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 technologist and educator that’s worked with people from all walks of life (from kindergartners in rural New Mexico to NASA scientists in New York City), I’ve developed excellent communication skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to empathetically support and empower people from highly diverse backgrounds in science and technology, and beyond.
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 technologist and educator that’s worked with people from all walks of life (from kindergartners in rural New Mexico to NASA scientists in New York City), I’ve developed excellent communication skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to empathetically support and empower people from highly diverse backgrounds in science and technology, and beyond.
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
Check out this gorgeous pink butterfly gown by Aleta! Photos by Christy Portrait Reflections in Richmond, Virginia.
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.
My Twin Sister Graduated from EOD School
My twin sister just graduated from Explosives and Ordinance (EOD) school where she trained to diffuse and dispose of bombs!
Vegas Trip
I visited the Venetian and Imaginarium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Walking for Breast Cancer Awareness with the Perfectly Pink Project
I participated in a virtual fashion show with the Perfectly Pink Project to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Happy Fourth of July from Miss United States
Happy Fourth of July from Miss United States! Patriotic photos by Portrait Reflections in Richmond, Virginia.
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
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 Love County Library in Southern Oklahoma
I visited the Love County Library in Southern Oklahoma! We read “Luna Muna”, a story about a little girl that goes to space.
Visiting the Kindred Spirit Mailbox in Sunset Beach
I had the incredible opportunity to hike Sunset Beach with the passionate team from the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch.
Visiting Omaha, Nebraska
I visited Omaha, Nebraska during my midwest library tour.
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
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.
Pretty in Pink with Portrait Reflections
Some pics from my photoshoot with Christy at Portrait Reflections in Richmond, Virginia.
Book Donations for Rock Port Elementary in Missouri
I dropped off some STEM book donations and personalized autograph cards for summer school students at Rock Port Elementary in Rock Port, Missouri.
STEM Storytime at the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, Kansas
I had an incredible time at the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, Kansas, sharing the magic of books with the bright minds of tomorrow!
Hiking Devil’s Bridge in Sedona
Such a magical landscape in Sedona, Arizona on the Devils Bridge trail!
Visiting Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey
I visited, Grounds for Sculpture, as large scale sculpture garden in New Jersey.
May Photoshoots
May photos from Hannah Clair Townsley photography in Memphis and from Overton Park.
Honorary Induction into the West Sand Lake Fire Department
I was made an honorary member by my friends at the West Sand Lake Fire Department! So thankful for all that they do to keep our community safe!
Visit to Johnathan Kayne’s Studio with the United States Queens
Project Runway star Johnathan Kayne designs the Miss United States opening number dresses every year, and I was so excited to go to his Nashville studio to pick up a few gowns and design a custom opening number dress for the competition in October!
Pat Tillman Honor Run in NYC
I visited NYC for the Pat Tillman Honor Run! The 4.2 mile race and after-party/raffle raised $20,000 for the Pat Tillman Foundation which honors Pat Tillman’s legacy by awarding scholarships to outstanding military service members and veterans.
Happy April 25th from Miss United States!
I’m celebrating April 25th, the most iconic date in pageantry, by recreating looks from the Miss Congeniality movie!