MEET KATIE

Katie Hilborn is a seven-time award-winning humanitarian and visionary founder, recognized alongside the Dalai Lama. She has raised millions to transform lives through children’s charities and inspired over 100,000 volunteer hours. Born into adversity and adopted after being abandoned at birth, Katie’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power to turn challenges into growth.

MEET KATIE

Katie Hilborn is a seven-time award-winning humanitarian and visionary founder, recognized alongside the Dalai Lama. She has raised millions to transform lives through children’s charities and inspired over 100,000 volunteer hours. Born into adversity and adopted after being abandoned at birth, Katie’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power to turn challenges into growth.

A MASTER STORY WEAVER

Katie’s thought-provoking anecdotes—from walking pumas in the Bolivian jungle and living with African Maasai to going undercover during the Nepal earthquakes—captivate and inspire. Her ability to weave humor, humanity, and hope into every keynote leaves audiences motivated to embrace their own transformative journeys.

ROOTS OF RESILIENCE

Abandoned at just six days old by her birth mother, who struggled with severe mental illness, Katie was adopted into a loving family in Chicago. Her adoptive parents’ architectural legacy and unwavering values provided her with a stable foundation of support and opportunity.

At 20, Katie’s life took a profound turn when she witnessed her birth mother’s passing from multiple sclerosis. The experience forced her to confront the fragility of life, the weight of privilege, and the search for purpose. These defining moments fueled her drive to explore the world, challenge boundaries, and create meaningful change.

A LIFE OF PURPOSE

In 2006, while working at a coffee shop in Breckenridge, Colorado, Katie saved her tips to fund her first project: painting educational murals at a Ugandan primary school. This small but impactful act sparked her lifelong dedication to creating sustainable change.

Her passion for education and global impact led her to become a teacher, working in Vietnam, Scotland, and Colorado. These experiences gave her firsthand insight into how education transforms lives and builds resilience, deepening her commitment to addressing global challenges.

In 2011, Katie founded Compass Rose International (formerly Global Orphan Prevention), a nonprofit dedicated to helping young women and tackling the root causes of child trafficking and mental wellness.

AWARD-WINNING IMPACT

Katie’s work has earned her global recognition, including Silver for Humanitarian Leader of the Year at the Anthem Awards, alongside the Dalai Lama and Jane Goodall.

Compass Rose International helps young women overcome challenges like trafficking and mental health struggles. Its INpowerment Centers in Nepal have reduced trafficking rates to zero, addressing root causes through education and economic development.

The organization has received awards such as two Silvers at the 2021 Anthem Awards, Gold and Silver at the 2022 Telly Awards, and the Guidestar Platinum Level Seal of Transparency.

Katie’s keynote speeches inspire audiences to align their actions with their values and embrace transformative growth. Book her today to bring purpose-driven storytelling to your next event.

A MASTER STORY WEAVER

Katie’s thought-provoking anecdotes—from walking pumas in the Bolivian jungle and living with African Maasai to going undercover during the Nepal earthquakes—captivate and inspire. Her ability to weave humor, humanity, and hope into every keynote leaves audiences motivated to embrace their own transformative journeys.

ROOTS OF RESILIENCE

Abandoned at just six days old by her birth mother, who struggled with severe mental illness, Katie was adopted into a loving family in Chicago. Her adoptive parents’ architectural legacy and unwavering values provided her with a stable foundation of support and opportunity.

At 20, Katie’s life took a profound turn when she witnessed her birth mother’s passing from multiple sclerosis. The experience forced her to confront the fragility of life, the weight of privilege, and the search for purpose. These defining moments fueled her drive to explore the world, challenge boundaries, and create meaningful change.

A LIFE OF PURPOSE

In 2006, while working at a coffee shop in Breckenridge, Colorado, Katie saved her tips to fund her first project: painting educational murals at a Ugandan primary school. This small but impactful act sparked her lifelong dedication to creating sustainable change.

Her passion for education and global impact led her to become a teacher, working in Vietnam, Scotland, and Colorado. These experiences gave her firsthand insight into how education transforms lives and builds resilience, deepening her commitment to addressing global challenges.

In 2011, Katie founded Compass Rose International (formerly Global Orphan Prevention), a nonprofit dedicated to helping young women and tackling the root causes of child trafficking and mental wellness.

AWARD-WINNING IMPACT

Katie’s work has earned her global recognition, including Silver for Humanitarian Leader of the Year at the Anthem Awards, alongside the Dalai Lama and Jane Goodall.

Compass Rose International helps young women overcome challenges like trafficking and mental health struggles. Its INpowerment Centers in Nepal have reduced trafficking rates to zero, addressing root causes through education and economic development.

The organization has received awards such as two Silvers at the 2021 Anthem Awards, Gold and Silver at the 2022 Telly Awards, and the Guidestar Platinum Level Seal of Transparency.

Katie’s keynote speeches inspire audiences to align their actions with their values and embrace transformative growth. Book her today to bring purpose-driven storytelling to your next event.

CLIENTS INCLUDE:

CLIENTS INCLUDE:

FOLLOW KATIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FOLLOW KATIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

INVITE KATIE AT YOUR EVENT

READY TO WORK WITH KATIE?

Get in touch with Katie and her team today to explore a customized experience for your event.

INVITE KATIE AT YOUR EVENT

READY TO WORK WITH KATIE?

Get in touch with Katie and her team today to explore a customized experience for your event.