Today, we are honored to have Melissa Warren, a Sydenham alumna from the Class of 2005, join us virtually with our GCSE and Sixth Form students. She graciously shared insights into the worlds of business, economics, and capital markets.

Melissa completed her GCSEs at Sydenham High over 20 years ago. Born to Jamaican parents in South London, she graduated from Reading University with a degree in French and Linguistics. Melissa then pursued her dreams in Paris, working in French film and later as a shoe buyer in the fashion industry.

Upon returning from Paris, Melissa made a transition to the corporate world. She worked in Canary Wharf, Basel, and Sydney for KPMG before joining Bupa in Australia. Currently, she holds the position of the highest-ranking Black female at JLL Australia, where she leads the Strategic Client Engagement division for the Capital Markets team. Melissa has played a crucial role in deals worth over $1 billion AUD, continually making strides in a male-dominated industry.

In her leisure time, Melissa enjoys sailing and recently accomplished her second ocean race—sailing from Melbourne to Tasmania with her crew, ‘Jaffa,’ crossing the Bass Strait, one of the world’s most treacherous seas.

Melissa is an inspirational businesswoman who has achieved great heights in the business world. She leaves us with a powerful reminder:

• Remember where you are from
• Enjoy your journey
• Invest in yourself

Our pupils are privileged to engage with her and receive valuable advice to help shape their own journeys ahead.