Hilary Kilgour

Title: BC Leadership Facilitator
Interesting Fact: In the last five years, Hilary has spent more than 6000 hours paddling on rivers across Canada as a whitewater canoe guide.

A Hilary Kilgour is a speaker and facilitator with a wealth of experience cultivating leadership in youth. An Academic All-Canadian, she graduated with a degree in politics and art history from Queen’s University. Hilary grew up in a political family, constantly surrounded by discussion and action on a wide range of social issues. Now an experienced change-maker in her own right, Hilary is excited to share her passion for social change with youth around the world.

In 1999, Hilary founded a Free The Children Youth in Action Group at her high school, leading her local community in building a school in Ecuador. However, it was while studying aboriginal culture in New Zealand that she learned the true value of community. Inspired by aboriginal people from these communities, Hilary is committed to seeking understanding of indigenous cultures around the world. Hilary dreams of working with youth in Canada’s First Nations communities to empower them as agents of positive change.

In her role at Leaders Today, Hilary is able to combine her love of traveling and different cultures with her passion for mentorship. Before joining the team, she could be found navigating Canada's rivers as a whitewater river guide, helping youth develop their strengths through wilderness camping. Over the years, Hilary has explored the cultures of East Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia. The ability of education to inspire understanding and tolerance drives Hilary in her work. She is guided by Nelson Mandela's words, “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world."

Whether paddling, running, practicing yoga or pursuing her love of art, Hilary is always smiling and embracing the small joys of life.