Guided by her values and grounded in faith, Prima Hower has spent a lifetime turning intention into action. Whether through advocacy, authorship, or entrepreneurship - her work is a reflection of something deeper: a heart committed to service, and a life written with care.
Raised and educated in the Philippines, Prima graduated summa cum laude from Notre Dame University in General Santos City with a degree in Economics and a minor in English. Her love for learning and language would later shape everything she pursued.
From her early professional years at the University of South Florida’s College of Nursing, to becoming the first to lead Faculty Affairs at Brown University’s School of Engineering — where she was honored with the Dean’s Service Award — Prima built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and genuine care.
Behind every role she held was a greater calling: to serve and uplift.
Driven by a deep belief that every child deserves access to books, Prima and her husband Al turned their love for learning into lasting change. What began as a quiet effort to send donated books home to the Philippines evolved into a movement — one rooted in dignity, opportunity, and the transformative power of reading.
Over the past sixteen years, they’ve co-founded and supported three children’s libraries and helped supply over 85,000 books to 58 libraries across the Philippines. These were not just book shipments — they were lifelines of learning, placed in the hands of children in underserved communities, giving them the chance to imagine, explore, and dream.
Their work became a model of community-led, family-driven advocacy. Each library was built not just with shelves and stories, but with a deep respect for culture, collaboration, and long-term impact. Whether collecting donations, rallying friends and family, or hand-carrying books on international flights, Prima and Al treated each step as sacred — an act of love and faith in the next generation.
In 2019, their efforts were formally recognized when they received the Empowerment Award for Outstanding International Community Service from Fiesta in America, the largest Philippine cultural expo on the East Coast. The honor not only celebrated what they had already accomplished — it affirmed their belief that small, consistent efforts can build something lasting and extraordinary.
And even now, the story continues — one book, one library, one child at a time.
to establish 3 children's libraries in Prima’s alma mater, Notre Dame Schools in Southern Philippines, where Al was affiliated as a Peace Corps volunteer.
together with donor libraries in Tampa, Florida and Rhode Island.
THOUSAND BOOKS SHIPPED
to 31 libraries all over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Philippines.
Curious to explore Prima's books and creative work? Dive into the stories and messages she's crafted over the years - stories inspired by her life, heritage, and commitment to making a difference. Whether you're looking for inspiration, culture, or heartfelt narratives, her writing opens a window into a world of purpose and passion.
This compelling narrative traces the true story of a Filipino family's journey from humble beginnings to academic triumphs...
No Greater Service is Alvin J. Hower's powerful account of his time as a Peace Corps volunteer..
When Brother Willy was diagnosed with cancer, he hoped to write the story of his life — and though he only penned
In Thoughts & Reflections, Prima shares personal insights on th things that have shaped her the most - from raising a family across cultures to finding purpose in everyday moments. Her writing offer quiet wisdom, lived experience, and the kind of grace that comes from a life grounded in service.
Whether you want to collaborate on community projects, book readings, or cultural events, Prima welcomes meaningful connections that continue her legacy of service and storytelling. Reach out to explore how you can work together to inspire and empower others!
© Prima Hower. 2025. All Rights Reserved.