Rachel Maia
World-class paraclimber, resilience speaker and advocate for overcoming adversity
Overview
Rachel Maia is a pioneering paraclimber, resilience speaker and inspiring advocate for personal growth through adversity. As one of Australasia's leading adaptive athletes, Rachel has overcome extraordinary challenges to achieve success on the international stage. Her powerful story of resilience, courage and determination inspires audiences to reframe setbacks, embrace change and unlock their potential, no matter the obstacles they face.
Who is Rachel Maia?
Rachel Maia's story is one of remarkable resilience and perseverance. As a teenager, her passion for climbing was dramatically interrupted following a serious rock-climbing accident that changed the course of her life. Faced with significant physical challenges, Rachel stepped away from the sport she loved and spent nearly two decades rebuilding her life.
In 2017, she made the courageous decision to return to climbing. What followed was an extraordinary journey that would see her become one of the most accomplished paraclimbers in the region. Through determination, discipline and an unwavering belief in what was possible, Rachel broke barriers and became New Zealand's first international paraclimber, achieving success on the world stage and inspiring countless others along the way.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Rachel's life experiences have shaped her into a powerful advocate for resilience, wellbeing and personal empowerment. As a single parent, survivor of domestic violence and passionate advocate for health and inclusion, she understands the realities of navigating adversity and rebuilding confidence after life's toughest challenges.
Today, Rachel shares her experiences with audiences across corporate, community and educational settings, helping people discover the strength, courage and support needed to overcome obstacles and create meaningful change.
Career Highlights
• International paraclimbing competitor
• New Zealand's first international paraclimber
• IFSC World Cup medallist
• National paraclimbing record holder
• Respected resilience and wellbeing speaker
• Advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility
• Survivor, parent and community leader
• Inspirational keynote presenter and mentor
Key Speaking Themes
• Resilience and overcoming adversity
• Thriving through change and uncertainty
• Mental wellbeing and personal growth
• Courage, confidence and self-belief
• Disability inclusion and representation
• Building supportive communities
• Goal setting and achievement
• Turning setbacks into opportunities
What Your Audience Will Gain
Rachel provides audiences with practical and inspiring lessons on resilience, perseverance and personal growth. Her story demonstrates how setbacks can become opportunities for transformation and how support, mindset and determination can help people achieve more than they ever imagined. Attendees leave empowered, motivated and equipped with tools to navigate challenges more effectively.
Ideal For
• Women's leadership and empowerment events
• Wellbeing and resilience conferences
• Schools, universities and youth programmes
• Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• Corporate leadership and team events
• Community and not-for-profit organisations
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does Rachel Maia speak about?
Rachel speaks about resilience, overcoming adversity, wellbeing, personal growth, disability inclusion and achieving success despite challenges.
Who is Rachel Maia?
Rachel Maia is an international paraclimber, keynote speaker and advocate for resilience, wellbeing and inclusion.
What is Rachel Maia best known for?
She is best known for becoming New Zealand's first international paraclimber and achieving success at the highest levels of adaptive climbing.
What challenges has Rachel Maia overcome?
Rachel's journey includes recovering from a serious climbing accident, navigating significant personal adversity and returning to elite sport after an 18-year absence.
Why is Rachel Maia a sought-after keynote speaker?
Her authentic story, combined with practical lessons on resilience and growth, creates a powerful and lasting impact on audiences.
What leadership and resilience lessons does Rachel Maia share?
She focuses on courage, adaptability, community support, self-belief and finding opportunity within adversity.
Who benefits most from Rachel Maia's presentations?
Leaders, teams, students, community groups and organisations focused on wellbeing, resilience and inclusion gain significant value from her insights.
Is Rachel Maia available for keynote presentations and workshops?
Yes. Rachel Maia is available for keynote speaking engagements, leadership events, wellbeing programmes and community conferences throughout Australia and internationally.