Chaeli Mycroft is an internationally recognised ability activist, author, adaptive athlete and inspirational speaker whose remarkable story challenges audiences to rethink disability, resilience, inclusion and what is possible.
At just nine years old, Chaeli co-founded The Chaeli Campaign with her sister and three friends, initially raising funds for her own motorised wheelchair. That initiative developed into an established social-impact organisation championing the mobility, education and inclusion of children with disabilities. Today, Chaeli serves as its Manager of Relationships & Funding.
Chaeli received the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize in 2011, followed by the Peace Summit Medal for Social Activism from the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in 2012. Her international recognition also includes the World of Children Youth Award, selection as an Obama Foundation African Leader, and the Forbes Woman Africa Young Achievers Award in 2023.
Her achievements extend far beyond advocacy. In 2015, Chaeli became the first female quadriplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, and in 2016 she made history as one of the first wheelchair athletes to complete the Comrades Marathon. She has also competed internationally in wheelchair dancing.
Academically, Chaeli graduated from the University of Cape Town, completing studies in Politics and Social Development, an Honours degree in Social Policy and Management, and an MPhil in Human Rights Law. She is also the author of Unapologetically Able, which shares her experiences and perspectives on disability, vulnerability and living boldly.
As a speaker, Chaeli combines humour, honesty and powerful storytelling with practical lessons around resilience and teamwork. Rather than focusing on limitations, she encourages audiences to develop a solution-focused mindset, embrace vulnerability and recognise the strength that comes from collaboration. Her TEDxCapeTown talk, Strength is Not a Solo Mission, captures this philosophy.
SPEAKING TOPICS
- A Life of Possibilities — Redefining limitations and focusing on what is possible
- Resilience & Adaptability — Finding creative ways forward through challenge
- Strength is Not a Solo Mission — The power of teamwork, vulnerability and asking for support
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion — Moving beyond disability awareness towards genuine inclusion
- Unapologetically Able — Challenging stereotypes and owning your individual strengths
- Purpose & Social Impact — How individuals can become catalysts for meaningful change
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- International Children’s Peace Prize — 2011
- Peace Summit Medal for Social Activism — 2012
- World of Children Youth Award — 2013
- First female quadriplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro — 2015
- Historic Comrades Marathon wheelchair athlete
- Obama Foundation African Leader — 2018
- Global Changemaker — 2018
- Forbes Woman Africa Young Achievers Award — 2023
- Author of Unapologetically Able
- Co-founder of The Chaeli Campaign
