns from each of this year's Executive Officers.
Next week marks the end of the Executive Officer term for the 2025–2026 academic year, which means saying goodbye to five of our six Executive Officers (Maria was re-elected for a second term!).
Executive Officers are elected by students to represent the student body and champion the changes you want to see across the University and Students' Union. Taking a year out of their studies to work full-time in these roles, they've spent the past 12 months leading campaigns, shaping projects and advocating for students.
Before they hand over to the new team, we're taking a look back at some of the highlights, achievements and campaigns from each of this year's Executive Officers.
Diya, President
What has been your favourite project you've worked on this year? 
Women's Week has to be at the top of the list. It wasn't just about putting on events, it was about creating conversations that hadn't really happened before. I loved seeing students, staff and societies come together to talk about gender equality, consent, women's safety and what real inclusion looks like. Working with Russell Group Students' Unions and student leaders across the country on the campaign to make misogyny a hate crime was also incredibly meaningful. I made sure international student voices were part of that conversation because they deserve to be heard too. Seeing the petition now reach over 114,000 signatures and heading to Parliament is something I'm really proud to have played a small part in.
What is the highlight of your year as an Exec?
It's honestly hard to choose because this year has been a whirlwind. But seeing Queen Mary's Ethical and Sustainable Investment Policy finally pass was incredibly special. Knowing something students had worked towards for years became reality reminded me why student representation matters.
Beyond that, representing Queen Mary nationally through the Russell Group Students' Unions, travelling to China as part of the university delegation, and even creating an unofficial London sabbatical officers' network have all been highlights. Some of the best parts of this job have been the people I've met and the conversations I've had. They've challenged me, inspired me and never failed to remind me why I ran in the first place.
What are you going to take away from your time as an Exec?
I'm still reflecting really, but one of my biggest takeaways is that courage isn't the absence of fear, it's choosing to speak anyway, even when your voice is shaking. Some of the conversations I was most nervous to have ended up being the most important ones.
This role has also taught me just how complicated institutions really are. I used to think good ideas were enough, but I've learned that real change takes patience, relationships, persistence and bringing people with you. I've also realised how important it is to stay connected to students. At the end of the day, every meeting, policy and committee only matters if it makes a difference to the people we're here to represent. I'm also really grateful to all my people I worked with this year, because progress is always made when people work together.
Hassam, Vice President Liberation, International and Postgraduates
What has been one of your favourite projects you've worked on this year? 
One of my favourite projects has been founding and delivering Cultural Unity Week for the second consecutive year. Seeing students from over 170 nationalities come together to celebrate their cultures, build friendships, and promote inclusion has been incredibly rewarding. It’s something I’m especially proud of because it has created a lasting sense of belonging within our diverse Queen Mary community.
What is the highlight of your year as an Exec?
It has been a year filled with many highlights, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve. Some of the biggest highlights include:
I successfully launched the Queen Mary Alumni Project, creating new opportunities for alumni to remain connected with the Students’ Union through easier access to societies, exclusive discounts, volunteering opportunities, future collaboration with the Students’ Union, and fundraising initiatives to strengthen the Queen Mary community.
I co-launched the Russell Group International Students Report in partnership with Russell Group Students’ Unions and actively lobbying MPs and members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Students, representing the interests of more than 10,000 international students at Queen Mary on the national stage.
What are you going to take away from your time as an Exec?
The biggest lesson I’ll take away is how to remain calm under pressure. This role has taught me how to handle difficult and urgent situations without panicking, and how to lead with confidence even during challenging times. It’s also been an incredible privilege to represent more than 30,000 students over the past two years, which has strengthened my leadership skills in ways I never imagined. Above all, my greatest takeaway is the immense love, trust, and support shown to me by the students of Queen Mary. Being elected Vice President for two consecutive years is something I’ll always be grateful for, and the faith students placed in me is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Samarth, Vice President Humanities & Social Sciences
What has been one of your favourite projects you've worked on this year? 
One of my favourite projects was the HSS Winter Social. It was a great opportunity to bring together students and alumni from a range of backgrounds in a relaxed, semi-formal setting. I really enjoyed seeing students connect with alumni, ask questions and build relationships, while also celebrating Christmas together as a community.
What is the highlight of your year as an Exec?
The highlight of my year was the Course Rep Awards. Course representatives put a lot of time and effort into improving the student experience, often without receiving much recognition. Being able to celebrate their work and acknowledge the difference they had made was incredibly rewarding.
What are you going to take away from your time as an Exec?
I will take away a greater appreciation of how powerful student representation can be. Meaningful change often comes from listening carefully, bringing different people into the conversation and continuing to push an issue forward, even when progress takes time.
Tushar, Vice President Science & Engineering
What has been one of your favourite projects you've worked on this year? 
One of my standout projects this year was organising Hindu Awareness Week — it was a truly rewarding experience that brought the community together in a meaningful way. Alongside this, collaborating with fellow Exec members on Hindu Awareness Week and various career events was a highlight, as it demonstrated what we can achieve when we work together across societies.
What is the highlight of your year as an Exec?
Without doubt, my greatest highlight has been the success of Hindu Awareness Week and the collaborative career events we ran with other Exec members. Seeing students engage and benefit from these initiatives made all the hard work worthwhile.
What are you going to take away from your time as an Exec?
What I will carry with me most is the realisation that making a positive difference for students is not as difficult as it may seem. The university, even when it is not immediately visible, is working towards the same goals — and knowing that makes the role all the more fulfilling.
Maria, Vice President Barts and the London
What has been one of your favourite projects you've worked on this year? 
I particularly enjoyed the engagement around Library Snacks, our Faith Exchange events, and Freshers’ Fortnight. Securing membership with the International Association of Dental Students, working more closely with the Institute of Dentistry, and improving connections with our Malta medical students and research institutes were especially meaningful, helping to strengthen links across our wider faculty community.
What is the highlight of your year as an Exec?
My highlight has been being able to celebrate and recognise the incredible work of the BLSA Board, from co-hosting award ceremonies to launching the BLSA Board Awards. None of what we do would be possible without the people behind it, and it’s been a privilege to acknowledge their contributions. On a personal note, finally learning how to create content and use Canva has been a highlight too - a new skill unlocked (almost!).
What are you going to take away from your time as an Exec?
A new appreciation for the importance of looking after yourself and leaning on others. We never came into this world alone, and we won’t get through it alone either. This role has reminded me that none of us achieve anything in isolation. From the gym instructor and domestic staff to family, friends, students, staff, and even the Tube driver who gets us where we need to be, every success is built on the contributions of others. Learning to value and rely on that support network is something I’ll carry with me long after this role ends.
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As one chapter comes to a close, another is just beginning. A huge thank you to this year's Executive Officers for everything they've achieved on behalf of our students, and best of luck to our new Executive team as they begin their term. Here's to another year of making positive change for the student community!