For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Monay Thomas, Advocacy Representative for Open Doors UK.
Can you briefly describe what you are currently doing?
I am currently preparing to begin a Master’s in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship at the Harvard Graduate School of Education this August. Alongside this, I serve as an Advocacy Representative for Open Doors UK, a Director of a nonprofit theatre organisation that empowers young people from underrepresented backgrounds, and I continue to work as an actor and creative signed with Crumb Agency.
What was your path after leaving Bromley High School, and how did you get to where you are now?
After leaving Bromley High School, I trained as an actor at the Young Actors Theatre in Islington and took part in programmes with the National Youth Theatre and the National Theatre. I later studied Law and Anthropology at the London School of Economics and Political Science while continuing to work in the arts and youth engagement.
Alongside my studies, I led youth and humanitarian initiatives across the UK and internationally, including teaching English to non-native speakers and supporting leadership programmes for young people in India and Bangladesh. These experiences strengthened my belief in the transformative power of education, faith, and storytelling.
I am now preparing to begin my Master’s at Harvard, where I hope to gain the tools to expand my impact and create greater opportunities for young people globally.
What skills or experiences from Bromley High School have helped you the most?
Bromley High School was transformational for me. As a Sixth Form student on a full bursary from a low income background, the school helped me believe that my circumstances did not define my potential. I am the first in my family to pursue a Master’s degree, and my time at school gave me the confidence to believe I belonged in spaces of educational excellence.
The small class sizes and encouragement from teachers helped me grow academically and personally, while theatre trips and creative opportunities nurtured my passion for storytelling. Most importantly, Bromley High School gave me permission to dream boldly and believe that I, as a young black woman from Lewisham, could have an impact far beyond what I imagined.
What challenge have you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome it?
One of the greatest challenges I faced was growing up in a low-income household where financial uncertainty was often a reality. Over time, I learned that my worth is not defined by my circumstances, and Bromley High School’s investment in me helped me see beyond my immediate situation.
I also experienced a difficult period of poor mental health following a family bereavement. During that time, my Christian faith became a source of hope, healing, and purpose. I believe it is important to speak openly about mental health because many young people suffer silently, and asking for help is never a weakness.
What advice would you give to current Sixth Formers who are thinking about their future?
Build your life on something deeper than achievement. Seek to use your gifts to serve others and focus on becoming a positive force for change in areas you care about.
Take time to understand what genuinely inspires you rather than following a path simply because it looks impressive. Invest in your character, remain open to learning from others, and remember that your legacy is shaped not only by your success, but also by the impact you have on those around you.
Is there anything you wish you’d known about work or university when you were at school?
I wish I had known that it is completely okay for your path to look different from everyone else’s. You do not need to rush into a degree or career simply because you feel pressured to follow a certain route.
University is an opportunity to expand your worldview, engage with different perspectives, and discover more about yourself and your purpose. I also wish I had realised earlier that, regardless of age or background, everyone has something valuable to contribute in leadership spaces. Your voice matters — do not be afraid to use it.
Fundraising
As Monay prepares to join the Harvard Graduate School of Education for the 2026–2027 academic year, she is fundraising to help cover the remaining costs of tuition and living expenses, having already secured significant funding and raised half of the total amount needed. If you would like to support Monay’s journey and the future impact of her work, donations can be made here: Donate to Monay’s Harvard Fundraiser