Isabel Salmi creates space for the opinions of quieter group members

What do you do at Aalto?

I’m a third-year student of Information Technology at the School of Electrical Engineering. I am also occasionally active in the committees of Teknologföreningen and the Guild of Automation and Systems Technology.

What acts of inclusion do you do in the community?

I strive to promote inclusivity in particular by considering all my fellow people in group situations. Whether it's a group project or a get-together with friends, I try to give quieter and more withdrawn people in particular space to speak and express their opinions.

Especially neurodiverse people might remain completely silent during group situations, even if they have a lot to say. As someone on the autism spectrum myself, I understand how difficult it can be to speak in a group – when you’re not sure when you’re allowed to speak, or what’s appropriate to say. Many neurodiverse adults have been bullied and left out when they were younger, which only reinforces the anxiety and uncertainty that group situations bring.

Now that I myself have gained more confidence in social situations, I try my best to create a sense of belonging for others. To promote this, I ask participatory questions like ‘What do you think about this?’ or ‘Do you have anything to add to this?’ Before group work sessions I also chat with the other members, asking about how they’re doing and sharing about myself. I find that when you get to know people a little, they feel safer and more confident. They also then dare to express their opinions more openly.