Rowland has built a career by making children’s learning fun. As a teacher, writer and an entrepreneur, she has created educational programs, books, dolls and toys that integrate learning and play experiences and emphasize important traditional values. She began her career in 1962 as an elementary school teacher and for the next two decades worked in a variety of capacities within education and educational publishing.

In 1985, inspired by a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Rowland combined her love of American history and commitment to high-quality educational products to create The American Girls Collection. A year later, she founded Pleasant Company to market and distribute the line of historically authentic books, dolls and accessories. In July 1998 Pleasant Company was acquired by Mattel, Inc. for $700 million dollars and Rowland was named Vice Chair at Mattel. For more information on Pleasant Co. please visit www.americangirl.com