Sports Editor, Jasmine Trapnell sat down with some of the Executive Officer candidates to help students get to know them a bit more. Below you can get to know Valen Lollato, who is running for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
Valen Lollato (equality, diversity and inclusion candidate) describes themselves as passionate, determined and stubborn. Over their time at Loughborough, Lollato has been actively involved in lots of extra-curricular activities: including being the Chair of the LGBT+ society and volunteering with the students union since first year!
When I asked who it is that inspires them most, Lollato responded it is definitely her Grandpa – he grew up with a difficult background but never gave up!
Lollato’s manifesto focuses on 3 main topics: supporting students affected by the cost of living crisis; creation of an anti-racism policy; establish fortnightly EDI drop-in sessions. Click here to read Lollato’s full manifesto.
“I will push for the creation of an anti-racism policy, which the LSU currently doesn’t have, to tackle racial discrimination towards students and staff more effectively”
I then asked Lollato what their favourite memory is so far from being at Loughborough, to which Lollato responded the first day of lectures, as it was just so different to previous experiences and expectations!
My next question was an important one for all candidates! I asked, if you had to live in halls for one more year, which hall would you choose? Lollato chose Cayley, as it is in the middle of campus so then it is easy to get anywhere.
The final question I asked, some believe can tell you a lot about a person, others just think it’s a fun ‘get to know you’ question: “if you could be an animal, which one would you be and why?”. Lollato chose a hippopotamus as they seem friendly but if they need to defend themselves, they are very good at it.
Edited by – Jasmine Trapnell (Sports Editor)
Designed by – LSU
