Meet 2022 RBSI Scholar, Lily Smith, Mercyhurst University

Lily Smith, Mercyhurst University

Lily Smith is a rising senior studying political science and history at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Lily is the incoming Mercyhurst Student Government President for the 2022-2023 school year and is the first ever Black female to be elected student government president in Mercyhurst history. A member of Black Students for Unity, Lily assisted with and spoke at the 2021 Mercy March for Black Lives held on campus. She also serves as the History Club President and Social Media Coordinator. Lily was one of a select number of Public History students chosen to create a virtual tour of select sites included in “A Shared Heritage Tour, African Americans in Erie County: A Brief History.” Lily has also facilitated several race discussions at Mercyhurst on books such as Ijeoma Oluo’s So You Want To Talk About Race. Off campus, Lily spent a semester volunteering and mentoring kids at the JFK Center after-school program with the Erie City School District. She is extremely passionate about improving education in urban areas, specifically for minorities. Her research interests include educational policy and social policy. After graduation, Lily hopes to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration.

See all 2022 RBSI Scholars.