Lily K. Donaldson

I’m an advocate for STEM and Arts Education working to bridge educational gaps, especially among disadvantaged K-12 students. I’m also a driven and multidisciplinary Ph.D. student researching software and sensor systems for agricultural technology to create more resilient, equitable, and innovative food systems. As a project manager and technical educator for people of all walks of life, from kindergartners to U.S. defense industry analysts, I’ve developed excellent communication skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to empathetically support and empower others. I’m passionate about creating a more equitable society through science and education to ensure that every person’s horizons are widened and futures are brightened!

Lily Donaldson

Lily K. Donaldson

I’m an advocate for STEM and Arts Education working to bridge educational gaps, especially among disadvantaged K-12 students. I’m also a driven and multidisciplinary Ph.D. student researching software and sensor systems for agricultural technology to create more resilient, equitable, and innovative food systems. As a project manager and technical educator for people of all walks of life, from kindergartners to U.S. defense industry analysts, I’ve developed excellent communication skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to empathetically support and empower others. I’m passionate about creating a more equitable society through science and education to ensure that every person’s horizons are widened and futures are brightened!

She’s Beauty and She’s Grace

She’s Miss United States

I was crowned Miss United States on October 17th, 2022 in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. During my year of service, I’m on a mission to promote my nonprofit Art Technically and children’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Arts education across the United States. 

Lily with World War 2 Rosies at the Pearl Harbor Parade
She's Beauty and she grace shirt with Miss US sash and crown
Miss United States in Sedona overlooking red rock mountains
Arapahoe County Fair in Colorado

Arapahoe County Fair in Colorado

Quilts of Valor is an organization created to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts.” I got to sew a quilt block and helped present two veterans with Quilts of Valor at a ceremony. After, I attended a Mutton Bustin’ event!

Visiting the Children’s Hospital in Anchorage

Visiting the Children’s Hospital in Anchorage

I met some wonderful kids at the Children’s Hospital at Providence in Anchorage, Alaska! We read Rosie Revere, Engineer together and each kid picked out a STEM book from Art Technically to take home.

Barbie Butterfly Photoshoot

Barbie Butterfly Photoshoot

Check out this gorgeous pink butterfly gown by Aleta! Photos by Christy Portrait Reflections in Richmond, Virginia.

COLE Foundation Fundraiser

COLE Foundation Fundraiser

The COLE Foundation (children’s organization of lending equipment) provides adaptive equipment (such as wheelchairs, walkers, and activity chairs) to children in need. I participated in the COLE Foundation’s first annual Wheels for Freedom motorcycle ride and fundraiser in Prescott, Wisconsin.

Vegas Trip

Vegas Trip

I visited the Venetian and Imaginarium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Myrtle Beach International Culture Festival

Myrtle Beach International Culture Festival

Miss South Carolina US and I hosted a STEM table at the Myrtle Beach International Culture Festival! We signed autograph cards and handed out STEM prizes to kids attending the festival.

Turtle Talk with the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch

Turtle Talk with the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch

t the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Sunday Turtle Talk, Miss South Carolina United States and I talked with community members, signed autograph cards, and handed out turtle goodies to kids! I also read “I’II Follow The Moon” which donates proceeds to sea turtle conservation nonprofits.

Storytime at the Hamburg Public Library in Iowa

Storytime at the Hamburg Public Library in Iowa

Big thanks to the Hamburg Public Library in Iowa for hosting a STEM Storytime with me! I read “How to Code a Sandcastle” and gave out science goodies including mini kinetic sand buckets!

Storytime at the Lordsburg-Hildago Library in New Mexico

Storytime at the Lordsburg-Hildago Library in New Mexico

I had the honor of visiting the Lordsburg-Hildago library in New Mexico to host a STEM storytime! I read “An Astronaut with a Song for the Stars” about Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut and former director of Johnson Space Center.