In honour of International Women’s Day, meet the influential female alumnae of UOY

International Women’s Day was this weekend, and with my career inspiration running low, I thought I’d have a look at the most influential and recognisable female alumnae of the University of York. From shaping government policy to breaking barriers in the arts and sciences, these women exemplify the power of education and determination, as well as proving that you don’t have to go to Oxbridge to have an influential career!

Zoe Lyons – Comedian

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Zoe Lyons, a 1992 Psychology graduate, has carved out a successful career in comedy and television presenting. Known for her sharp wit and humour, she has made frequent appearances on Mock the Week and other panel shows, establishing herself as a leading voice in British comedy.

Sara Davies – Entrepreneur and TV personality

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Sara Davies, best known for her role on Dragon’s Den, graduated with a first-class honours Business degree in 2006, founding her company Crafter’s Companion alongside studying. By the time of her graduation, the company was turning over half a million pounds and now has a net sale of £34m a year, employing more than 200 staff across the UK, USA, and Europe.

Last year, Sara received an honorary degree from the University of York for her “outstanding contribution to society”.

She told BBC Radio York that she had chosen to study at the Uni of York because she felt she could “really love living” in York, stating “At the open day I thought, ‘yes this is the one for me’ – and they had a course that seemed perfect for me.”

She was a member of Derwent college – who would have thought!

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Harriet Harman – Politician and solicitor

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Harriet Harman studied Politics at York before becoming the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 to 2015.

She initially went into law after graduating from York in 1972, representing Brenda Clarke in a successful landmark Sex Discrimination Act case against her employer. She went on to campaign for increased women’s representation in the Labour Party, and was ultimately elected as Deputy Leader in 2007.

Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and social justice, promoting gender equality both within and outside of parliament.

Jung Chang – Author and Historian

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Derwent College has another incredible alumnae to boast! Jung Chang earned her PhD in Linguistics at the University of York in 1982, living in Derwent. She went on to write an incredible book, Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China, which was published in 1991 and consists of her grandmother’s and mother’s biographies, as well as her own autobiography.

Wild Swans is incredibly influential and significant. It has been published in 37 languages and sold over 13 million copies worldwide, while still being banned in mainland China. It tells the story of three generations of women in her own family, and in doing so she reveals China’s long political struggle. Hillary Clinton described the book as an “Inspiring tale of women who survived every kind of hardship, deprivation and political upheaval with their humanity intact”on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Her work provides a powerful and personal insight into China’s modern history, making her one of the most influential writers on the subject. It is well worth a read!

Oona King – Politician and business executive

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Oona King became the second ever black woman elected as an MP in the UK in 1997, being a Labour Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Bow until 2005. She was also a member of the House of Lords from 2011 to 2024.

Oona graduated from York with a first-class degree in Politics in 1990 before securing a scholarship to the University of California. Throughout her political career, she has been a strong advocate for social justice and equality.

Alongside her political career, she has been involved in lots of media work, such as hosting a BBC Two documentary on Martin Luther King Jr. and the deep South, called American Prophet, in 2008. She retired from the House of Lords in June 2024.

Helen Geake – Archaeologist

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Helen Geake, who completed her PhD in Archaeology at York in 1995, is best known for her work on Channel 4’s Time Team. Specialising in Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, she has helped bring the world of archaeology to a wider audience, making history accessible and engaging.

Andrea Barber – Actress

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An American actress, Andrea Barber starred in Full House and the Netflix sequel Fuller House. She completed an MA degree in Women’s Studies at the University of York after graduating with a BA English degree in California in 1999.

These outstanding women demonstrate the wide range of influential careers that York alumnae can pursue, and are an inspiration to current students. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s honour their contributions and follow in their footsteps by striving for greater equality and representation in all areas of society.

Featured images via Instagram @saradaviescc and @andreabarber