Lilly Workneh profile

“I write everything in my planner,” said University of Georgia student Lilly Workneh, 19,

“I am obsessed with my planner.”

Workneh has good reason to depend on her planner jammed pack with to-do lists. Currently a dual major at UGA studying publication management and consumer journalism, she is involved in a myriad of activities and organizations. Whether she is starting her own publication on campus or attending a Grady ambassador meeting, Workneh certainly keeps busy.

A day in the shoes of such a successful individual doesn’t come easily. “Getting through an entire to-do list is hard,” Workneh said, “because it usually contains about 10 to 15 bullets.”

Workneh’s involvement started in high school when she worked as a columnist for her high school newspaper and an anchor on her high school’s television newscast. Workneh knew she would always be interested in journalism, but finally decided to pursue print news rather than broadcast news.

Workneh is currently a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, a Grady ambassador, managing editor of InFUSion magazine, editor in chief of the magazine she founded called Showcase, a copy editor for UGAzine, a member of the magazine club, a member of Professional Entertainment Sports Association, and a member of the Multicultural Business Students Association.

“My biggest accomplishment would have to be my magazine,” Workneh said, “just because I started it pretty much from scratch and I wanted it as an outlet for NABJ members to gain experience in journalism, especially print.”

Showcase is an online publication that is released every semester. Workneh originally came up with the idea when she served as secretary for NABJ, and wanted a more creative way to deliver news to its members, and provide members with writing opportunities.

Workneh said two of her favorite activities include Grady Ambassadors and InFusion magazine, because she enjoys the ability to meet new people and network with other students interested in journalism.

“I think she is a natural born leader,” said Maggie Siu, a friend and coworker with her at InFUSion magazine, “She is confident and personal, which are both good qualities in a colleague.”

Previously an intern at BLVD, a magazine in Athens, Ga., and at the Athens Clarke County Public Information Office, Workneh is on track for a successful future. And believe it or not, Workneh somehow finds time in her busy schedule to work at the UGA calling center to raise money for an internship with a magazine this summer in New York City.

“I love working with Lilly,” said Casey Bruce, 21, editor-in-chief of InFUSion magazine, “She has constantly surpassed my expectations, and I am always impressed with her work.”

Workneh’s success as a young black woman at UGA is specifically relevant to this year’s celebration of desegregation.

“I feel like their coverage of [the anniversary of desegregation] was really well done, it wasn’t understated in any way,” Workneh said, “It was well known and it is a big deal to me personally and I think they recognized it as being one of the major milestones in UGA’s history.”