Rachel's path since leaving St Aidan's has been shaped by a single defining conviction: that young people, wherever they are in the world, deserve the chance to reach their potential. At just 17, she left Australia to volunteer in a disadvantaged village in Nepal, bringing empowerment to children through access to education, a connection she has maintained for over two decades, including serving on the Board of World Youth International and as a World Youth International Ambassador since 1999. Her work in Nepal has spanned disaster recovery, humanitarian relief, education and children's welfare, and she was a driving force behind the Jamie Young Cup, a football tournament connecting disadvantaged communities through sport.

That early experience set the tone for a career that has consistently combined professional achievement with purpose. Rachel brings over 30 years of experience across professional and financial services, the not-for-profit sector and the sports industry, including senior executive and non-executive director roles across ASX50 companies.

In 2022, Rachel founded The WattleNest, a fast-growing platform supporting emerging and elite athletes across Australia, built around a mission to remove affordability as a barrier to opportunity. Supporting athletes financially, professionally and personally, the community now spans more than 50 sports and over 160 athletes, with an eye firmly on Brisbane 2032.

Rachel has also been recognised internationally for her work, receiving four awards in the global Women Changing the World Awards, presented by the Duchess of York in London.

Closer to home, Rachel is a current St Aidan's parent and has served as both Director and Chair of the St Aidan's Foundation.

Principal Toni Riordan said: "Rachel's recognition provides the opportunity to not only celebrate incredible individual achievement, but also to reflect on St Aidan's long history of educating women in leadership and service."

Rachel herself reflected: "For me, the AM is not the finish line. It is a reminder of the responsibility we all have to contribute to our communities and to create opportunities for others."

St Aidan's is enormously proud of Rachel and all that she has given and continues to give to the communities she serves.