Connect
To Top

Conversations with Kate Milligan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Milligan

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always believed that every woman and girl has a story to tell, a purpose to fulfill, and the power to change the world. But I didn’t always believe that about myself.

As a child, I suffered greatly with Job Syndrome, a rare immune disorder that led to countless health challenges and hospital stays. I was bullied in school for being different, and over time, I stopped talking in class altogether. I was marginalized, ignored, and, in many ways, forgotten. But even in those moments of silence, I was listening, observing, and dreaming of a world where no one—especially no woman or girl—felt invisible.

Years later, that dream became a reality when I founded 1 Girl Revolution. I wanted to create a space where every woman’s story could be heard and where every girl could see her own power, purpose, and ability to create change. 1 Girl Revolution amplifies the voices of women who are making a difference in their communities and in the world—women who often go unrecognized but are the true changemakers.

Detroit, my home, has always been an inspiration to me. Its motto—”It will rise from the ashes; there is always hope.”—is something I carry with me every day. No matter what we’ve been through, no matter how broken or forgotten we may feel, there is always hope. We all have the power to rise, to rebuild, and to make the world better—not just for ourselves, but for others.

That’s the heart of 1 Girl Revolution. It’s not just my story—it’s all of our stories.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—life rarely is. But I’ve come to believe that the struggles, the detours, and even the moments that feel like dead ends are all part of the journey.

Growing up with Job Syndrome was incredibly difficult—physically, emotionally, and socially. I spent so much time in and out of hospitals, and at school, I was bullied for being different. But eventually, I found my voice and I found my power again – and now I’ve dedicated my life to helping other women and girls see their value, their purpose, their power, and find their voice and tell their stories..

When I started 1 Girl Revolution, I knew I wanted to create something that made every woman and girl feel seen and heard. But building something from the ground up—especially a multifaceted nonprofit multimedia organization—hasn’t been easy. There have been moments of serious difficulties, obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome, and times when I questioned “why” I was even doing this.

But I kept going, because I believed in the mission. And every time I heard a woman’s story—stories of resilience, courage, and change—I was reminded of why 1 Girl Revolution is so critical in our world–now more than ever. Women are the most resilient beacons of light, they are leading the charge for change in our world and throughout our communities, and they are reminding each of us that we can all do something to be the change we want to see in the world.

I have big hopes and dreams for 1 Girl Revolution and I will keep fighting for women and girls around the world to be seen, heard, empowered, and loved!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At 1 Girl Revolution, our mission is to elevate the voices and stories of everyday women and girls who are making a difference in the world. So often, the most powerful changemakers are the ones who go unrecognized—the women quietly transforming their communities, fighting for justice, and lifting others up. 1 Girl Revolution exists to make sure their stories are told.

I founded 1 Girl Revolution to create a platform that amplifies these voices through storytelling, media, and advocacy. That includes The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, where I interview incredible women who are changing the world in their own unique ways. We’ve also produced Emmy-nominated documentaries that highlight real-life heroes—women who are tackling some of the biggest issues in our society with courage, compassion, and action.

What sets 1 Girl Revolution apart is the way we tell these stories. My background is in PR and media, so I’ve always understood the power of storytelling—not just in getting a message across, but in inspiring real change. I bring that experience into everything we do, ensuring that these stories don’t just get told, but that they truly reach and impact people.

What I’m most proud of is the 1 Girl Revolution community. Seeing how these stories inspire women and girls to recognize their own power and purpose is the greatest reward. If even one woman hears a story on the podcast or sees one of our documentaries and thinks, I can do something too, then we’ve done what we set out to do.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
First and foremost, my family and my faith matter most to me. They are the foundation of who I am and the driving force behind everything I do.

Beyond that, what matters most to me is making sure that no one is forgotten, no one is marginalized or ignored. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, to feel like your voice doesn’t matter, and I never want anyone else to feel that way. Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and loved. That’s how I try to live my life—truly seeing people, loving the people I encounter, and using my voice to uplift others.

That’s also why I started 1 Girl Revolution—to be a platform for women and girls to share their stories, to remind them of their value and purpose, and to start a revolution of change in our world. I believe that when women and girls recognize their own power, they can transform their communities and create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can imagine. That’s the revolution I want to be part of—one where every woman and girl knows that she matters and that she has the power to change the world.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageMichigan is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories