Celebrating Alumna of the Year 2025

The 2025 Alumna of the Year Awards was a fantastic evening celebrating the outstanding achievements of our 13 finalists, with singer Abi Gilchrist (Blackheath High School) taking home the main award and women’s health advocate Dr Jennifer Townsend (Bromley High School) receiving the Trailblazer Award.

On Thursday 27 November, over 90 alumnae, friends, parents, donors and staff were welcomed to the GDST Trust Office to enjoy festive drinks and celebrate an inspiring group of alumnae.

Cheryl Giovannoni, CEO, opened the awards, speaking passionately about Designing the Future of Girls’ Education – GDST research that highlights how our schools are global experts in tailoring learning experiences to nurture confident, happy and fearless young women.

She said: “You and generations of women before you are united by your education and are testament to our mission of helping girls learn without limits so that they can lead lives without limits. It’s no mean feat to create our shortlist of finalists – what is striking is the many different paths you have forged since leaving your schools, drawing on your unique sets of skills to make significant strides towards a more equitable world. We couldn’t be prouder of you.”

Cheryl went on to talk about how the GDST is mobilising our global network of pioneers and changemakers to better support each other and the next generation. Central to this is a renewed focus on sharing Time, Talent and Treasure – giving time to support students and young alumnae, sharing talent as a mentor or adviser, and giving resources to create opportunities. Please visit the networking and mentoring page to read more about the new initiative and how to get involved. Building on this vision, Vicky Tuck, GDST Chair of Trustees, reinforced the importance of collective action before announcing the two winners.

GDST Trailblazer of the Year 2025

This year’s Trailblazer Award – given to a young alumna who is doing exceptional things early in her career – went to women’s health advocate Dr Jennifer Townsend. It was an exceptionally strong group of young women, making the decision particularly challenging.

Jennifer said: “Recently, I was invited back to Bromley High School to speak on a panel for the launch of their new Women’s Health Initiative. As an obstetrics and gynaecology registrar, discussing how to empower and support girls to understand their health, I couldn’t be prouder of the students, staff and community for the work they do, the same community that played such a vital role in shaping me into the person I am today.

“The overwhelming feeling I had, standing there, was gratitude. How fortunate I was to grow up and learn in such an inclusive, supportive environment – one bursting with opportunities to try new things: piano, netball, debating, gymnastics.”

GDST Alumna of the Year 2025

Professional singer, vocal coach and founder of UK Soul Choirs, Abi Gilchrist, was awarded this year’s Alumna of the Year award. What began fifteen years ago with just four members has grown into a vibrant network of over 700 singers across 16 branches. Beyond this impressive growth, Abi’s nomination stood out for the profound impact she has had on mental health and charitable causes – supporting her members through lockdowns and raising over £60,000 for Mind.

Abi said: “The arts in schools matter. They create not just performers, but thinkers, dreamers, collaborators and leaders. We may not all become Mozarts or Monets, but music sharpens our minds, strengthens our spirits and enriches our communities. And as I stand here as Alumna of the Year, I am especially proud to receive this honour from the GDST – a network that has empowered generations of girls to find their voices, raise their ambitions and shape their own futures.

“Championing women and girls and helping them grow into exactly who they want to be has always been close to my heart, and now, as a mother of two daughters, that mission feels more important and more personal than ever. To be recognised by an organisation that embodies those values so powerfully is an honour I will carry with immense pride.”

The diversity of this year’s finalists was inspiring – covering the arts, science, sport, law and journalism, and highlighting achievements across both professional success and community leadership. You can see our finalists’ profiles on our Instagram and LinkedIn pages.

It was a wonderful evening with a fantastic turnout from the GDST community, filled with warmth, engagement and positivity. Our inspirational finalists and winners showcased how an all-girl education empowers individuals to follow their passions, break barriers and shape their futures, to lead happy and fulfilled lives.