This week we SHINE the Spotlight on a lady who has inspired me for over a decade with her fabulous attitude, zest for travel and living, and most importantly, passion for helping others and contributing to the world at large. For many years, I have assisted Rachel with booking her travel adventures, and each one has a twist attached – whether it be fund-raising or assisting those less fortunate – there is always a greater meaning than it being a regular holiday or adventure. As a new Mum, Rachel is taking a bit of time out but read her story and be inspired!

We first met over fifteen years ago now, when you were working at the Rock Eisteddfod / Croc Fest Challenge. How that work shape where you are now?

I really can’t overstate how much this experience shaped who I am as a professional. The events industry is tough – long hours, overlapping deadlines and what feels like a thousand balls in the air at any one time. Working with REC and Croc Festival put my hyperactive nature and drive to succeed to the test in a way that was helping young people to engage in education and build good mental health – I loved it. Running on fumes and being constantly “on” was a buzz for more than six years. I thrived on the pressure but it was an environment that only works if you’re not afraid of hard work. It really pushed me to be my best and to learn. Every day I was learning new things… some of them were what to do and some of them were what not to do (honestly, sometimes learning what not to do is more important that what to do), but I was young and like a sponge. It was a really great way to start my professional career.

And in recent years, tell us about the organisations you have aligned yourself and why?

I honestly want to make positive change in the world so finding a good foothold in the charity space has been important for me. There are so many issues that I want to contribute to eventually, but I do tend to opt for things that get overlooked. Older Australians, for instance. I’m sad to say that as Australian’s we can be extremely ageist, so working for Dementia Australia as their Fundraising Manager means that I can help our society make positive steps towards a culture of equality and understanding, whilst helping families in need of support.

You’ve always been passionate about human rights and assisting others – tell us about the things you have been involved in and why?

Volunteering is such a great way to keep humble, learn firsthand what’s happening in lesser seen areas of the community and contribute to the greater good. I was a volunteer with StreetWork for many years working with at risk youth in police custody, a foster parent for Animal Welfare League and am currently volunteering with Riding for the Disabled to make sure all children have access to animals, physical activity and happiness. My biggest love though, is Friends of Rang’I where I work as a voluntary Board member to assist schools in the remote village of Rang’I in Kenya. I first visited the village in 2005 and it stole my heart.

You’re currently studying your Masters in Human Rights which is fantastic – how do you see this shaping the direction of your future?

My goal is to gain the skills necessary to make real change in the world. My career is helping, but my Masters is making sure I have the groundwork in place. You’re never too old to learn! It’s my dream to run major projects at somewhere like UNHCR or Amnesty International. I’d like to travel the world to run the projects on the ground and show my new daughter that she is lucky – that she has clean water, food, shelter, education and so many opportunities that many Australians take for granted. I want to teach her that betterment isn’t just something you turn on and off. Working towards a better world is a way of life.

You’re a world adventure traveller – where’s the best place you have visited and why?

Oh that’s too hard. Kenya is like a second home to me, so that’s my favourite place… Oh, every place has such wondrous aspects. The food in India, the culture in Egypt, the people in Malta and New Zealand…. But in terms of adventure, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania was pretty mind-blowing and Zimbabwe for a wild rush. White water rafting on the Nile in Uganda, riding horses on safari in Tanzania, the Inca Trail in Peru, swimming with shale sharks in Mexico, Six Flags Magic Mountain in LA. I love all of it. But remember there are so may adventures to be had right here in Australia too.

Now that you’re a Mum, how do you look after yourself and your own wellbeing?

Keeping physically active (with bub strapped onto my chest!) and remembering to find one thing each day that reminds me of who I am are both really important for me. Babies are so demanding and it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos of nappies and crying and being responsible 24 hours a day for another life – for someone who legitimately NEEDS you every minute. It’s draining, especially when you’re an OCD perfectionist like me who doesn’t deal well with failure! I think what I’ve learnt is that one bad day doesn’t mean failure, and tomorrow is a new day and a new chance to do great things for me and bub.

What do you do in your spare time?

Haha, asking a new mum about spare time, that’s hilarious. I’m working towards implementing my old loves of dancing, horse riding, photography and reading back into my world.

Do you see yourself always living in Sydney?

No, I think it will be the base that we come back to between adventures, but I’d like to live and raise a family all over the world.

Favourite food?

Indian. No, Mexican. And Italian. And chocolate. Basically I just love food.