A Little Bit About Lilly
Lilly Workneh is a visionary media executive, award-winning journalist, and sought-after content strategist who helps mission-driven leaders, brands, and campaigns tell transformative stories that shift culture, spark movements, and drive measurable impact.
With over a decade of experience shaping narrative strategy across leading media platforms, nonprofits, startups, and social impact organizations, Lilly has led high-performing teams and content ecosystems that have engaged millions. Her work centers on the most urgent issues of our time, including racial justice, education equity, and gender liberation.
As Chief Content Officer at PushBlack, the largest Black media nonprofit in the U.S., she spearheads storytelling that mobilizes social and civic action and amplifies liberatory narratives rooted in Black history and culture.
In addition to her executive leadership, Lilly offers coaching, consulting, and strategic advisory services through her independent practice. She equips changemakers with the tools to clarify their message, align their voice with their values, and create story-driven content that informs, influences, and inspires. She works with founders, educators, creatives, and organizations to shape narrative strategies that deepen connection, expand reach, and drive purpose-aligned growth.
Lilly has held senior editorial roles including Editor-in-Chief at Blavity and Shadow & Act, Head of Digital Content at Rebel Girls, and Senior Editor at HuffPost Black Voices, where she has consistently championed inclusive storytelling and elevated diverse voices.
A fierce advocate for media literacy, narrative justice, ethical storytelling, and radical imagination, Lilly has produced and published hundreds of stories that have shaped cultural discourse and inspired social progress.
She is the editor of the bestselling book Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic, a landmark collection celebrating the achievements of Black women throughout history and a reflection of her mission to empower the next generation to dream boldly and lead with intention.
Named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and one of the Top 25 Chief Content Officers of 2025, Lilly is a powerful media builder and a trusted guide for those ready to tell stories that matter and leave a lasting mark.
Core Guiding Principles
When we tell stories with intention, integrity, and impact, we unlock the potential for true transformation.
These principles shape my approach to storytelling and the services I provide:
1. Challenge Harmful Narratives – By exposing biases, misinformation, and omissions, we disrupt the stories that uphold systemic oppression.
2. Reclaim Agency & Dignity – Every community deserves to tell its own story, in its own voice, without distortion or erasure.
3. Shift Culture & Policy – The way people understand history and identity directly shapes the policies they support and the culture they create.
4. Promote Healing & Empowerment – Storytelling is a powerful tool for both individual and collective healing, offering new ways to process pain and envision a more just future.
Speaking & Consulting Services
If you're interested in working together in any of the following ways, please send an email to lilly@thestoryshaper.co
Keynotes &
Conference Talks
I deliver transformative keynotes that fuse compelling storytelling with actionable insights to inspire action in every audience. Topics available upon request.
Workshops &
Team Trainings
I design and deliver bespoke workshops that dive deep into storytelling fundamentals, narrative techniques, media literacy, ethical storytelling, conscious content creation, and more.
Moderate Panels &
Fireside Chats
I expertly moderate panels and host intimate fireside chats that unite diverse voices for vibrant, insightful dialogue across a variety of topics and forums.
Content Audit &
Planning
I conduct comprehensive content audits to assess alignment and evaluate effectiveness. With actionable insights and tailored execution plans, I help ensure your stories serve your goals and drive the change you seek.
1-on-1 Strategic Advising
I provide personalized strategic guidance to address your specific challenges. Whether you're shaping a campaign, developing media projects, or refining your brand story, I help ensure your narrative is powerful & purposeful.
Ongoing Narrative
Support
I provide narrative support for select
long-term initiatives, offering
ongoing reviews and strategic
guidance to ensure your storytelling and communications remain ethical, impactful, and effective.
Inspiring The Next Generation of Changemakers
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Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic
is my bestselling debut book celebrating the stories of Black women and girls worldwide.
Named to Oprah's Favorite Things List, the book features a foreword by #BlackGirlMagic creator CaShawn Thompson and artwork by over 60 Black female and non-binary illustrators.
The book honors trailblazers from more than 30 countries, past and present. Featured icons include Naomi Osaka, Jeanette Epps, Toni Morrison, Ava DuVernay, Bessie Coleman, Empress Taytu Betul, and Ida B. Wells—visionaries who have shaped history and continue to inspire generations to come.
Book Reviews
"What I know for sure is that you will take inspiration from these stories to use your voice in ways that support and uplift all the people around you."
- Oprah
The book was selected as part of Oprah's Favorite Things 2022 List