Lilli Brown: Boundlessly Curious
This student’s RBC journey is defined by courage, curiosity and a willingness to step into leadership.
By Sterling Giles
Lilli Brown, a second-year student at Richard Bland College (RBC), prioritizes amplifying student voices. As President of the RBC Student Assembly, she strives to foster a campus atmosphere where students feel heard and their input is taken seriously.
“We are literally the voice of the students,” Brown said. “It’s up to us to sponsor that correctly, get input from them and address their needs.”
Prior to serving as the Student Assembly’s President, Brown had never served in a student government capacity—or a leadership role for that matter. But her mantra is to “say yes, try everything and see what I’m capable of.”
Brown initially planned to run for Vice President of Student Assembly before receiving encouragement from friends to pursue the President position. Now that she’s in the role, Brown does her best to lead with authenticity.
“I’ve never acted like I’m floating above it all—that’s not real,” Brown said. “I’m always myself and don’t hide my personality.”
Another bold decision for Brown during her time at RBC was trying out for the women’s soccer team. Despite only playing the sport as a child, she worked hard and made the team. The experience was humbling, transformative and deeply rewarding. She unearthed both physical and mental strength she didn’t know she possessed. She also gained close friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging.
“I think this experience has literally changed my character,” Brown said. “I’m not the same person leaving as I was coming in.”
Academically, Brown is pursuing kinesiology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. After years of navigating her own sports-related injuries and nurturing an interest in holistic healing, she realized how meaningful it could be to help others recover by staying active.
“Movement is medicine,” Brown said. “To guide someone through therapy and to watch them progress will be so fulfilling.”
Additionally, Brown is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa—the world’s largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year college students—and RBC’s Honors Program. The second-year student, who is also a Promise Scholar, will continue her studies at William & Mary with a full-ride scholarship.
