Empowered to Lead: Lily William
At Girls Inc. of Greater Houston, we believe in the power of girls to lead, inspire, and create lasting change. This quarter, we proudly highlight Lily William, a 15-year-old powerhouse whose journey is a testament to resilience, confidence, and the boundless potential of young women when given the tools to succeed.
Four years ago, Lily walked through our doors as a quiet and uncertain middle schooler. Diagnosed with dyslexia, she faced academic and personal challenges that often made it difficult to find her voice. But within our programs—Teen Advocacy Council (TAC), BOLD Leaders Initiative (BLI) and Camp STRONG—Lily found not only her voice but a deep passion for advocacy, leadership, and community impact. Lily shares:
“Girls Inc. gave me a space where I can express myself, connect with other girls, and learn how to use my voice to make an impact…I would like to be a voice that shows anyone that you can do anything that you put your mind to. I want to continue growing as a leader… I want to be part of something bigger than myself.”
And spark change, she has.
As an active member of TAC, Lily mentors younger girls, speaks out on issues that matter, and is a part of Macy’s Social Impact Collaborative Youth Lead Cohort. Her leadership extends beyond our programs—she is an athlete, a devoted church member, and a standout student in Stafford High School’s dual-credit program, where she will graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, along with a certificate in Culinary Arts.
With unwavering determination, Lily hopes to amplify youth voices, advocate for change, and prove that young girls—no matter their background or challenges—have the power to lead and inspire.
“We all have different stories and backgrounds. I think coming together with others who share the same goal of social change is inspiring and motivating.”
Lily embodies everything we stand for at Girls Inc. of Greater Houston—boldness, strength, and an unshakable belief in the power of girls to change the world. She doesn’t just rise; she lifts others with her.
Her story is still being written, but one thing is clear—Lily is a leader, an advocate, and a force for change. And with the continued support of our community, there will be many more girls like Lily, ready to step into their power and transform the future.
Join us in empowering the next generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders.