Zach Walker is a final year Computer Science student due to graduate in July 2024. This year Zach was awarded the Disability Champion Award at the University’s Equality+ Awards.
Earlier this month, we spoke with Zach about his accomplishments so far and his plans for next steps after graduation.
If you want to follow Zack, you can follow him on LinkedIn.
You were awarded the Disability Champion Award. Can you tell us more about this?
Our team of Disability Coaches were awarded the Disability Champion Award for their innovative peer-to-peer disability support model. The team run a drop-in desk on campus to respond to enquiries from students with disabilities seeking academic support.
This year alone, over 800 students participated.
Our work has lowered barriers to accessing support and reduced the administrative burden associated with disability.
“We have also become a voice for students with disabilities within the university community and have attended meetings with Student Affairs staff and the Hon Robert Halfon MP, Minister for Further Education and Training. For the first time at a university, coaches are providing visible instruction to students with disabilities on campus. Personally, I decided to apply for this position as I am very passionate about raising awareness and understanding of disability.”
Separately, I was commended for the Greatest Contribution to EDI award at the Equality+ Awards for my work in EDI related roles such as Liverpool Advocate, Disability Coach and Canvas Coach, as well as volunteering in my department as a Student Representative.
Additionally, my work leading Project EDI at Jamescape contributed to the company winning the Exceptional Entrepreneur award at the Equality+ Awards, and Project EDI raised the company’s Disability Confident status to Leader (Level 3) through tailored EDI staff training, an innovative new interview scheme and focus groups with some of the Disability Coaches team.
How did you feel when you found out you had won the award?
It was an amazing feeling to be nominated alongside so many other people who did such amazing work and winning was an incredible feeling too!
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I am looking for a job in HR or Project Management. In 10 years’ time I would like to work as an EDI Project Manager for an organisation that has a positive impact on society. Ideally I would like to continue living in Liverpool as I have fallen in love with the city.
Ten years from now, what do you hope will be different in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion?
I hope to continue to promote greater understanding and awareness of disabilities and the challenges that come with them. As an aspiring EDI project manager, I hope to find innovative solutions that address barriers to build a more equitable society.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Get involved with as many different opportunities as possible and discover where your passions and talents lie.
Zach’s message to the Class of 2024:
To my fellow graduating class of 2024, all the best. Wherever you end up next, I know you will do great things.
Zack recommends the following resources:
Zack’s final words:
I would like to thank my direct managers: James, Jenny, Ben, Sarah/Pete and everyone else in the Widening Participation team, as well as Ellie, our careers officer at EDI, for her careers advice and for all her hard work with the Equality+ Awards.