Dear Ms President

This Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Week, we’re excited for you to learn about the inspiring women in leadership positions at Monash’s student associations.

This year, we have an incredible line-up of student presidents – all of which are women. We wholeheartedly celebrate their achievements, while recognising that we must continue to make progress so that our leadership reflects our diverse communities, genders and identities.

‘I never saw people that looked like me in the President’s role.’ Ishka De Silva (MSA President, 2022)

‘I believe that you can’t be what you can’t see.’ Tess Kent (Peninsula MONSU President, 2022) ‘It's so important – no matter how you are diverse – that it is an equal playing field for everyone.’ Maxi Hunt (Caulfield MONSU President, 2022)

Meet our 2022 student presidents

We wish all our new student presidents the very best and look forward to seeing the positive impact they make. Here you can learn about some of our 2022 student presidents and hear their vision for the Monash community.

Can you share your journey to becoming president?

Tess Kent (She/Her)

Peninsula MONSU President, 2022

I joined MONSU in 2021 as a Women’s Officer. My pathway to becoming president, however, was not linear. Even though I was in a role designed to empower women, I never fully considered myself in a leadership position until it was pointed out to me, and I was encouraged to run for MONSU President.

What does equity, diversity and inclusion mean to you?

Ishka De Silva

MSA President, 2022

For most of my university degree, I did not see people who looked like me in leadership positions, whether in the University or in clubs and associations.

I think Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Week recognises and celebrates the progress made and commits to making more progress. For me, it's incredible when I meet first-year and second-year women of colour saying that it is so amazing to see a woman of colour as president. It's nice to hear that because it’s an experience I did not have.

Maxi Hunt

Caulfield MONSU President, 2022

I identify as female and queer. I think it's so important that no matter how you are diverse, it is an equal playing field for everyone. It's about making sure there is no discrimination that would stop people from participating.

How can we foster a community that values equity, diversity and inclusion?

Tess Kent (She/Her)

Peninsula MONSU President, 2022

We can help by being open to learning, listening, and recognising that everyone is at a different stage in their understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion. Some people might be well-versed, while others might still be at the very beginning of that journey, so call in rather than call out.