Shakira Martin, NUS’ Vice President for Further Education, has been elected as the organisation’s new president at the National Conference in Brighton.
The 28-year-old fought off competition from politics student Tom Harwood and current president Malia Bouattia in the contest, winning 56% of the vote in the first round.
Speaking after the result was announced, Shakira said she was ‘honoured and humbled’ to have been elected to the position.
“I take this as a vote of trust that our members believe I can lead our national movement to be the fighting and campaigning organisation we need it to be, representing the breadth of our diverse membership.
“Further Education made me who I am today and look forward to sharing stories of just how powerful all forms of education can be when we’re all given access to it. During my term in office I want to spend my time listening, learning and leading,” she said.
Shakira assumes her role as National President from July 1.