From Adversity to Advocacy: A Story of Triumph with Hillary LeBlanc
Written by Valiski Bernard
Hillary LeBlanc
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take? Have you faced overwhelming challenges that left you questioning your purpose and direction? Imagine harnessing your creativity and passion to overcome your past traumas, inspire others, and advocate for change. How empowering would it be to transform your adversities into a driving force for good, amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalized? This week, we are honoured to feature Hillary LeBlanc, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From using writing as an escape from trauma to becoming a powerful voice for marginalized communities, Hillary's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of storytelling.
In addition to her work in communications, media, and fashion, Hillary is currently creating a Black History curriculum for the province of New Brunswick, a project she holds close to her heart. This initiative reflects her dedication to education and preserving Black history. We invite you to join us as we delve into Hillary's remarkable journey. We'll explore the challenges she faced, the triumphs she achieved, and the impact she continues to make in the world. Discover how she overcame adversity, found her voice in the media industry, and co-founded the BlackLantic podcast to amplify underrepresented voices. This isn't just Hillary's story. It's a call to action. It's proof that within each of us lies the potential to overcome, to inspire, and to advocate for change. Are you ready to be inspired? Let’s get into it!
From Escapism to Empowerment
Hillary was initially drawn to the world of communications and media because of her lifelong passion for writing. Writing served as an escape from the traumas and discomforts of her household, and she saw it as a way to express herself and explore her identity. Despite facing challenges and battling a period of addiction, Hillary remained determined to pursue her dreams. Her decision to journal online about her experiences with Blackness and family life was a pivotal one. This raw authenticity resonated with others, leading to opportunities in podcasting and journalism – a dream come true for a young woman who once sought solace in words.
“I always wanted to be a writer. I often used writing to escape some of the traumas and discomforts of my household. When my mother fell ill with dementia, I had a full-ride scholarship but felt aimless, so I chose a degree in English as I anticipated it would be easy. It wasn’t, but I graduated and decided to move to Toronto to pursue Fashion Communications at Toronto Metropolitan University. While there, I was battling addiction issues and ended up dropping out. I moved to my father’s to get sober and started journaling online about my Blackness, living with the Black side of my family, and my experiences. From this, I was approached to do several podcasts and given journalistic opportunities that I could have only ever dreamed of.”
Battling the Inner Critic: Hillary Conquers Self-Doubt
The road to success wasn't without its detours for Hillary. Her biggest obstacles weren't external but internal. From anxieties around triggers to the fear of oversharing personal experiences, self-doubt threatened to derail her newfound passion. However, Hillary isn't one to back down. Today, she confidently embraces her journey, no longer burdened by the question of belonging – she knows she's exactly where she's meant to be.
“My main hurdles were always my own mental health and addiction issues. Whether it was worrying about drugs or alcohol being present at events I was attending, concern about oversharing my lived truths, or having imposter syndrome around finally finding success - I have been the biggest thing in my own way. I can confidently say with therapy, a great support system and amazing friends, I no longer worry about being in the right place.”
The Birth of BlackLantic: Amplifying Black Voices
The inspiration behind co-founding the BlackLantic podcast stemmed from Hillary's exploration of her Black identity and the platform it provided for her voice. Initially invited as a guest on another podcast, Hillary quickly became a co-host and writer. However, the organization's values did not align with hers and her co-host's, leading them to make the bold decision to start their own podcast.
“The two of us left that organization to found our own podcast, BlackLantic. Our mission is to amplify Black voices on the East Coast and be the answer to a lack of representation in media. We share stories of changemakers, innovators, or influential people across the Atlantic Provinces or stories that may resonate with this group of individuals. We’ve also started speaking more about our racist experiences and Black history we’ve learned and educating others as part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.”
The Roots of Advocacy
Hillary’s early influences were deeply rooted in her childhood experiences. She observed her mother's relentless efforts to provide for her, often sacrificing her own well-being to ensure Hillary had the same opportunities as her peers. These experiences taught Hillary the importance of equality and social justice, inspiring her to challenge the stigmas and prejudices she faced growing up. Hillary believed that these challenges should not be stigmatized. Instead, she believed in the power of sharing these experiences to foster mutual understanding and acceptance.
“Growing up on welfare while also being biracial, I always felt I was extremely different from my peers but watched my mother work tirelessly to make sure we appeared just as good as everyone else around us. She often ate less to be able to afford nicer clothes for me. She struggled to help with my prom dress and graduation presents so I wouldn’t feel I wasn’t as valued as other parents around me were valuing their kids. A lot of these stigmas I watched my family hide from, and the ones put on me through racism, were ones I wanted to show the world should not be stigmatized at all. Whether it was my addiction, my mother’s mental illnesses, my Blackness, or queerness, I felt there should be no shame in laying all bare as the world comes together better with mutual understanding. It’s from this wanting to share and be understood that I started to see where equality and social justice could exist - if we all just accepted each other for who we are. And so I started striving to share stories so all marginalized groups could simply be better understood.”
The Power of Storytelling
Stories aren't just entertainment; they're powerful tools for connection and change. A well-crafted story can weave emotions and experiences into a tapestry that resonates deeply. It allows us to step into another's shoes, fostering empathy and understanding. By sharing stories, we can amplify marginalized voices, inspire action, and leave a lasting impact on the world. Hillary's work has had a profound positive impact on her, often more than on the individuals she has reported about. Through her interviews, she has learned valuable lessons and gained new perspectives. This sense of fulfillment and the ability to affect positive change in the lives of others is deeply rewarding.
“There’s been several instances where I’ve felt like this work has had a positive impact on me, more than on the people I’ve reported about because I’ve learned so much from my interviewees. I’ve written an interview about the only Black drag queen in New Brunswick and the only Black farmer in New Brunswick, and in both instances, the press led to more coverage and awareness for their stories, leading to community, connections, and business accolades. Seeing communities rally around these two people made my work feel fulfilling.”
Finding Humour in Fashion: When Clothes Attack (or Fall Apart)
We've all been there. Fashion faux pas are like uninvited guests at a party - they crash the scene, create a stir, and leave you with a hilarious story - hilarious in hindsight, but enough to make you cringe at the memory (especially if paparazzi were involved). Even with unexpected mishaps, Hillary approaches fashion with humour and resilience, a quality that shines through in all her work. Hillary recalls some of these moments from New York Fashion Week...
“Going to New York Fashion Week led to many fashion faux pas! I was caught walking in the streets of New York barefoot. A few garments had too many cutouts to wear underwear. My zipper broke at the JUNOS recently, and I had to fix it before entering the event. Certain sustainable materials have also had some funny smells while warmed up by my body that I’ve had to pretend were not me! What some might perceive as a fashion faux pas that wasn’t: wearing a sex suit with no bum coverage at NYFW and getting paparazzi’d in it!”
Hillary’s fashion faux pas highlight the humourous side of the fashion industry. Despite these mishaps, Hillary's passion for fashion remains unwavering, as seen in her desire to interview iconic figures like Naomi Campbell and Harry Styles. These aspirations reflect her deep admiration for the fashion industry and its influential personalities, showcasing her dedication to storytelling.
“I think the most prolific fashion icon from my childhood is Naomi Campbell (and she still IS an icon). Considering what she also means to Black women and Black people across the world, I would love to speak to her. I’d also like to manifest interviewing Harry Styles, whose fashion is always being picked apart and who I have a major crush on.”
Career Advice and The Power of Non-Traditional Mentorship
“Find a cause you are passionate about and find a way to support as best you can - whether it’s changing your own lifestyle, companies you support, or ways you can speak out about the changes you want to see in the world. The world might seem bleak, but the longer we stay silent, the more we contribute to the problem.”
“The advice I wish I had received earlier was not to compare myself to other creatives or writers and that there are multiple ways to skin a cat - you can achieve your dreams in a different way than you originally expected if you put your desires into the universe.”
Non-traditional mentorship can be just as valuable as formal mentorship. In Hillary’s case, she highlights the importance of having friends in various industries. These friendships, based on mutual respect and collaboration rather than competition, have provided Hillary with invaluable support and guidance. This form of mentorship emphasizes the power of community and demonstrates how having a supportive network can be a major asset in achieving your goals.
“While I haven’t had traditional mentors, I am blessed to have friends in various industries who have guided me through business planning and fashion styling, opened doors for me to thrive, and have never seen our work as competition.”
Maintaining Well-Being
Maintaining a balance between her career and social activism requires considerable energy. Hillary prioritizes self-care practices to ensure her well-being and keep her passion ignited.
“Self-care is extremely important to me. I do regular therapy and use project planners to stay organized so I have time to plan my self-care. I've been reading again and doing so on transit. I try to stay off my phone for the first 30 minutes of my morning, and I try to stop doing work by 7 pm."
A Legacy of Change and Defining Success
The kind of legacy Hillary wants to leave behind through her work is a safer, more inclusive world for the Black community and all marginalized groups. This desire manifests itself through advocacy, empowerment, and a commitment to driving positive change. She defines success as overcoming addiction and continuing her work. Growing her platforms and sharing her stories across Canada are key elements of her success.
“I want my legacy to change the world, make it safer for the Black community and all marginalized communities, and educate people on making better choices for the planet. I also hope my work inspires other aspiring Black journalists in communities where that may not seem possible.”
Hillary wants YOU to know that “Hard work pays off, and believing in yourself is the key to success.”
Hillary’s story shows us the power of perseverance and purpose. From battling personal demons to finding her voice and amplifying underrepresented stories, she has become a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her journey reminds us that within each of us lies the strength to overcome adversity and create positive change. Are you ready to find your voice and write your own story of triumph?