Serena first joined Debate Mate as a student, debating all the way through to sixth form. She became a mentor in 2021 while starting her undergraduate degree in Biology at Queen Mary University, later taking on lead and senior mentor roles. Alongside her studies, she gained experience across education and youth development, including working as a Team Leader at the National Citizen Service, tutoring GCSE Maths as a self-employed tutor, and supporting business development at an education-focused organisation during summer 2024, while continuing to mentor with Debate Mate. After graduating, she went on to pursue a Masters in International Business at Hult International Business School, and later became a full-time Programme Director for London secondary schools.