Grounded in over a decade of lived experience, Grace McGowan is an Occupational Therapy student and a passionate youth health advocate for young people living with chronic illness and disability. Based in NSW, she actively serves as the Senior Youth Ambassador for International Adolescent Health Week 2024-2026, representing Australia. 

Grace is an active AAAH member, involved in youth and consumer engagement across multiple clinical and research settings, working with government bodies and organisations on a local, national and international scale to advocate for meaningful co-designed youth participation across all levels of healthcare design, research and policy. In recognition of her advocacy, Grace was awarded the inaugural AAAH “Rising Star” in Youth Health Award (2023) and was nominated for NSW Young Woman of the Year in 2025. Grace is passionate about driving the changes that ensure youth in the healthcare system receive adequate and autonomous care.