Lilly Workneh is an award-winning journalist who is passionate about impactful storytelling. She served as the editor-in-chief at Blavity News, where she directed the platform’s mission to unpack and celebrate the many aspects of the Black millennial community.
She previously led HuffPost Black Voices and is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Lilly is a Rebel Girl who wholeheartedly believes powerful stories can shift perspectives, expand imagination, and deepen understanding, helping to build a better future for all of us.
She is the editor of must-read Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic my sons are absolutely loving, which is out now.
It is a joy to interview Lilly here.
1. Describe a typical day for you?
I love to start my day with lots of quiet, personal time. I’m up early to meditate and reflect, then I’m off to walk with my pup—nothing feels better than feeling the morning breeze and sun! Once I’m back and settled in, I make breakfast and prioritize the key things I hope to accomplish that day. From there, it’s focus and go time! Once the workday wraps, I go an afternoon walk and spend the evening working on personal goals, catching up with friends and family, reading, and relaxing before it’s time to hit the bed for a full recharge.
2. What do you feel are your greatest achievements?
I’m proud to have spent the majority of my career working to amplify underrepresented voices, stories, and experiences. I’ve served as an Editor-in-chief of a platform that prioritizes Black millennials and created a kids book with Rebel Girls that celebrates the stories of inspiring Black women and girls titled 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic. I look forward to continuing to use storytelling as a tool to help shift people’s perspectives about themselves, others around them, and the world they live in. This is the work that fulfills me.
3. What’s in your handbag/ satchel?
It varies! But I try to always carry with me a pen and notebook, a few select crystals, lotion, and lipstick (at least one option, if not three).
4. What are your ambitions in life?
My ambitions are to always feel aligned and satisfied in the work I do, how I choose to spend my time, and the people I surround myself with. I have full faith in my intuition so my main ambition is to always listen and allow her to guide me.
5. What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know?
Not to worry as much! Just do my best and rest assured in things unfolding as they should. I’ve also learned the importance of staying in touch with people you admire and appreciate. You never know when or how your paths will cross again.
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Happy, healthy, and in full alignment with the woman I choose to be at that time! Until then, my goal is to enjoy the NOW and the magic in my journey.
7. What advice would you give a budding journalist and author?
Write as often and as much as you can. Write down random ideas, phrases that resonate with you, references to research, goals you hope to accomplish, and/or anything that sparks your curiosity. Then make the time to review them. You never know what new thoughts and ambitions may arise when you do.
8. Finally, happiness is…
Feeling satisfied with who you are now and who you are becoming.
Read more interviews here.
Pre-order Vicki's debut children's book
Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
Published by Scholastic. Available on Amazon
