Young Social Impact Heroes: Why and How Eva Paliouras of Bonnets of Hope Is Helping To Change Our World
You don’t have to wait to be older, richer, or more experienced to make a difference. If you care about something, take that first step. Even small things can grow into something powerful.
As part of my series about young people who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Eva Paliouras, founder of Bonnets of Hope.
Eva Paliouras, a 17-year-old student, equestrian, entrepreneur, and philanthropist originally from Lima, Peru, is currently a Junior at Score Academy in Wellington, Florida. At the age of 13, Eva launched her nonprofit initiative Bonnets of Hope, creating knitted products for horses and humans to help raise funds for women in rural Peru. Additionally, Eva is an elite athlete and winning show jumping riders who is short-listed for the Peruvian Show Jumping Team to compete in the Bolivarian Games in Lima.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I was born and raised in Peru, and even though my family wasn’t involved in horses, I fell in love with riding from a really young age. My parents didn’t take it seriously at first, but my grandma secretly took me to my first pony lesson, and I never looked back. We moved to Miami during COVID, and then to Wellington to fully pursue my passion for equestrian sports. Growing up between two cultures has definitely shaped how I see the world and how I connect with others.
You are currently leading an organization that aims to make a social impact. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
Yes! I founded Bonnets of Hope, a nonprofit initiative where we create and sell hand-knit ear bonnets for horses (as well as other things like pouches and purses) to empower women in the Andes of Peru. Our goal is to bring the equestrian community together for a bigger cause and show how even small acts — like something as niche as a horse bonnet — can make a real difference.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
Since I was young, I always worked in Peru with my mom as part of a very big charity called Mision Huascaran . I was inspired and I thought that empowering women is very important because it gives them hope and drive. Horses have always been a huge part of my life, so I thought — why not combine something I love with something that matters? That’s how Bonnets of Hope was born.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest it. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
I remember seeing someone ride at a show with their horse wearing a custom equestrian bonnet and thinking, “What if that bonnet could stand for something more?” That moment flipped a switch. I realized I didn’t need to wait for someone else to start something, I could be the one to do it. That was the “aha” moment where I stopped just thinking and started doing.
Many young people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. But you did. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
The first step was figuring out how to make the bonnets. I taught myself to knit and experimented with different styles. Then on social media I reached out to local riders and stables, and got the word out. From there, I started teaching the women to knit the bonnets and started building relationships with organizations like the Great Charity Challenge.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I don’t have a specific story but I’m always going to visit the knitters in the Andes is amazing. I love interacting and bonding with their whole families. It really helps me connect with them and the kids are the sweetest ever. Every time I go I find myself in a cute or funny situation. My last visit one of the girls had a pet goat and it was the best thing ever, she had even knitted some sweaters for the goat. Genuine and simple moments like that fill my heart and seeing the kids reminds me of the reason why I started this.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I once made a bonnet using the wrong size yarn and didn’t realize it until I tried it on my horse — who looked totally ridiculous wearing it! It was way too floppy and saggy. I laughed so hard but learned to always double-check my materials before I knit!
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
Definitely my grandma — she was the first to support me and taught me all the knitting I needed to know in order to start my initiative, also she bought me a sewing machine and taught me how to use it. My parents became incredibly supportive too (with riding and Bonnets of Hope), even though they didn’t grow up with horses. And I’ve had amazing trainers and mentors in the equestrian world who’ve guided me in both riding and leadership.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
Magdalena is one of the head knitters and I will never forget, when helping my mom with the NPO Knitting Hope as a young girl, she was so happy because with her profits she was able to send her daughter to school and buy her supplies, also she bought some chickens. That’s when I realized, little things like that really make a difference.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
- Support small, youth-led nonprofits by giving them platforms to grow.
- Increase access to education and early screening, especially in underrepresented communities.
- Encourage art and creativity in activism — like using crafts or sports to raise awareness.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- You don’t need to have everything figured out to start — I learned as I went.
- It’s okay to mess up — those mistakes helped me improve more quickly.
- Your passion will keep you going when things get tough — especially when sales are slow or things feel overwhelming.
- Ask for help — from family, teachers, or people in the community. You’re not alone.
- Celebrate the small wins — every bonnet sold felt like a step forward, and it kept me motivated.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
You don’t have to wait to be older, richer, or more experienced to make a difference. If you care about something, take that first step. Even small things can grow into something powerful.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to have breakfast with Michelle Obama. She’s someone who has used her platform with so much grace, purpose, and strength. I admire how she’s championed causes like girls’ education, healthy living, and leadership for young people. I’d love to hear how she built confidence in her voice, especially in rooms where she may have been underestimated, and how she stays focused on impact without losing her sense of self. I think she’d have really valuable advice for any young person trying to lead with heart.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can follow my journey and Bonnets of Hope on Instagram @evapaliouras_ and @tejiendoesperanza__ and our website bonnetsofhope.com
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Young Social Impact Heroes: Why and How Eva Paliouras of Bonnets of Hope Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.