As the Coordinator of Community and Belonging in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, Hillman is dedicated to creating an environment where students feel seen, welcome, valued, and supported.

“I want to be a part of creating a community where people make meaningful connections and feel a sense of belonging at RIT,” she said. “Living with diabetes has significantly shaped my life, guiding me towards a career in education and community building in a truly inclusive way.”

Hillman started in this position in June of 2024 after working in the RIT K-12 University Center as the Outreach Specialist for Camps and Field Trips. In that role, she created, led, and/or supported various programs such as Camp Tiger, the RIT-Rochester Prep High School partnership, and other youth-related opportunities for academic and personal supports, career and college readiness, nontraditional admissions experiences on campus, workforce education and more. Prior to RIT, Hillman served as a long-term substitute teacher in school districts across the Rochester area, including Brighton Central School District, Palmyra-Macedon Central School District, Rochester City School District, and various schools in Rochester’s west-side suburbs. These experiences allowed her to see and learn the diversity in communities and education in the region, by being embedded in rural, suburban, and urban settings. 

Hillman also worked as a staff member for about 10 years with Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp, which she attributes to her extensive experience working with local youth and adults with disabilities.“ It has a special place in my heart, and gave me an extensive toolkit for working with and understanding people as well as the importance of community and acceptance”

In her new role at RIT, Hillman focuses on initiatives that support community engagement and belonging. She works to create programs and opportunities that foster a welcoming environment for all students, staff, and faculty, promoting inclusivity and diversity on campus.

Hillman is a 2021 graduate of Nazareth University with degrees in history, and adolescent education/adolescent special education. She also pursued a master’s degree at the University of Rochester, and plans to continue learning at RIT through the School of Individualized Studies.

In her free time, Hillman is an avid rock climber, being an active community member at RocVentures Climbing Gym and the co-head coach of their competitive youth team. The sport takes her to various places in nearby Canada, Pennsylvania, the Adirondack Mountains, as well as into West Virginia and Kentucky. It’s an activity she got involved in more than 3 years ago with a friend, and encourages others to try it.