Meet Kylie Montigney

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kylie Montigney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kylie, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

For me, overcoming and persisting through mental health challenges has been about consistency, community, and honesty. I had to learn to acknowledge what I was going through instead of trying to power through it alone. That meant therapy, leaning on the people I trust, and building routines that help me stay grounded—whether that’s exercise, journaling, or simply giving myself permission to rest. I also try to reframe setbacks as part of the process rather than signs of failure. None of it is perfect, and I still have tough days, but staying open about my mental health and staying connected to supportive people has made all the difference.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a multimedia creator, podcast host, youth mentor, and the founder of roots of hope, a program I launched in 2022 to inspire and equip young girls to succeed. My work spans across journalism, podcasting, community advocacy, and youth empowerment, but everything I do is rooted in one mission: uplifting voices, especially young women, and giving them the confidence and resources to dream boldly.

Professionally, I focus on creating platforms that tell real stories and spark positive change.
I host two podcasts — Talk of Fame and The Mentor Movement Podcast. Talk of Fame has featured over 200 guests from entertainment, mental health, sports, and beyond. I’m especially proud of how open and honest the conversations are; I never shy away from topics like anxiety, depression, self-worth, or growth, because I know how important it is for people my age to hear that they’re not alone.
My second show, The Mentor Movement, is all about the power of mentorship. I spotlight women and leaders across different industries to show young girls what’s possible when someone believes in you.

I also run Wholesome Interviews, my blog series where I highlight creatives, entrepreneurs, and local leaders. And through my platform NEPA Story, I share the stories of local businesses and artists to help bring more recognition to the amazing talent in my region.

What excites me most is that I get to combine journalism, storytelling, and community impact. I love interviewing people, learning about their paths, and then turning those conversations into something inspiring for others. That’s where my heart is.

There are also a lot of new things happening right now.
I recently filmed with Gettin’ to Know the 570, I’m preparing my first TED-Ed talk on women’s empowerment in media, and Empower Girls is continuing to grow with more mentorship initiatives and community collaborations. I’m also working on a memoir, which has been one of the most meaningful projects of my life so far. And in media, I’m moving deeper into broadcast journalism — interviewing at local events, doing red carpet work, and building the career I’ve dreamed of since I was little.

If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that everything I create comes from a place of purpose. I truly believe that storytelling can change someone’s life, and I’m determined to keep building spaces where girls feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving anything.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Courage
Choosing to put myself out there — launching a podcast, founding Empower Girls, interviewing people older and more established than me — all of that took courage. I learned that you can’t wait until you “feel ready,” because that day may never come.
My advice: Start before you’re comfortable. Say yes even when you’re nervous. Courage grows from doing, not waiting. Every brave step becomes proof that you can take the next one.

2. Consistency
My platforms didn’t grow overnight. It was showing up every week — recording episodes, writing interviews, volunteering, speaking, and building relationships — that created momentum. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds opportunities.
My advice: Treat your goals like commitments, not suggestions. Even small, steady actions add up. Don’t underestimate the power of showing up, even on days when motivation is low.

3. Curiosity
Curiosity is the reason I’m a journalist, a storyteller, and someone who loves learning about people. It pushed me to ask better questions, explore new ideas, and open doors I never expected. Curiosity is also what keeps Empower Girls evolving and growing.
My advice: Be a learner first. Ask questions. Seek mentors. Read widely. Talk to people outside your comfort zone. Curiosity turns every experience — even challenges — into something meaningful.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, the biggest challenge I’m facing is learning how to balance everything I’m passionate about while still taking care of myself.

Between running Empower Girls, hosting two podcasts, doing community service, interviewing at events, working part-time, applying to colleges, and preparing for new opportunities like my TED-Ed talk, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. I love everything I do, but sometimes the hardest part is making sure I don’t burn out in the process.

To overcome this, I’ve been focusing on creating healthier boundaries and building a better system of organization and support. I’m learning to set realistic goals for each week instead of trying to do everything at once. I schedule downtime the same way I schedule interviews or events, because I’m realizing rest isn’t a reward — it’s a necessity. I also lean more on mentors, teammates, and friends who remind me that I don’t have to carry every project alone.

Most importantly, I’m practicing what I preach to the girls I work with: giving myself grace. Growth seasons can be overwhelming, but they’re also exciting. I’m learning to navigate them with more balance, more awareness, and a lot more self-care.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Robert Albion Zeigler

ShadowCatcher Photography, LLC

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