Who We Are. GIVING A VOICE TO PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.

Artfully AWARE was founded by Hilary Wallis in December 2007. Our greatest asset is our team of dynamic volunteers and consultants, whose devotion to humanitarian aid and internationally focused education is propelling our heart and soul.

Hilary Wallis, Founder and Executive Director

A veteran of both solo and group exhibitions with her own work throughout the US, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, Hilary has worked as a consultant for such organizations as Plan, CARE, the International Rescue Committee, Americans for Informed Democracy, InterAction, the Global Campaign for Education, the National Conference for Community and Justice, Think Impact and the South Africa-based Buffelshoek Trust. She has also served as a photographer for the Inter-Press Service in Ethiopia and assisted in developing an arts and culture magazine in Florida. Hilary currently focuses on painting for her ‘Art for Humanity’ series while serving as Artfully AWARE’s Executive Director.

Emily Hatfield, UK Managing Director

After securing her training in England, Emily moved to East Africa in 2005 to work as a freelance producer. After a year in Nairobi, she moved to Kampala where her history in factual entertainment was absorbed into the NGO world. Emily began to realize the power of the media as a tool within the world of international development. During her two years in Uganda, Emily’s interests in delivering accessible messaging to the masses began to move into the education sector, and her awareness for the need to expand opportunities for children in the developing world began to unfold. Emily now strives to open doors for children across the globe by developing educational partnerships through Artfully AWARE’s programs.

Zillah Edwards, UK Assistant Director

During a solo trip around the world beginning in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Zillah witnessed the tragedy of extreme poverty. She volunteered for the Lighthouse Organization’s orphanage for children and purchased a restaurant in order to train and employ local people while dedicating more time to two other orphanages. At Jeannie’s Children’s Association (JCA) she used her previously obtained TEFL qualification to teach semi-structured English classes at a range of levels, and at the Italian Association In Cambodia (IAIC) she supported staff with health and social care for the severely disabled and children diagnosed with HIV. To pursue her commitment to humanitarian aid she gained a First Class Degree with Honors in International Development with Communication Studies and is a full time teacher in Chester, England. With her qualifications spanning international development, education and drama, Zillah is an invaluable asset to Artfully AWARE.

Justin Igala, African Team Coordinator

Justin is a professional development coordinator and fine artist that was trained at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. For over 30 years, he has used the arts to support development of marginalized communities in various areas such as water, hygiene, sanitation, HIV/AIDS, malaria control and war recovery. He has worked for many organizations and has run programs and workshops in Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and Rwanda. Justin is Artfully AWARE’s lead facilitator based in Uganda.

Brian Pade, African Team Marketing and Communications

Brian is a Ugandan business coach and personal development trainer who works with schools, orphanages and community groups by helping children and adults restore their lost talents, identity, goals, vision and aspirations. For Artfully AWARE, Brian develops educative tools to mentor community leaders, teaches business skills and markets community members’ artwork and crafts at events, festivals and other outlets.

Special Thanks to our many volunteers and consultants:

UK Team

Mike Hatfield, Pam Hatfield

USA Team

Lionel Lombard, Adam Hayden, Melissa Kate, Laura Stephens, Aubrey Allison, Gary Hansen, Elaine Grogan Luttrull, Joey Naham, Luciana Fonseca

Africa Team

Janet Igala, Gerald Kabuye, Cornelius Owar, Geoffrey Okello, Hope Okeny, Joyce Achipa, Martin Ochapet

USA Based Board of Directors

Dr. John Coonrod: Vice President of the Hunger Project; Shari Gruber: Director of Policy and Procedure for Child Care and Head Start for New York City’s Children’s Services; Dr. Miriam Steele: Associate Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Training, Psychology at The New School University for Social Research and Hilary Wallis: Executive Director of Artfully AWARE