An experienced engagement strategist, Hillory is an Anishinaabekwe with settler descent from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation located in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario part of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory in what is colonially known as Canada. She is the former Executive Director of Indigenous Youth Roots (previously Canadian Roots Exchange).

For more than 20 years, Hillory has provided research, evaluation, and culturally-safe and responsive engagement strategies for Indigenous communities on settler-Indigenous relations, rights implementation, cultural revitalization, social impact, and economic development. In her previous role as the Executive Director at IYR, Hillory leveraged over $24.71 million in public funds and $5.2 million in private funds in just under four years.