Caroline
Nominee Profile
Location: Bath
Karolina Pakenaite, also known as Caroline, is a PhD researcher and adventurer, living with deafblindness due to Usher syndrome. Her work focuses on making photographs accessible through touch, designing a tactile image system that allows everyone to experience visual content in a way that is meaningful and intuitive. Caroline is also on her mission to become the first deafblind person to summit Mount Everest in 2026 — a bold endeavour driven by a determination to challenge society’s perceptions of sensory impairment, raise awareness of the hidden challenges of deafblindness, and inspire a more inclusive world.
Caroline’s DeafBlind Everest Project has already made an impact, bridging communities through storytelling, public speaking, academic outreach, and partnerships with inclusive brands. Her project is being documented by Suited & Booted and has received backing from national and international sponsors. Alongside her academic achievements, she fundraised for Frank Water to support communities overseas. Currently, she is focusing on raising funds for Guide Dogs and Millimetres 2 Mountains, supporting the next generation of blind adventurers and those overcoming trauma through nature.
Caroline has never let her deteriorating sight and hearing slow her down. Whether designing inclusive technology, running marathons, or climbing Himalayan peaks, she leads by example - showing what is possible when barriers are replaced with belief. Her courage, bravery, and drive to represent marginalised voices make her a quiet but powerful advocate through action instead of words for diversity and inclusion in both academia and adventure.
This journey has only been possible thanks to the many individuals and communities who have walked alongside her.
To stand with Caroline, help amplify her message, and open the door to future support that could carry this mission even further — consider casting your vote.
Follow her journey at www.DeafBlindEverestProject.com
Caroline’s DeafBlind Everest Project has already made an impact, bridging communities through storytelling, public speaking, academic outreach, and partnerships with inclusive brands. Her project is being documented by Suited & Booted and has received backing from national and international sponsors. Alongside her academic achievements, she fundraised for Frank Water to support communities overseas. Currently, she is focusing on raising funds for Guide Dogs and Millimetres 2 Mountains, supporting the next generation of blind adventurers and those overcoming trauma through nature.
Caroline has never let her deteriorating sight and hearing slow her down. Whether designing inclusive technology, running marathons, or climbing Himalayan peaks, she leads by example - showing what is possible when barriers are replaced with belief. Her courage, bravery, and drive to represent marginalised voices make her a quiet but powerful advocate through action instead of words for diversity and inclusion in both academia and adventure.
This journey has only been possible thanks to the many individuals and communities who have walked alongside her.
To stand with Caroline, help amplify her message, and open the door to future support that could carry this mission even further — consider casting your vote.
Follow her journey at www.DeafBlindEverestProject.com