"It's easy to be in the comfort zone. Nobody wants to be looked upon as the person who aggravates or challenges."
That's a quote from Lesia Bailey, who wasn't just a student who came to Humber Polytechnic to complete her academic studies. She was involved in extracurricular activities that helped build and shape her character and allowed her to challenge the status quo to affect change.
Bailey was a 27-year-old single mother of a nine-year-old daughter who was juggling parenting and academics as well as social, cultural and political issues at Humber and she wasn't afraid to fight the fight.
She was a Marketing student at Humber, and she had a diploma in Business Management.
In 1992, Bailey assumed the role of Public Relations Officer for the Afro-Caribbean Club and was responsible for arranging and coordinating events and guest speakers along with fellow executive members. Later in 1993, she became the Director of Multiculturalism promoting harmony and unity among the students.
Bailey was convinced she had more to offer to the Humber community and fellow students and was determined to do her best. Feeling that the Student Association Council (SAC) was stuck in its old ways and students were afraid of the unknown, coupled with the then-current council's unwillingness to expand into unfamiliar activities beyond pub nights, Bailey's desire for change prompted her to run for the presidency of SAC in 1993. She made history with her win by being the first Black woman elected as SAC president.
As the newly elected president of SAC, Lesia wanted the association to run like a business. Her mandate was to work with administration to guarantee that SAC had a place in Humber's decision-making process. She implored SAC members to act professionally. She believed in transparency as she pointed out on numerous occasions that SAC's business was to serve the students, and she assured them that the decisions made would be public knowledge. She encouraged feedback from the students, and she was quoted in one article as saying "I am not the councilor's choice; I am the student's choice. I was not acclaimed...I was elected."
Bailey's leadership, strong mindedness, powerful attitude, and ability to embrace challenges and venture into unfamiliar territory did not go unnoticed. In an article entitled "Tribute to Bailey celebrated by all," October 14, 1993, she was recognized for all her hard work and contribution to Humber community.
