Officers
Meet your full-time BSU officers for 2025/26
Brighton Students’ Union is led by four full-time elected officers.
Each year the full-time officers are elected by the student body. They are here to represent your views to the University and in the community and to ensure you have the best possible experience at the University of Brighton.
They work as a team to lead the Students’ Union, and each have different areas of focus. Check out their roles below:

MICHELE KANA NANA
BSU President

NAOMI SPENCE
Education Officer

ROSIE ELLEN BIRCH
Communities Officer

KENNY ONONIBA
Activities Officer
michele kana nana – president
“I decided to become an officer because I wanted to make a real difference for students to ensure every voice is heard, every barrier is challenged, and every student feels they belong here. My faith plays a big role in who I am and how I lead it drives me to serve with integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.
I studied Physiotherapy (BSc) and am currently completing my MSc in Health and Management. I’m passionate about championing diversity, inclusion, and employability, and I’m excited to work with students and staff to leave a lasting, positive impact at Brighton.”
Naomi spence – education officer
“Hiya, I’m Naomi, I study Marketing Management BSc (Hons) and am currently on a sabbatical to work full-time as Education Officer. My connection with Brighton Students’ Union began in my first year, working in the Marketing and Comms
team and winning Student Staff of the Year. In my second year, I joined the Women in Business Society committee, and we were proud to be named Society of the Year 2025. Alongside my studies, I’ve been actively involved in boards
and youth steering groups beyond the university, focusing on fairness, access and opportunities in education.
I’m also an experienced public speaker, having addressed audiences at the Houses of Parliament and the House of Commons, as well as presenting directly to King Charles III and Apple CEO Tim Cook. These experiences, both in advocacy
and public speaking, strengthened my drive to represent students and led me to stand for the role of Education Officer. This year, I’m working to help students feel valued, supported and able to enjoy a positive academic experience.
I’m focused on making meaningful improvements – from what we learn and the resources available, to helping students build the skills, confidence and opportunities they need for their future. And if you ever see me around campus,
I’m always up for a chit chat.”
ROSIE ELLEN BIRCH – COMMUNITIES OFFICER
“Hey I’m Rosie. I’m a mature student who took what I like to call a “10-year gap year” to travel the world before returning home to study two subjects close to my heart: Creative Writing and Well-being.
I’ve just wrapped up my first year of university and during that time I got involved in life on campus by helping to run the Essentials shop in Mithras House. I was also a Creative Writing Course Rep and had the honour of being nominated for Course Rep of the Year at the 2025 Union Awards.
I decided to run for Communities Officer because I’m passionate about bringing people together. In my years of solo travel, it was the people I met along the road who made the moments so magical and shaped me into who I am today. I believe there’s so much we can learn from one another and now, more than ever before, we need to support, uplift, and celebrate each and every one of us.
My goal this year is to bring some big sister energy to campus, to help you step into your power and find your people. Please don’t hesitate to say hello, I can’t wait to get to know you.”
Kenny ononiba – activities officer
“Hi there, my name is Kenny and I’m the returning officer for activities, I’m passionate about student life outside the classroom and believe extracurricular activities are just as important as academic learning. I’d like to Increase inclusivity in activities, making sure students from all backgrounds and abilities feel welcome.”