One of Ireland's most high profile women, 33-year-old Caroline Casey established the Aisling Foundation in 2000, as part of a unique fundraising adventure which saw her travel across southern India on an elephant in a bid to become a 'mahout' - a keeper and driver of an elephant.

Previously a management consultant with Accenture, on her return from India, Caroline worked for the Aisling Foundation full time. The aim of the foundation is to promote the ability of people with disabilities, focusing on empowering business in the employment of people with disabilities.

To this end, Caroline established The 02 Ability Awards in 2005 in Ireland, which are the first of their kind. She co-presented the awards on RTÉ Television with Pat Kenny.

Caroline sits on the boards of FÁS, Comhairle, The Jack and Jill Foundation, Sight Savers International and 98 FM, and has become a well-known motivational speaker.

Her appetite for adventure has been and continues to be met with her circumnavigation of the globe using 80 modes of transport, Challenge 32, her plan to climb Mount Blanc in 2006 and her desire to learn to fly.

Caroline has been the recipient of an ESB/Rehab People of the Year award and was named of Junior Chamber International's "Ten Outstanding Young People of the World" 2002 award, as well as one of the RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) UK's People of the Year 2001.

Recently she has been appointed the Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum.

Caroline is herself visually impaired.