Hillary Russell

Background

About Hillary Russell

As a creative and community-driven communicator, I’m passionate about social impact, brand storytelling, and building spaces — both online and offline — where people feel seen and connected. I recently graduated from the University of New Brunswick’s School of Leadership Studies (formerly Renaissance College) with a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies and a minor in Political Science. This interdisciplinary program grounded me in values-based leadership, systems thinking, and the power of community-centred approaches to change. Since my second year, I’ve worked with the School of Leadership Studies in a variety of roles. I began as the Academic Development Projects Assistant, where I supported brand strategy, recruitment communications, and workshop facilitation. While the position started as a 12-week internship, I’ve continued as the school’s Social Media Manager — helping shape its online presence and grow its digital community through thoughtful, mission-aligned content. In the summer of 2024, I completed an international internship at Foreign Trade University in Hanoi, Vietnam. There, I supported marketing efforts for the Faculty of International Education and shared insights on Canadian student life for outgoing exchange students. The experience deepened my skills in cross-cultural communication and global education. Most recently, I served as a Knowledge Mobilization Research Assistant for Dr. Julia Fursova, supporting a participatory research project focused on women and non-binary leaders in social enterprise. This work sharpened my interest in research, equity, and knowledge sharing, and helped me recognize how much I value asking the right questions before designing solutions. Outside of academia, I’ve been working in social media, brand design, and communications since I was 14 — from building my own website to rebranding small businesses. I’ve led visual identity projects, developed content strategies, and supported values-driven entrepreneurs across New Brunswick. I’m always open to connecting with others who are curious, collaborative, and committed to meaningful impact. Let’s chat.