Zoe Van Lare

Zoe Van Lare hails from Upstate New York but spent much of her childhood abroad, growing up in a variety of countries including Myanmar, Jordan, and Singapore. The daughter of two international school educators, Zoe was immersed from an early age in diverse cultures and perspectives. This global upbringing nurtured her lifelong love for theater and the performing arts, with a particular fondness for musical theater.

After completing high school in Singapore, Zoe returned to New York to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Creative Writing at Sarah Lawrence College. It was there that her interest in writing deepened and evolved into a true calling. During her undergraduate studies, Zoe wrote and workshopped two novels, experiences that cemented her commitment to storytelling.

Seeking to unite her dual passions for writing and education, Zoe is now pursuing a Master’s degree in English Education at the University at Buffalo. Her graduate work reflects her belief in the transformative power of literature and education.

Professionally, Zoe works in college admissions at Campus, an EdTech startup, following several years in admissions at a small college in Queens, NY. Her work in this field has given her a nuanced understanding of the college application process and highlighted the importance of preparation, empathy, and personal connection in supporting students on their academic journeys.

Whether through performance, prose, or pedagogy, Zoe is fundamentally a storyteller. She currently lives in Queens, NY, with her fiancé and their dachshund, Moose—photos of whom she is always happy to share.