A Competitive Force on "The Bachelor" and STEM Advocate

Zoe McGrady is making waves as one of the 25 contestants on the latest season of "The Bachelor," where she is pursuing a connection with the show's star, Grant Ellis. In the second week of competition, her intense drive to win over Grant has raised tensions among the other women in the house. Zoe, a tech engineer and model based in New York, isn’t shy about seizing opportunities to spend time with Grant. During the opening group date, a basketball competition, she boldly took him aside for a private conversation and later continued to interrupt other contestants to ensure she had her chance to connect with him.

In a discussion about her competitive mindset, Zoe expressed the importance of seizing opportunities in life, stating, "We have one shot at all of this" regarding their time on the show. Her background is equally compelling; she was adopted by white parents in Virginia and grew up in a predominantly white community, which she found challenging as one of the few people of color interested in STEM. During her childhood, she frequently felt like an outsider, particularly as she broke barriers by being the first female wrestler on her high school team. Her passion for science and mathematics led her to dressing up as Albert Einstein for Halloween multiple times.

Zoe pursued her education diligently and graduated from Duke University with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2019. Following her studies, she began her career in fintech as a project manager at Quantile and simultaneously ventured into modeling, signing with Wilhelmina Models in 2023. Her modeling portfolio includes work in beauty, lifestyle, sports, and fitness, culminating in appearances at New York Fashion Week.

Moreover, Zoe has gained recognition as a two-time first runner-up in the Miss New York USA pageant. Initially skeptical about entering pageantry due to her focus on sports and academics, she discovered her passion for advocacy and storytelling through this platform. She aims to empower underrepresented individuals and inspire women entering male-dominated fields. Zoe regularly shares her experiences in schools and at conferences, mentoring young people on topics like resilience, mental health, and overcoming adversity. As the reality show continues to unfold, her determination and unique journey remain captivating to both viewers and contestants.