Friends of BMA
The Friends of Bobby Moore Academy (“FBMA”)
"FBMA is committed to providing the young people of Bobby Moore Academy unparalleled access to educational and career opportunities – empowering all to build their legacy"
Established in 2023, FBMA is a not-for-profit organisation, founded and driven by exceptional leaders within the City of London professional community. In pursuit of its mission statement, FBMA contributes to the life chances and opportunities available to our scholars in a vast number of ways.
FBMA has arranged work experience placements, internships and apprenticeships at a range of leading London firms. FBMA also provides academic opportunities including lectures, careers' talks and Q&A visits from talented professionals from a broad spectrum of industry sectors.
Through fundraising activities, FBMA seeks to contribute to the enrichment opportunities afforded to our scholars. FBMA has purchased new sports kits and equipment for scholars attending school events. The BMA Bears sports teams have cited this contribution as a significant part of the reason they feel confident enough when competing to “Just win”!
FBMA has also funded the opening of our new Art Gallery, which scholars in Hockney House have said helps them to feel appreciated for their love of artistic expression, as “not many other schools have an art gallery”.
For more information, or to view the members of FBMA, please see their biographies below.
Meet the board of FBMA
friends of BMA (ID 1143)
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Bharat Mepani
Bharat Mepani
Bharat has over 20 years’ of experience within the London insurance market serving leadership roles within data and technology. Bharat wants to help enrich businesses with a future workforce of talented young people from diverse social backgrounds.
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Lenny Alexander
Lenny Alexander
After a fulfilling career in the city, Lenny is eager to give back by sharing the wealth of knowledge and experience he has gained. Guiding aspiring students as they embark on their own journeys is both a privilege and a responsibility he values. Lenny hopes to inspire and equip students with the tools they need for success.
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Mel Alexander
Mel Alexander
With 44 years of experience in various roles in city institutions and a fulfilling and enjoyable career, Mel’s hopes are to provide opportunities for young people across the spectrum who are seeking support, guidance and connections, assisting them to aim high and achieve their goals no matter what their circumstances are.
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Roy Williams
Roy Williams
Roy left school at 16 in 1972 and by incredible luck found himself employed by a syndicate at Lloyd’s. The people who owned and managed the syndicate were successful and also very kind. They believed in giving people a chance. Because of their influence so did Roy. Roy’s main interests are being with family and friends, cricket, rugby and trying not to care too much when West Ham lose.
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Steve Westlake
Steve Westlake
After over 35 years’ working in finance in the city, Steve embarked on a more vocational career as an apprentice mentor in the adult education sector (working primarily with 16 to 19 year olds in a variety of businesses). Now fully retired, his time is spent looking after his grandchildren, attempting to play golf and watching all sports.
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Umesh Patel
Umesh Patel
Umesh Patel is an IT professional specialising in the insurance industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for technology, Umesh has made significant contributions to his field. Umesh is also deeply committed to helping the less privileged. In 2023, he participated in a remarkable rickshaw event, covering over 2000 kilometers to support the construction of a dental facility. This initiative aims to provide free or affordable dental treatment to those in need.
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Vanessa Young
Vanessa Young
Vanessa is a qualified lawyer with over 20 years’ experience working within the legal and insurance industries. Vanessa is passionate about DEI and has a strong belief in the transformational impact of education and the importance of businesses to engender social mobility.
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Stephanie Windsor
Stephanie Windsor
Following a successful career in financial services, Stephanie is looking to share her knowledge and help support students as they start their journey and find a career they love. Stephanie hopes to inspire young people to follow their dreams. Stephanie believes that only you get to choose the things that will define you tomorrow. No matter where you are starting from or whoever you are today
Scholar Experience
