Her Story
About Windy
Windy Hill is an environmental educator, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and the Founder and CEO of KEEPS Global, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Kids Environmental Educational Programs and Services. She is also the CEO and creator of EarthVille Products, developing environmental educational materials and experiences designed specifically for early childhood learning. With more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Windy focuses on helping children develop an early understanding of the Earth, sustainability, conservation, and their relationship with the environment.
Windy's professional journey began with an engineering education at California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a bachelor's degree in engineering with a background in manufacturing engineering. She subsequently spent approximately 15 years working in manufacturing before transitioning into education after becoming involved with her sister's childcare program. There, she recognized a need for developmentally appropriate environmental education materials for young children. Her engineering background, Dale Carnegie leadership training, business education, and environmental coursework have helped shape her approach to creating hands-on, creative, and accessible learning experiences.
Through KEEPS Global and EarthVille Products, Windy is developing programs including *Meet the Earth* and *Meet the Eco-Community Helpers*, featuring 12 Eco-Community Helper characters that introduce children to conservation, environmental awareness, and green careers. She is also the author of *When You See Me: The Earth Story*, published under the pen name L.J. Hill. Windy attributes her success to the confidence and determination instilled by her parents and to her own hard work. Her work is guided by authentic, organic teaching and a deep appreciation for peace and nature, with the goal of reaching and positively influencing as many children as possible through environmental education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Windy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, who instilled in me from a young age the belief that I could pursue anything I wanted to achieve. They taught me to believe in myself and to understand that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to. I also attribute my success to hard work and the dedication required to build my career as an entrepreneur and environmental educator.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering environmental education is to teach organically and from the heart. What you teach children does not always have to come directly from a textbook. If you can envision an idea in your mind and genuinely believe in it, allow that creativity to come through in your teaching. Children respond to authentic, meaningful, and engaging experiences.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My greatest opportunity is to impact as many children as I possibly can through environmental education. I am preparing to launch two programs, Meet the Earth and Meet the Eco-Community Helpers. I have also created 12 Eco-Community Helpers to teach children about conservation and environmentally focused careers. Expanding these programs and building partnerships with schools and districts will allow me to reach more children and make environmental literacy a meaningful part of early childhood education.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value peace because I am constantly creating, and having peace allows me to keep my mind clear and focused. Spending time in nature, whether I am going to a park, sitting quietly, or meditating, helps me maintain that clarity and connection. Nature has a way of teaching us when we take the time to listen, and that connection strongly influences both my personal life and the work I create for children.
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