2025 Shortlisted Nominee
Positive Role Model Award: Disability
Karolina, also known as Caroline, is a deafblind PhD researcher and adventurer living with Usher syndrome. Her pioneering work creates tactile image systems that make photographs accessible to blind and deafblind people, bridging the gap between visual content and touch in a meaningful and intuitive way. Caroline is on a bold mission to become the first deafblind person to summit Mount Everest in 2026. Through the DeafBlind Everest Project, she challenges societal perceptions of sensory impairment, raises awareness of hidden disabilities, and inspires inclusion through storytelling, public speaking, and partnerships with inclusive brands. Alongside her academic achievements, Caroline fundraises for charities including Guide Dogs and Millimetres 2 Mountains, supporting blind adventurers and trauma recovery through nature. She leads by example, showing that barriers can be overcome with resilience and belief. Her courage and dedication make her a powerful advocate.