The daughter of an ethics professor/author and an artist, Hilary became an entrepreneur at age 15, when she founded two Internet companies that were the first of their kind, both of which are still running today.  Since she was a child, Hilary has been involved in charity work, starting from volunteering daily after school at the local Humane Society and donating what little money she had for charity. To launch Project Migration, Hilary devoted herself full-time and pro-bono for over a year, spent the income generated by her web companies as well as her considerable life savings, and sold many of her possessions to raise funds. She designs all the products, materials, and designed and coded website herself. To learn more about her other projects, see www.HilaryRowland.com

Hilary: My Dream

Like most people, I’ve always had the urge to help others who are in need.  It seems to be the way we’re designed. Not all of us are able to follow our instincts and make a difference, but I have built a modest success as an internet entrepreneur over the last decade, and find myself in a position to put what knowledge and skills I’ve acquired to work towards a very specific cause: helping single mothers and their kids. I have dedicated my time and savings towards philanthropy since childhood, but the most important thing I did was sponsor a family in Kenya.  The letters and photographs that I received from them affected me deeply. So I started Project Migration as an exercise in social entrepreneurship– a way to run a business with something other than profit as its goal.

I’ve had the privilege of exploring several countries in Africa where I’ve seen first hand the very difficult life that faces so many single mothers who live in poverty.  Many are rejected by their families when they become pregnant, though they’re often victims of rape.  They have to walk for five hours a day to collect dirty and contaminated water that they’re acutely aware is the leading cause of infant death.  They are seldom able to work or continue their education because the dirty water makes them sick on a weekly basis.  Their future, and the future of their children, is bleak. These women and their children deserve a chance in life.  They deserve to be healthy and not to live in fear.  They deserve the opportunity to have an education, a job, and a productive life.  It’s my dream to help these women, and I would like to invite you all to share this journey with me.

One small action will make one small difference. That matters. And when you take all those small actions and put them together, not only will you make an even bigger difference; you’ll help make real, lasting change!

Sincerely,
Hilary Rowland

Questions? Contact Project Migration