Hannah Chadwick has been named UCEAP’s 2024 Emerging Leader award recipient! Her summer at Beijing Normal University in 2015 played a pivotal role in her achievements.
Hannah’s transformative journey, from a rural Chinese orphanage to becoming a para-cyclist and disability advocate, embodies the resilience and determination celebrated by the UCEAP Emerging Leader Alumni Award.
Early Childhood and Study Abroad Challenges
Born blind and raised in a rural Chinese orphanage, Hannah faced a future with limited educational options. Then, at age 13, she was adopted by a family in Humboldt, Calif., opening doors that had once felt distant in her small village. At UC Davis, Hannah pursued double majors in International Relations and Mandarin Chinese. Hoping to improve her language skills, Hannah always knew she wanted to study abroad in China—what she didn’t realize was the extent of the challenges she would have to face.
But Hannah was determined. With the support of the UCEAP and campus staff members, she successfully enrolled at Beijing Normal University in 2015. “One of the biggest things that helped me when planning my study abroad was the UCEAP staff who were advocating for me,” Hannah said.
With efforts such as translating class materials into Braille and assisting with campus navigation, her study abroad team provided her with essential resources and support. She encourages students facing similar challenges to not be deterred. "We have to be flexible and think outside of the box because of our disabilities, but if we have the desire to go to another country, then we should start thinking of ways to accomplish that goal,” Hannah said.
Hannah has offered to be a resource for UCEAP in developing more resources for students with disabilities who want to study abroad. “I would love to help UCEAP in any way that I could to help future students with disabilities have the kind of experience I did in 2015,” Hannah said. She believes “a blog, a video, some testimonials, etc.—would definitely bring more awareness to students with disabilities to apply for study abroad opportunities.”
Post Study Abroad Achievements
After graduating, Hannah participated in Disability:IN’s NextGen Leadership Program, which matches a mentor with a college student with a disability as they navigate the transition from college to the workforce. Shortly after, she was asked to join the Marketing and Communications team at Disability:IN, a nonprofit that improves disability inclusion in global businesses.
“I’ve always wanted to work with diverse communities on an international level. Having that abroad experience gave me many opportunities to learn how to communicate with people from all backgrounds,” she said. Her role includes email campaigns, web design, and organizing noteworthy events like Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which attracted 2,000 attendees worldwide. Fueled by her own firsthand experiences and desire to empower others, Hannah said she is grateful that her career allows her to advocate for equality in education, employment, and beyond.
Team USA World Champion Athlete
In 2019, Hannah's life took a new turn when she discovered a passion for para-cycling, particularly the speed and thrill of tandem track cycling. “Since it’s indoors, my pilot and I don’t have to worry about traffic and can just go for it,” Hannah said.
She started training rigorously, and by 2022, Hannah and her pilot secured a place on Team USA. Competing in the Union Cycliste Internationale’s Para-Cycling Track World Championships, she secured bronze medals in both 2023 and 2024. As Hannah continues to break new ground in her athletic and professional endeavors, her story serves as an inspiration for others.
“Studying abroad was an unforgettable experience. It gave me a chance to travel outside of the States and meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise. I made lifelong friends, improved my Chinese, and enhanced my problem-solving skills,” Hannah said.
Congratulations Hannah!
Hannah’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, determination, and a supportive community, and we are proud to honor her achievements with the 2024 UCEAP Emerging Leader Alumni Award.