ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHTS
Our alumnae go on to do a huge range of incredible things; here are just a few of them.
Embarking on a journey of empowerment and excellence, Sydenham & Dulwich Girls has nurtured generations of remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on the world. Guided by our school motto, ‘Fear Nothing,’ our alumnae community embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and fearlessness. From pioneering scientists and visionary entrepreneurs to compassionate leaders and trailblazing artists, they all take on that quality to forge their own path and achieve greatness. Join us as we celebrate the inspiring stories of Sydenham’s extraordinary alumnae, each a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless potential within every woman.
Mary Farmer
Tapestry Artisan
CLASS OF 1958
Even at a young age, Mary’s artistic talent shone brightly. Photographs shared by her family reveal her participation in an orchestra trip to the Northern School of Music, where she showcased her musical skills as a flautist. This early display of creativity and artistry hinted at the remarkable career that lay ahead.
Susan Elkin
Author, journalist, speaker
CLASS OF 1965
For Susan Elkin, words have always been both a refuge and a calling; a passion that led her first into the classroom and later into a prolific writing career spanning more than three decades.
Joanne Butcher
Film & Business Coach
CLASS OF 1977
With a focus on fundraising and distribution, Joanne’s track record includes facilitating the sale of numerous feature films and contributing to the distribution of over 21 features.
Claudia Daventry
Multi Award-Winning Poet
CLASS OF 1982
“For me, both literature and languages are a way of moving further afield – out of a world where it’s easy and comfortable into a jungle of new ways of saying things. Which makes you think differently and see things from new angles. Funnily enough English and Art were my favourite subjects at school but literature is a passion, languages were a challenge, and I liked the idea of working abroad.”
Claire Rowney
CEO of Fundraising, Strategy and Innovation
CLASS OF 1989
Claire Rowney’s career spans 15 years of charity sector leadership, and in 2023 she was voted one of Campaign Magazine’s ‘Power 100’. Claire is a highly strategic leader with extensive director level experience within the cancer charity sector, having worked at Cancer Research UK, Save the Children UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, across fundraising, marketing, strategy, and innovation.
Dr Sigourney Bonner
Postdoc, University of Cambridge
CLASS OF 2009
Dr Sigourney Bonner studied Human Physiology in the School of Biomedical Sciences before founding Black in Cancer – a network aimed at highlighting Black excellence in cancer research.
Steph Aritone
Insight Manager & Comedian
CLASS OF 2010
Her Biochemistry degree equipped her with the knowledge to map out diseases using epidemiology and launch her career in the pharmaceutical market research industry. Shifting to her current role as Consumer Insights Manager at Edrington UK, Steph now delves into trends in the drinks industry and human motivations that drive behavioural changes. Alongside her passion for stand-up comedy!
Sophie Hudson
Physiotherapist & High Achieving Rower
CLASS OF 2020
Originally, Sophie envisioned herself as an army doctor, drawn to the idea of combining medicine with helping people. However, a pivotal work experience opportunity shifted her perspective. It was during her time in a hospital that Sophie saw the key difference between doctors and allied health professionals like physiotherapists – patient contact time.
Kyah Marshall
Medical Student
CLASS OF 2023
Throughout her time at Sydenham, Kyah seized every opportunity available to her. From participating in the Socrates Programme to engaging in sports clubs, competitions, and music lessons, she immersed herself in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. This holistic approach to education not only allowed Kyah to excel academically but also to develop crucial skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork.
“There are so many skills you will gain just from being at Sydenham; being in an environment filled with incredible women who know how to speak up for themselves and others, who aren’t constrained by gender stereotypes about what they can be and knowing that they can do literally anything that they set their minds to. This spirit of Sydenham has carried me far.”
– Dr Sigourney Bonner, Class of 2009
Staying in touch
To update your details, you can email alumnae@syd.gdst.net, or post a letter to the school for the attention of Wonnie Sayama. Alternatively, you can update your basic details on the GDST website.