Meet the 2014-2015 Director of Digital Media: Lily Sherer

Lily Sherer is the skilled writer behind the keyboard of the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Her passions range from fashion, to writing, to gender equality. These passions, along with her naturally curious personality, led her to the public relations major at ISU. 

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Bloomington-Normal, Ill., so I am a proud “townie.” I attended Heartland Community College for my associate degree before transferring to ISU my junior year. I changed my mind about what to major in quite a bit – I fluctuated between fashion, sociology, and communication. My adviser enrolled me in Introduction to Public Relations, and from then on I knew public relations was the field for me. It combines many of my interests and passions: writing, design, knowledge about people, and strategic thinking. I became involved with ISU PRSSA right after I transferred, which has completely shaped the trajectory of my career. Now as a senior, I am the Digital Media Director for ISU PRSSA and the marketing and public information intern at Heartland Community College.

What are your responsibilities as Digital Media Director?

As Digital Media Director, I manage the Chapter's Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts. I edit and update our websites, including isuprssa.com. I photograph all Chapter events and keep track of all Chapter and member accomplishments. I also serve as an adviser for the relations committee and am a part of the editing process for Chapter publications.

How do you feel you have contributed to the success of ISU PRSSA?

I believe I have contributed to the success of ISU PRSSA by bringing the Chapter to a global audience through social media. It has been rewarding to participate in PRSSA National Twitter chats. One of my goals has been to make our social media presence more robust for our external audiences and solidify our Chapter’s reputation as a thought leader within the PRSSA community. I also created a Facebook group for our internal publics to stay informed. This spring semester we are about to launch an Instagram campaign called #RedbirdPR Stories, a way to feature our members every week and bring more of a storytelling element to our Instagram.

What is an interesting fact about you?

My family and I are all musical and artistic. I play the flute and enjoy jazz singing, although I prefer expressing myself to music through movement – whether that be through figure skating or dance. I figure skated from about age 8 to 17, participating in various local competitions and ice shows. Now, it’s pretty likely you can find me dancing in my car or while hanging out with friends. I’m known to have a few signature quirky dance moves that always amuse. The artistic part of me comes out when I am involved in the design side of public relations and in my love affair with typography.

What has been your favorite opportunity from PRSSA?

One of my favorite PRSSA experiences was serving as the national delegate for our Chapter at PRSSA 2014 National Assembly. I met so many amazing new friends from all over the country that share the same passion for the public relations industry as I do.

What do you want to be your legacy?

I describe myself as a free spirited, critical thinking individual. I will be satisfied in life if I can continue to spread my joy and build others up. At some point in the future, I want to work toward advancing greater gender equality and help progress the health of women globally. In these areas, Hillary Clinton and Emma Watson have been my role models.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to gain experience working either for a public relations agency or as an executive speechwriter. I also see myself in a social media position for an organization, as that comprises much of my background. All in all, I am keeping an open mind about the future, and I am excited to see where life will take me.

Questions composed by Kellian Reed

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