Annabelle Chauncy OAM

Annabelle Chauncy OAM is a force for good—driven by vision, grounded in action, and relentless in her belief that education can transform the world. As the Co-Founder and CEO of School for Life Foundation, she has spent more than 15 years building what many only talk about: real, sustainable change in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.

What began as a three-month volunteer trip to East Africa at age 21 has become a lifelong mission. Today, School for Life operates and supports 10 thriving schools across East Africa (primarily in rural Uganda), providing education to over 4,500 students—many of whom are the first in their families to attend school. But the impact goes far beyond classrooms. Through community outreach, vocational training, clean water programs, medical support, and employment, Annabelle and her team are building ecosystems that lift entire communities out of poverty.

Her leadership spans three continents, a team of over 130, and partnerships with governments, global businesses, and generous individual donors who believe in her vision. Annabelle has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia, named in AFR & Westpac’s Top 100 Women of Influence, and awarded for innovation, business leadership, and service to humanity.

Raised on a sheep and cattle farm in rural NSW, Annabelle blends humility and hard-won wisdom with formidable intelligence and clarity of purpose. Whether she’s on the ground in Uganda or on stage inspiring the next generation of leaders, she brings the same energy: bold, brave, and deeply human.