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CAMPUS BRANDING 2

Get to Know Your Students' Union Gender Equality Officer for Newcastle College

Let’s get to know the NSCG Students' Union (SU) Team for 2023/24! Read on to find out more about what your new officers want to achieve in their roles this year and discover a few fun facts about them too…

Find out more about Newcastle College's Gender Equality Officer, Donna Mae Balanon.

Name: Donna Mae Balanon

Role: Gender Equality Officer at Newcastle College

Studying: A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and English Literature

Former School: St John Fisher Catholic College

Why did you run for the position?

I originally ran for the position because I hoped to raise more awareness on feminist issues surrounding other cultures and how we can contribute to the demolishing of them. As a woman of colour, I grew up surrounded by a feminist ideology that mainly focused on gaining equal rights for women who were mainly white thus leaving women of colour in the dark. I hope as the gender equality officer I can share how all women and non-binary people should be celebrated in society alongside men.

What would you like to achieve during your post?

To be able to raise awareness on gender issues that are not only based in England but in other cultures.

What makes you passionate about this position?

I believe learning more about gender equality issues intrigued me further to become more active in solving these issues. Also seeing gender-based discrimination in real-life made me determined to make a difference even if it is only a little.

What are you looking forward to over the next 12 months?

Being able to work with other student officers and planning fundraisers alongside them.

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What are you studying and what's your favourite thing about studying at NSCG?

I am studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and English Literature. What I love about studying here is how everyone is open to socialising and making friendships with new people. I feel as if there are less cliques and that everyone is so friendly.

Tell us a random/interesting fact about yourself

I spend too much time looking at clothes I wish I had on Pinterest.

What 5 words would your friends use to describe you?

Driven, creative, stylish, practical and caring

What are your hobbies/interests?

Reading, playing the piano, baking and cooking

What’s your favourite NSCG hangout?

Starbucks lunch with friends

What are you listening to at the moment?

‘A Night To Remember’ by Beabadoobee and Laufey