Zoe Wallace

Zoe is one of our incredible alumni, having graduated from LJMU’s imaginative writing programme in 2005.

She is passionate about people and celebrating diversity. Having witnessed the transformational power of education first-hand, through her mum’s own academic journey as a mature student, Zoe was herself encouraged to go to university and now works for Agent Academy helping people to gain real-world experience and make industry connections to secure amazing jobs.

Zoe features in our ‘Humans of LJMU’ series in collaboration with the ‘Humans of Liverpool’ social media account, sharing the stories of the people who make our city, communities and university the vibrant, inclusive place it is in celebration of our Bicentenary year.

In her interview she reflects on the influence of her inspirational parents and her drive to ensure equity in access to education and career opportunities.

Zoe’s ‘Humans of LJMU’ interview

“I’m naturally drawn to helping others see and reach their potential. I think that comes from experiencing first-hand growing up the transformative power of education and work opportunities.

“My mum and dad both left school at 16. My mum worked in pubs, and my dad was a window cleaner. Then as me and my brother were starting school, my mum decided to go back to education to do an access course and became the first person in our family to get into university.

“My dad, at that time, worked at Cammell Laird and supported her financially. Through their team effort, she eventually graduated and became a teacher. Then, later on, she decided to study again and gained a PhD in Irish Literature.

“This opened up new experiences for my family. From travelling to Ireland, where she would do academic talks, to joining her and her classes on school trips. I was inspired by the way she was able to help others. When I was studying for my GCSEs, all of my friends would come around to do a group English revision class together. And often, friends and family would come around for help with writing CVs or cover letters.

“It often takes another person to remind us of what we are capable of and what we can achieve. I’ve always wanted to be that person for others.

“Unfortunately, we are still a long way off from achieving equity when it comes to education. During the pandemic, I knew children who missed out on two years of school because they didn’t have the people or technology at home to keep learning, and schools had limited resources to reach out to them. This inequality is insane. How can they be expected to compete with children from affluent backgrounds when it comes to exam results and gaining their first job?

“I love that I’ve been able to use my career to support other people to get on and do well. My work at Agent Academy has been focused on making sure that young people with talent and potential have opportunities.

“I’m especially committed to supporting those who need it the most. I know that when talent meets opportunity, the possibilities are endless, and that is so exciting.”