Bonus Episode: Design for Activism and Social Change with Robin Richardson-Dupuis
In this bonus episode, Kathryn LeBlanc sits down with LeBlanc (& co.) Communications’ Designer Manager, Robin Richardson-Dupuis, to explore how design is a powerful force for social change. From iconic movements like ACT UP to modern advocacy campaigns, visual storytelling has always shaped how communities organize, connect, and build power.
Robin shares insights from her 10+ years in design and covers why a strong visual identity can transform how an organization is understood, trusted, and remembered. Together, Kathryn and Robin unpack the role of design in social impact work, the importance of usable and accessible brand systems, and how thoughtful creative work can help organizations extend their reach and deepen their impact.
Kathryn and Robin also walk through real examples from LeBlanc (& co.) projects: rebrands, campaign brands, and the design principles behind creative work for nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and community groups across Canada.
Whether you’re working in social change, labour, gender justice, environmental advocacy, or any good-cause space, this conversation will help you see design not as “decoration” but as a strategic tool for alignment, trust-building, and meaningful cultural impact.
Tune in for a thoughtful, energizing deep dive into what happens when design and social change come together.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Social movement examples mentioned
https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/act-up-gran-fury [https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/act-up-gran-fury]
https://fosfeminista.org/news-and-stories/a-brief-history-of-the-green-wave/ [https://fosfeminista.org/news-and-stories/a-brief-history-of-the-green-wave/]LeBlanc (& co.) Communications examples mentioned
* https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/nourish-nova-scotia [https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/nourish-nova-scotia]https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/alter-acadie [https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/alter-acadie]https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/options-housing [https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/options-housing]https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/drag-the-vote [https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/drag-the-vote]https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/momentum-rainbow-equality-campaign [https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/momentum-rainbow-equality-campaign]https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/national-day-of-action-campaign-for-child-care-and-early-learning [https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/national-day-of-action-campaign-for-child-care-and-early-learning]
* https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/arts-ottawa [https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/arts-ottawa]
* https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/cupe-manitoba [https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/cupe-manitoba]
To learn more about our brand design, campaign design, and creative activations: https://www.leblancandco.ca/services [https://www.leblancandco.ca/services]
