Meet the SHEROES - Eliza Hilton

Here’s presenting Eliza Hilton, the co-founder of Flow India, an innovative organization that connects curriculum with not-so-commonly used resources. The education system always has scope for improvement or creativity. Even small steps count in moving forward,

Let’s hear what this SHERO, Eliza has to say - 

 What line of work are you presently in?

At the moment I am director of Flow India, a company that I co-founded with my partner Katherine Rose in Delhi. Since 2010, Flow India has been working with more than 15,000 kids across North India, connecting the curriculum with under-exploited educational resources, such as national and regional museums and heritage and environmental sites in a meaningful and structured way.

What does it take to rise up in this field professionally?

I realize, like lots of entrepreneurs I have quite an eclectic career. I have a BA from Oxford University in Ancient History, Latin and Ancient Greek which has led to a passion to give children the opportunity to engage with ancient art and artefacts.

I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and an MSc in International Development. I’ve worked for NGOs in low cost settings, been a project manager for large-scale non-profit funds and I have taught in government schools in the UK.

 I think being in education is about passion. Being an entrepreneur is much the same. Teaching was a good background for starting a business as you are on your own every day in the classroom making your own decisions and having to stand by them when dealing with different stakeholders.  

How and where did you start your career? What did your first job teach you?

 When I was 8 years old my mum did her teaching degree in order to go back to work after ten years of being a full time mum. I always think that this was my first assignment in education because I was her sounding board and guinea pig.

 My second job was when I was 14 working on the shop floor of a shoe shop. I learned that sometimes customers are unbelievably rude, but most of the time people are really nice and kind-hearted.     

What advice can you give working women and fellow SHEROES?

Have high expectations of what you can achieve and expect it to take a long time. I have spent more of my life thinking of reasons why I can’t do something than getting on with it!

 How do you manage your work / life balance?

 For me my work is my passion and I see it integrated into every part of my life. I want the work we do to make a difference and help create a world that I want to live in.

Any advice, for those who have an entrepreneurial spirit? 

Do it! Ideas are cheap but getting stuff done is hard. If you can do good work on your own terms, I don’t think there is anything better.