12/03/2025
In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, Streatham & Clapham High School was honoured to host a remarkable event featuring 14 accomplished women from a wide range of industries. These inspiring professionals, including several SCHS alumnae, shared their career journeys, insights and invaluable advice with students in Years 9, 10 and 12.
Through a series of workshops and a compelling keynote speech, our speakers provided real-world perspectives on success, resilience and the many different career pathways available to young women today. Their experiences showcased that while no two journeys are the same, ambition, determination and passion are key to achieving one’s goals.
The event gave students the opportunity to hear from leaders across diverse sectors, including academia, law, journalism, medicine, finance and the arts. Discussions covered topics such as overcoming challenges in male-dominated fields, the importance of mentorship and the evolving role of women in leadership.
A Day of Inspiration and Learning
The afternoon workshops provided students with a chance to ask questions, engage in meaningful discussions and gain practical advice from these accomplished women. From breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries to pursuing passions in the creative arts, our speakers demonstrated that with resilience and ambition, the possibilities for our students are limitless.
The event left a lasting impression, and we are deeply grateful to these incredible women for taking the time to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders.
At SCHS, we are committed to providing students with opportunities to learn from influential role models and see themselves as future change-makers. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.
Click to find out more information about our Futures & Aspirations programme.
Our Inspirational Speakers
Siobhán McIlvanney – Professor of French and Francophone Women’s Writing
Professor McIlvanney, of King’s College London, is an expert in contemporary women’s writing in French and the history of the French women’s press. As President of Women in French UK-Ireland, she actively contributes to gender studies and literary scholarship.
Ella McLeod (alumna) – Author and Podcast Host
Ella is the acclaimed author of Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair and The Map That Led To You, both of which have received critical praise. She has worked as a producer and researcher for podcasts at BBC Sounds and Sony Music Entertainment and currently hosts the Comfort Creatures podcast.
Carla Muñoz Slaughter – Lawyer and Academic
After earning degrees from Harvard University, Harvard Law School, and the University of Cambridge, Carla worked as a corporate lawyer in New York and London. She later transitioned into academia, lecturing at City and Queen Mary Universities before becoming an adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame’s London Law Programme.
Dr Sarah Krishnanandan (alumna) – Consultant in Emergency Medicine
Dr Krishnanandan is a leading consultant at St George’s University Hospital with extensive experience in medical education. She has held roles including Academic Lead for Learning on Secondary Care Placements and MBBS Course Director for City, St George’s.
Rachel Brown (alumna) – Director of Communications and Strategy
Rachel has worked in high-profile strategic roles at 10 Downing Street, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and the Department for Education. She is currently a Director of Communications and Strategy at Freelands Family Investment Group.
Siobhán Cassidy – Chair of The Boat Race
A champion for women in sport, Siobhán is the Chair of The Boat Race and has played a pivotal role in increasing the visibility of women’s rowing on the global stage.
Ruby Tait – Corporate Relations Manager at The Baytree Centre
Ruby is passionate about social mobility and female empowerment. Before joining Baytree, she was a Centre Leader at IntoUniversity, a charity that supports young people facing socio-economic challenges. She now focuses on building meaningful corporate partnerships to support Baytree’s mission of empowering women and girls.
Ksenia Gorenstein – Communications & Fundraising Specialist
Ksenia manages press relations, fundraising campaigns, and creative content production at The Baytree Centre. With a background in film production and event management, she brings a wealth of experience in project management and stakeholder engagement. She is also an avid marathon runner, raising funds for community causes.
Simoney Kyriakou (alumna) – Senior Editor, Financial Times
As a senior editor at the Financial Times, Simoney plays a key role in shaping financial news and insights for a global audience.
Elisabeth Lobkowicz – Director and Head of Auction, Sotheby’s
Elisabeth has worked in the Old Master Paintings Department at Sotheby’s since 2013. She played a crucial role in the record-breaking sale of Bronzino’s Portrait of a Young Man with a Quill, which sold for over $10 million in 2023.
Anu Sabherwal – Head of Sustainability
A leader in corporate sustainability, Anu works to ensure businesses operate in environmentally and socially responsible ways.
Liz Claydon – Global Sector Head, KPMG
Liz is the Global Head of Deal Advisory at KPMG and Vice Chair of the UK firm. She has advised some of the world’s largest businesses, including Unilever and GSK, and is a dedicated mentor and advocate for inclusion, diversity and equality in corporate leadership.
Maryam Moshiri (alumna) – BBC News Presenter
A familiar face to many, Maryam is an experienced BBC News presenter, delivering key global stories to audiences across the world.
Fleur de Bono – Communications Professional
With a background in corporate communications, Fleur has worked across industries to develop strategic messaging and brand positioning.
