Jewish Chicago Magazine

At just 25 years old, Lily has already achieved what many would consider impossible. 
From climbing Camelback Mountain, to competing in muscle building competitions, to being the first model using a wheelchair to walk in New York Fashion Week, to setting a Guinness Book World Record in swimming, the Skokie native has persevered through immense adversity. 

In 2021, Lily, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, created Born to Prove, an organization dedicated to helping others understand that there are no limits. “Our work challenges how the world sees strength and limitation, reminding others that their greatest power already lives within them,” she explained. “That mission is deeply shaped by my Jewish values and faith, grounded in the belief that every soul is created with purpose and each individual is responsible to transform their own challenges.”

As a new graduate of Columbia University, Lily has also been vocal about the university’s responsibility for the protection of Jews. She is currently working on legislation with local New York state lawmakers that would create laws to protect Jewish students and hold violators accountable.

AGE:
25

PRIMARY GIG:
President and founder of Born to Prove

ON THE SIDE:
Recent graduate of Columbia University, currently applying to law school

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Faith-driven, family-rooted, fiercely determined to uplift others, G-d loving/fearing

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
This year, I was featured in the book, Humans of Judaism: Everyone Has a Story. What’s Yours? by Nikki Schreiber, alongside my life role model, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For as long as I can remember, I have been inspired by Ginsburg. She represents a Jewish woman of strength, determination, intelligence and wisdom, and spent her life defending and advocating for those who needed her.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Your mind is your most powerful asset, far beyond anything physical. No matter your limitations or circumstances, you have the ability to train your thoughts, build resilience, and push forward. Viktor Frankl taught that even in the harshest conditions, purpose begins in the mind. Stay consistent, block out doubt, and never give up because once your mind believes, your body will follow.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
I see myself completing law school and using my education to continue to pursue my purpose of helping others unlock their own strength within.