Inspiring young businesswoman up for award (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Inspiring young businesswoman Zoe Jackson up for award

1:30pm Friday 7th October 2011 in News By Holly Christodoulou

A young businesswoman from St Albans will compete for the coveted title of Woman of the Future next month.

Zoe Jackson, 22, of Green Lane, was nominated after she created her own business, Living the Dream Performing Arts Company, when she was just 16.

Zoe said the youth-led initiative, based in St Albans, was created to inspire young people and watch them grow in confidence, talent and self-esteem.

The managing directer has provided inspiration for others, and has become a positive role model.

She said: "I got into the National Youth Theatre but my parents couldn't afford it so I decided to organise a fundraising show. This expanded and subsidised me through university.

"The training is expensive so I wanted to create something that would be affordable and accessible for everyone."

She added: "It was fantastic to be nominated and I was absolutely honoured to be recognised. It shows that anything is possible."

The Women of the Future Awards were created by Pinky Lilani OBE in 2006 in order to celebrate the next generation of British female talent.

The competition, designed for those aged 35 and under, recognises talent from fields such as business, the professions, the arts, media and science and technology.

Ms Lilani said: "Awarding and recognising Britain’s best women is crucial because not only does it champion and give such exceptional women a platform for future successes, but it also enables us to showcase them as role models for the next generation.

"It’s important to show young women that they can achieve their goals and should not be deterred because of age or gender."

The awards show, which takes place in the London Marriott Hotel on November 16, counts Her Royal Highness Princess Zahra Aga Khan and Cherie Blair as patrons.

Previous winners include online retail entrepreneur Holly Tucker, the innovator behind notthehighstreet.com; Thea Green, founder of Nails Inc and the launch editor of Stylist magazine, Lisa Smosarski.

Ms Lilani added: "The strength of this year's shortlist is a testament to the exceptional wealth of female pioneers making their mark in their respective fields."

The chairman of Shell UK, Graham van't Hoff, said it is important these opportunites are taken to recognise the female leaders of tomorrow and reward them for their dedication, passion and drive.

Mr van't Hoff added: "Women are achieving more than ever before and this year's shortlist truly evidences the calibre and talent of young women in the UK.

"As a sponsor, we are proud to be involved with such an inspirational force for good which champions the UK's brightest lights."

Zoe would like to expand the classes to a national level and now works full time at Living the Dream.

She has set up a talent agency and an anti-bullying campaign called Voices Within.

The caring Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts graduate said: "Young people's voices need to be heard. What if we could make a difference?"