Dia daoibh!
My name is Dervla Ryan (she/her) and I am your Vice-President Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Kilkenny, and I moved to Limerick to start my studies in 2018. I grew up in the countryside, but I have always wanted to move to the city, so living in Limerick has been the perfect first step for me. I am proud to call it my second home!
What did you study?
I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies, specialising in German and Sociology. This degree allowed me to travel the world, experience different cultures, and understand people better. Having lived in Mexico and Germany as part of my studies, I was really able to see how different cultures and communities fostered a sense of belonging in their own unique way, and this was one of the many experiences in my life that inspired me to run in the Student Life elections. I will also be starting my master's degree in social justice and social policy this year.
What is your role?
As Diversity & Inclusion Officer, I am the primary representative and advocate for the equity, diversity and inclusion interests of UL students. I focus particularly on minority groups, such as LGBTQIA+ students, sanctuary students, postgraduate students, students of all faiths, disabled students, and many more! I am also heavily involved with clubs and societies.
What does your role entail?
This is actually my second year as a student officer! Last year, I was the Communities Officer, and the title was recently changed to Diversity & Inclusion Officer. The student officers work as a team, and each of us have our own specialty to focus on. For the Diversity & Inclusion Officer, this means representing students regarding their equity, diversity, and inclusion issues. I represent and advocate for minority students on the ground while also representing them on several university committees. When it comes to making changes in the university, I make sure to amplify the student's voice, ensuring that you are at the forefront of every decision. For clubs and societies, I am the chairperson of the C&S Council and Exec.
Tell us a bit about you?
During my time in college, archery became my life. I was president of the UL archery club, and I have competed all over Europe with my team, so they are like a family to me. I love trying new hobbies, from dancing to painting, and my recent new obsession is scrapbooking! I also have what I call a ‘hobby graveyard’ in my house, which is full of art supplies and sporting gear from all the various hobbies I’ve picked up over the years.
Why did you become a student officer?
My involvement in clubs & societies and student council was a huge determining factor when I made the decision to run in the elections, as I was able to see first-hand just how impactful the student voice is. I learned and saw a lot as a UL student and wanted to be a part of the change. In my first year I accomplished a lot, and I put myself forward for a second term because I felt that I had more to give back to students. My passion in life is EDI, and I plan to pursue this career path after my second term.
What are your goals for the year?
In my second term, I’m building on my work as Communities Officer and the first to take on this role under its new name. My focus this year is on making student life more inclusive by expanding free, daytime, and non-alcoholic events, and creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, student parents, international students, and other underrepresented groups. I’m continuing to push for permanent sensory-friendly spaces, especially in the new Student Centre, and will work with the university to improve access across campus, including on North Campus. I’ll also be supporting Clubs & Societies by advocating for more funding, inclusive training, and peer-led workshops to help them thrive.
Where can students find you on campus?
You can usually find me plotting and planning in my office every morning (bottom floor of the Student Centre). I will also be at the Commuter Hub, Communities Catch Up, and the Sensory Space weekly. During the day, you may see me around campus at various events that the officers have planned. I have an open-door policy, but if you need to chat and cannot find me in the Student Centre, drop me an email at studentdiversity@ul.ie so we can organise something!