Equality. Equity. Empathy. Experience.
Hi, my name is Kimberley Burrows (she/her) and I'm running as part of a slate with Sofia Xenia Economou. I'm a blind interdisciplinary artist on MA Painting and the Equality and Diversity Rep for my programme.
Blindness has enabled me to become a proficient problem solver, where I often have to think on my feet to find solutions to frequent issues as they arise. I'd like to apply this skill and experience to advocate for the student body.
As a Guide Dog handler, I'm a natural leader. My first instruction to my canine companion on each route we take is always, "Forward!"
I come from a position of care and empathy as a full-time, unpaid caregiver before studying at the RCA. I've volunteered and fundraised for charities such as RNIB (Royal National Institute for Blind People), Guide Dogs UK, Henshaws, and East African Playgrounds. I've co-chaired a young person's campaigning network, Envision, through RNIB.
I've a strong work ethic and have sound experience of working within a Student Union as Student Representative three times, as Student Ambassador, and Student Governor.
I'm a passionate public speaker, with experience at charity events, and have visited both European and UK Parliament to advocate for better legislature for 2 million people living with sight loss. I have been interviewed by the BBC, ITV, NBC, USA Today, and various radio stations.
If elected as your Student President I aim to:
• Give strong focus to Mental Health Awareness Week and Disability History Month to ensure they are bigger than ever. A visit from Guide Dog puppies-in-training would help to raise awareness of the important work that Guide Dogs do, raise valuable donations, and enable our students to relax and have fun!
• Engage with caregivers and parents to better support them as they study.
• Ensure that all delivered materials and social events are accessible, equitable and inclusive, including on social media channels.
• Lobby the college to ensure advanced notice of staff strikes is provided to students, as well as campaign for reimbursment for the disruption to our studies.
• Push the college for Convocation ceremonies to remain at the Royal Albert Hall, as is tradition.
• Work with the college to keep students at the heart of all decision-making processes.
I care about the Royal College of Art. It would be my complete pleasure to be your Student President, Making Every Student Visible.