WHM Spotlight: Lily Neves ’26

To continue our celebration of Women’s History Month and the remarkable women who help shape the Roger Williams University community, we’re introducing you to Lily Neves, a senior Legal Studies and Political Science double major from Cumberland, R.I., and Editor-in-Chief of The Hawks’ Herald, RWU’s student newspaper.

Neves has been involved with The Hawks’ Herald throughout all four years of her time at RWU, rising through the newsroom ranks from General Staff Writer to News Editor and Managing Editor before assuming the role of Editor-in-Chief. In that position, she oversees the publication’s editorial direction while helping cultivate a collaborative environment for student journalists.

Her commitment to journalism has already been recognized beyond campus. In May 2024, the Rhode Island Press Association honored Neves with its $1,000 student journalism scholarship, awarded to students demonstrating strong academic achievement and a commitment to pursuing a career in journalism.

Neves has also expanded her experience through immersive learning opportunities. During the Spring 2025 semester, she participated in the Washington Internship Institute program, serving as an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman Gabe Amo of Rhode Island.

Through her leadership with The Hawks’ Herald, Neves helps ensure that student perspectives remain visible and heard across campus – a responsibility she approaches with a strong sense of collaboration and purpose.

Fun Facts About Lily

• She completed a semester-long study away experience in Washington, D.C., along with short-term study abroad programs in Germany and Greece.
• She hiked the Nea Kameni volcano in Santorini, Greece.
• She saw the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., during her time in the capital.

In Her Own Words

Tell us about your Editor-in-Chief role and what leadership looks like in that work.

As Editor-in-Chief, I wear a lot of different hats. I’m the final eyes on every piece of content we publish, I run weekly Editorial Board and General Staff meetings, and I work closely with our social media team to ensure breaking news stories reach our audience quickly. I also collaborate with our Managing Editor and the newspaper’s advisor behind the scenes on the administrative side of the publication.

Creating a welcoming, teamwork-based environment is essential because a news outlet can’t function without writers, photographers, and editors. The Hawks’ Herald exists to project student voices, and I want to make sure those voices are heard. Journalism is a creative space, so I try to lead as collaboratively as possible, encouraging staff members to share ideas and contribute to how stories are developed and covered.

What does it mean to you to be a woman leader here at RWU?

It means a lot to be a woman leader here at RWU. Being a student leader carries responsibility because I’m representing both my organization and the university. I’ve had the chance to work with many incredible women leaders – fellow student leaders, leaders in SPLO, and faculty in the School of Justice Studies.

I’ve learned a lot from these leaders and try to incorporate those lessons into my own leadership style. For example, I learned how to manage a staff from previous editors-in-chief and from The Hawks’ Herald’s two advisors, both of whom are strong women leaders.

What does “Give to Gain” mean to you and what do you give that helps others gain opportunity?

To me, “Give to Gain” carries a lot of meaning. In any leadership position, a good leader gives part of themselves to the cause and their team. In return, you build a welcoming and collaborative environment where the final result is something the whole team can be proud of.

With The Hawks’ Herald, I try to give writers and photographers a no-judgment space to be creative and pursue stories they care about. In return, we build a news outlet that serves the campus community and gives students a voice within the university.

Were there specific people who helped shape your path, and how did their influence guide you?

My mom gave me my love for learning and my ambition. She’s an elementary school teacher, and from a young age, she filled our house with books and emphasized the importance of reading, learning, and school.

She also taught me to work hard and pursue my dreams. I carry that with me every day through academics, The Hawks’ Herald, my internships and jobs, and my aspirations for graduate school. Her belief in me has inspired me to uplift others the same way she uplifted me.

What has been one meaningful success in your role so far?

This year has been a great year for The Hawks’ Herald, and the staff deserves a lot of credit for that. One meaningful success for me as Editor-in-Chief has been increasing both the quantity and quality of content we receive from writers.

We’ve also expanded the physical newspaper from eight pages to a consistent 12 pages every issue, which reflects the growing engagement and dedication of our staff.

What advice would you offer to students stepping into leadership?

My best advice is to be prepared for your plans to get derailed – and to know how to pivot. In my experience, most plans don’t go exactly as expected. Something will always affect a print date, layout, or content.

It’s okay to feel frustrated, but a good leader acknowledges that frustration and then moves forward with a new plan – sometimes Plans B, C, D, and E. And always remember that you have a team around you who wants to help. Delegating and trusting your team are essential parts of good leadership.