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.
St. Jude Memphis Marathon
I had so much fun in my hometown yesterday at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon! The race had over 20,000 runners and raised over 12 million dollars for childhood cancer treatment and research.
Indianapolis Visit
I stopped by the “Indy” sign at the Indianapolis International Airport on my trip back to New York!
An Indiana Christmas
I volunteered at the Lawrence, Indiana Christmas parade and tree lighting with Santa Claus and the Grinch!
Thanksgiving 2022
Thanksgiving celebrations in Indiana plus a Miss United States photo from Heather Strickland photography!
I wrote a Blog Post for the U.S. Department of Education about Gratitude
I guest-wrote a blog post for the U.S. Department of Education about gratitude and the need for a well-rounded education! Read it on blog.us.gov.
Fall Polaroids
When my little sister (Big Brother Big Sister) and I have our match meet-ups, we take polaroid photos with each other; here are some from this Fall!
Interview with News10 Albany
To celebrate National STEM Day, I interviewed with Albany Channel 10 about the national holiday and my work with Art Technically promoting STEM and STEAM education for underserved students.
Miss United States Court
Unveiling the official Miss United States court photos which include Miss California, Miss Montana, Miss Alabama, and Miss Mississippi.
Menands Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat
I had some fun at the Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat in Menands, NY yesterday. I was originally booked for the event as Miss New York, but the kids of Menands got Miss United States instead!
Interview with Channel 13 Albany
I interviewed with Subrina Dhammi on NewsChannel 13 Albany about winning Miss United States and my work in promoting children’s STEM and Arts Education with Art Technically.
I won 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.
Miss New York | Miss United States Recap
I’m so grateful or my year as Miss New York US 2022, and I can’t wait for this next year, serving New York and beyond as Miss United States!
$10,000 Raised for Children’s STEM and Arts Education
This month, you helped me raise $10,000 for children’s science and arts education through my nonprofit Art Technically! Thank you so much for taking time to take surveys through HundredX Causes. I can’t wait to use these funds for more Science Bears, scientist and artist Barbies and toys, STEM/STEAM books, and workshop materials for disadvantaged K-12 students!
New Science Bear Colors
Meet a Science Bear from our new color collection! “Science Bears” is a special Art Technically project that creates scientist-themed teddy bears for children in need such as children at Child Advocacy Centers and family shelters.
Dinosaur Activity Kits for the Albany Children’s Hospital
These Art Technically dinosaur activity kits went to the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital this morning! Each kit had a dinosaur plushie, book, coloring book, and stickers.
Miss United States Interview
Yesterday, I interviewed for my dream job: Miss United States. We talked about my work with Art Technically, bringing STEM and Arts Education to disadvantaged K-12 students through book and toy donations and arts and sciences workshops!
$1,900 Raised for St. Jude – Rugged Maniac New England
Yesterday I volunteered with St. Jude Children’s Hospital collecting donations at the Rugged Maniac Obstacle Run in Massachusetts! I collected $1,900 worth of donations in my bucket from the hundreds of participating runners.
2021-2022 Art Technically Lab Coat
Every year, I keep a lab coat that my students sign every time I visit a school with Art Technically – it’s fun for the kids to get to add their names and write messages or draw pictures, and it serves as a keepsake for me to remember what is most important to our mission: the kids that we serve!
Miss New York – NYC
Miss New York United States 2022 – Times Square, NYC.
Official Miss United States Personality Page
My official personality page for the Miss United States program book! Photo by Heather Strickland, page design by Pageant Designs.
NYC Birthday Trip – Come From Away
I got to go see Come From Away with my mom for my 23rd birthday! Featuring my favorite Keith Haring by Alice & Olivia skirt.
Official Miss United States Headshot by Heather Strickland
This is my official headshot for the 2022 Miss United States pageant in October. Photo by Heather Strickland Photography.
Audrey Hepburn Funny Face Photoshoot with Doves
Audrey Hepburn inspired photoshoot with Andy Jones using a real dove, just like “Funny Face”!
Marilyn Monroe Potato Sack Photoshoot with Andy Jones
“In 1951, a journalist criticized Marilyn Monroe for a ‘provocative’ dress she wore, calling her “cheap and vulgar* and saying that she’d have looked better wearing a potato sack. So, she did a photoshoot wearing a potato sack as a response.”