Tell us more about your role in the KCL Diplomacy Society.
Intissar: As the vice-president, I play a role in forging strategic partnerships and collaborations, managing our accreditation scheme, and assuming deputy leadership responsibilities in the President's absence. I coordinate closely with committee members to ensure smooth operations and oversee event planning and execution. I also work with the events team and lead the planning and coordination of a few embassy visits. As well as working with the ‘Diplomatic Futures’ team to oversee the management of the masterclasses. Overall, my role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at driving growth, collaboration, and excellence within society.
What was the most notable event that you took part in organising this year?
Intissar: The most important event was a visit to the Dutch Embassy. As the coordinator, I worked closely with the third secretary and played a key role in bringing this event to life. This event holds particular significance to me as I am Dutch myself, and having the opportunity to visit the embassy and learn more about the Dutch mission in the UK was incredibly rewarding. Witnessing our members enjoy Dutch delicacies and showing interest in Dutch foreign affairs was truly gratifying.
From this experience, I learned the importance of cultural exchange and the value of providing opportunities for our members to engage with diplomatic institutions. It reinforced the significance of fostering connections between academia and real-world diplomacy, enriching both learning and appreciation for international relations.
Could you share the most memorable social event?
Intissar: I helped run our Trivia Night in October 2023. It stands out because it was our first event of the last academic year, providing an opportunity for us to connect with our members on a more personal level. Arshiya, our Head of Events, did an exceptional job organising the event and keeping our members entertained. It was particularly memorable because we had a larger turnout than expected, and our members showed genuine interest in both society and getting to know each other. The event set a positive tone for the rest of the year, encouraging a sense of community within our group.
The society has been led by an all-female committee. How did this experience impact the working dynamic of the team?
Intissar: Working with an all-female committee has been incredibly rewarding. The working dynamic was exceptionally healthy, and there was a strong sense of love among us. Everyone got along very well, and there was a deep level of understanding and respect among all committee members. It felt like working with a second family.
I've worked on committees with both men and women in the past and this experience highlighted the unique strengths and dynamics that an all-female team can bring. The communication was open, supportive, and collaborative, promoting an environment where everyone felt valued and empowered to contribute. Overall, it was an enriching experience that demonstrated the power of an all women committee.
One of the most notable achievements of the society is the series of the Diplomatic Futures workshops. Can you tell us more about it?
Intissar: During our campaign for leadership, our President Virginia and I came up with The Diplomatic Futures Masterclass Series (DFM). Recognising the importance of equipping our members with essential skills for their future careers, we wanted to provide them with an opportunity to learn from inspiring individuals. The DFM programme was curated from scratch, from conceptualising slogans and designs to selecting skills and inviting speakers. As co-organiders, our roles involved every aspect of the workshop series, from ideation to execution. We wanted the DFM to be a platform where members could gain practical insights and network with professionals in various fields relevant to diplomacy and beyond. Through our collective efforts, the DFM became a cherished initiative within our society, reflecting our commitment to empowering members for their future endeavors.
Which speaker did you particularly enjoy in this workshop series?
Intissar: I enjoyed all the speakers, but I would highlight the second masterclass on networking with Kola Karim, Group Managing Director/CEO of Shoreline Energy International. I have a personal relationship with him, and I've always found his vast network incredibly inspiring. I was particularly excited to hear his insights and advice for students. His session not only provided valuable content on networking but also offered a personal connection that made the experience even more meaningful.
Can you share some of the challenges in organising the workshop series?
Intissar: One of the major challenges we faced in organising the workshop series was securing funding through sponsorship. Initially, Virginia and I had envisioned holding the masterclasses in a special venue with catering, which exceeded our society budget. We aimed to obtain an external sponsor to cover these expenses, but unfortunately, we were unable to secure one. However, we adapted to this challenge by relocating the masterclasses to King’s Bush House and provided simple catering of tea and coffee instead. This created a more intimate atmosphere for the masterclasses, aligning with the goal of providing valuable learning experiences for our members. Despite the initial setback, this solution ultimately enhanced the workshop series' effectiveness and made it more accessible to all members.
Will the society host the series again next academic year?
Intissar: I believe the committee should host the masterclass series again next year. The series was a resounding success, and it has become a well-known and highly anticipated event within our society. With the groundwork already laid, organising the series again next academic year will be smoother and even more impactful. It's an opportunity to further enrich our members' learning experiences and strengthen our society's reputation.
Would you like to share any final reflections about your time with KCL Diplomacy?
Intissar: Being part of this society has truly transformed my entire university experience. It's been an enriching journey filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable memories. The opportunity to serve on the committee and engage with the society's activities has added immense value to my time here. I’m grateful for the friendships forged and the bonds strengthened through our shared passion for diplomacy and international relations. As I reflect on my time on the committee, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences, opportunities, and connections that have enriched my university journey.
To find out more about KCL Diplomacy, visit their website: www.kcldiplomacysociety.com and follow them on Instagram @kcl.diplomacy