When Lily stepped up to the podium to testify before the Texas Senate Local Government Committee to oppose the Ashe Juniper bill, the committee members immediately perked up. They don’t often see someone so young – or so well informed. She explained to the committee how Ashe junipers are vital to Central Texas ecosystems and why policy should be grounded in facts and not misinformation. Lily wasn’t just defending Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat — she was showing that young people really can make a difference and that advocacy isn’t about age—it’s about research, courage, and caring enough to speak up.

Lily is currently a junior at the Ann Richards School for Young Women, where she juggles five AP classes, runs cross-country, founded a Bird Club, built a bird-friendly garden, and is a mini-celebrity for her migration announcements that encourage students and staff to turn off lights during peak migration. But somehow she still finds time to lead Travis Audubon bird walks at the Wildflower Center, volunteer at sanctuaries, serve on Travis Audubon’s Advocacy Committee, and speak up for birds at every opportunity, whether at her school or the Texas Capitol.

“I would credit volunteering, especially with Travis Audubon, to helping me grow and understand where my strengths are, where I want to go in the future, and… it definitely improved my abilities to get there,” Lily reflects.

Lily first got involved with Travis Audubon in elementary school through the Young Birders Club and then joined the Young Women in Conservation program in 6th grade. She reached out to  Caley Zuzula, Program Manager, about ways to get more involved with bird conservation and helping birds. “She suggested that I shadow the advocacy committee, which I did. And Mr. Bloomfield just kind of took me in and said, you can stay, you don’t have to just do this as a one-off occasion.”

Lily talks about birds and her love for them at almost every opportunity – about the latest bird-related book she is reading, the latest bird she has seen, or about her most recent internship with the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department. There, she helped draft recommendations for a bird-friendly ordinance, worked with community education efforts, and assisted with fieldwork and presentations for city commissions.

Lily’s story is a reminder that the future of bird conservation isn’t just something to hope for—it’s already in motion, shaped by bright, passionate young leaders who combine knowledge, enthusiasm, and action to make a real difference.

Thank you Lily, your energy, advocacy and love for birds inspires us all.