Annabelle O'donnell
About Annabelle O'donnell
Annabelle O'Donnell serves as the Vice Curator for the London III Hub at the World Economic Forum and has a diverse background in international business and research, with significant experience at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the World Economic Forum.
Work at World Economic Forum
Annabelle O'Donnell currently holds the position of Vice Curator for the London III Hub at the World Economic Forum, a role she has occupied since 2022. Prior to this, she served as Curator for the Auckland Hub from 2021 to 2022. In addition to her curatorial roles, she is also involved as a Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum since 2020. Her work focuses on fostering collaboration and innovation among young leaders to address global challenges.
Current Employment at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
O'Donnell has been working at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) as an International Business Advisor since 2020. In this capacity, she provides strategic advice to businesses looking to expand internationally. She has also held various roles at NZTE, including Innovation Project Co-lead for the Early Stage Export Strategy in 2021 and Senior Advisor for Women in Trade from 2021 to 2022.
Education and Expertise
Annabelle O'Donnell studied at the University of Auckland, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts, focusing on International Business, Politics, and International Relations from 2010 to 2015. She is currently enhancing her skills in design thinking at the DesignThinkers Academy, where she is pursuing certifications in Design Thinking Facilitation and Design Thinking Fundamentals since 2022.
Background and Early Career
O'Donnell began her career with various internships and roles that provided her with a foundation in international relations and development. She worked as an intern at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade in 2016 and again in 2017 at the Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations in New York. Additionally, she served as a New Zealand Ambassador for Girl Rising from 2014 to 2016, advocating for gender equality and education.
Achievements and Contributions
Throughout her career, Annabelle O'Donnell has demonstrated a commitment to social impact and innovation. She has been involved in initiatives such as the Auckland Microfinance Initiative and the 2020 #HackTheCrisis competition, where she was a finalist. O'Donnell also possesses a deep understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has consulted businesses on their implementation, showcasing her expertise in sustainable development.