Hello! I’m Lily Oliver, proudly from Fort Kent, Maine, which is so far north that my cell phone sometimes thinks I’m in Canada. I grew up on snow, maple syrup, and a deep appreciation for a good pair of thermal socks. Becoming a Class of 2029 Baldwin Scholar still feels surreal, and I’m so grateful to be part of this brilliant, inspiring, powerhouse group of women.
I live at home with my mom, dad, little sister, and my dog Marshal, who I lovingly call Moo Moo and who lovingly ignores every command I give. My family has always been my biggest support system, cheering me on (sometimes literally) in everything I do.
In high school, I was a three-season athlete and became the all-time leading scorer for women’s basketball. Outside of sports, I loved student government and environmental clubs.
As I start at Duke, I’m excited to dive into classes, meet new people, and keep exploring the things I care about, especially humanitarian work and global justice. My experience in Uganda really shaped the way I see the world, and it’s a big part of why I want to keep doing meaningful, community-focused work here.
I’m also thrilled to be on the Human Rights Student Advisory Board, where I can actually help spark conversations and projects that matter to me. Academically, I’m drawn to International Comparative Studies and Public Policy, and I’m hoping those paths will lead me toward international law and human rights advocacy in the future.
Overall, I’m just grateful to join a community of motivated, passionate women who want to make an impact, and I can’t wait to be part of that.