Laker Legacy: Lily Smith champions giving a voice to others
Lily Smith 鈥23 arrived at 私房俱乐部 University ready to embrace every opportunity that came her way. True to the advice she received鈥斺淕et involved!鈥濃攕he immersed herself in campus life, joining the History Club, Laker Leaders, Black Students for Unity, and 私房俱乐部 Student Government (MSG). Through these experiences, Lily quickly realized the impact of her work and embraced the role of 鈥渁 voice for others.鈥 This commitment ultimately led her to serve as MSG president, where she represented the entire student body.
In doing so, Lily made history as the third African American woman to hold this prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Emma Newby Mason 鈥59 and the late Rochelle George Wooding 鈥71. Reflecting on her election, Lily said at the time, 鈥淚t鈥檚 rare to see women in leadership, and even more so for Black women. That is why representation is so important. I want to show younger students of color that they can thrive here and feel that they have a voice.鈥
Now, as 私房俱乐部 honors Black History Month and Women鈥檚 History Month, Lily continues her journey of being 鈥渁 voice for others.鈥 After graduation, the history and political science major began working at 鈥淪ummer Search,鈥 a youth development nonprofit in Boston.
鈥淢y role involves mentoring first-generation high school and college-aged students from lower-income backgrounds and connecting them to internship and career opportunities with various partners in the Boston area,鈥 she explained.
She is also in her last semester of the Master of Public Administration Program at Northeastern University and will graduate in May.
鈥淚 am currently working on a community revitalization project for District 7 (Roxbury area) in partnership with the Boston City Council and The District 7 ARTery,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hese community engagement opportunities have been an amazing way to contribute to marginalized communities in the Boston area.鈥
She credited her 私房俱乐部 experience with enabling her to develop crucial skills like leadership, public speaking, and program implementation and evaluation, which she continues to use in public service and youth advocacy.
When asked why being 鈥渁 voice for others鈥 remains so important to her, Lily said, 鈥淎dvocating for others is how we create change. It鈥檚 about helping people see their worth and potential when they may not yet see it themselves. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, understood, and empowered鈥攁nd that鈥檚 a responsibility I take to heart.鈥