About Lily

Lily Benavides's journey began in the vibrant town of Cartago, Valle Del Cauca, Colombia. With a natural drive to make a difference, she embarked on her educational path at Colegio San Pedro Claver, graduating from primary school in 1976. She continued her studies at Colegio Nuestra Señora Del Rosario, completing her secondary education.

Lily's passion for community service blossomed during her time in New Hampshire where she was a key figure in the New Hampshire Immigrant Rights Task Force. She organized rallies, testified before legislative committees, and formed alliances with human rights organizations. Her efforts led to the creation of a youth group, YOU (Young Community Organizers), which addressed discrimination and harassment in schools. This group continues to thrive today.

In 2004, Lily co-founded Orquideas de Colombia, a folkloric dance group aimed at promoting Colombian culture. The group performed across New Hampshire, including at the Statehouse and the New Hampshire Latino Festival. She also played a vital role in organizing the New Hampshire Latino Festival, directing a committee and helping to plan the only annual Latino festival in the state.

Lily's dedication to political activism was evident when she served as a State Representative for Manchester, New Hampshire. She was a member of the Labor, Industrial, and Rehabilitative Services Committee. During this time, she also worked as the Hispanic Liaison for Bill Richardson's Presidential Campaign, organizing forums, recruiting volunteers, and coordinating community efforts.

Her commitment to immigrant rights continued as she volunteered with the American Friends Service Committee in Newark, New Jersey. She supported campaigns for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), translated a book for incarcerated women, and participated in the Prison Watch Program. As a member of the AFSC Northeast Regional Executive Committee, she reviewed programs and budgets, providing essential recommendations.

From May 2018 to July 2020, Lily volunteered with Wind of the Spirit in Morristown, New Jersey, supporting campaigns for driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. Her administrative skills and ability to connect with people made her an invaluable part of the team.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw Lily stepping up as a leader once again. She coordinated volunteers for Mutual Morris, a mutual aid group in Morris County, New Jersey. Lily helped families in need by delivering essential items and researching sustainable resources. Lily co-founded the Mayor's Committee on Accessibility, advocating for community members with disabilities. and is working towards making it an ordinance to ensure its continued impact.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish EJWA Cucharón de Palo, Arts, Crafts and Hobbies in 2022. This nonprofit organization provided a free, safe, and sustainable space for arts and crafts education. Despite its current inactivity due to a lack of funds, Lily remains hopeful for its future as a 501(c)(3) entity.

Throughout her journey, Lily has participated in various leadership programs. In 2006, she joined the American Friends Service Committee delegation to the Mexico and Arizona border to study migration causes. That same year, she was part of the New Hampshire Emerging Leaders in Communities of Color program, which empowered minority leaders. In 2019, she completed the Garden State Leaders Program, focusing on advocacy for residents with lived experiences of homelessness and poverty.

Lily is a dedicated family person, deeply committed to her husband, four children, and eight grandchildren. Their home is a lively one, shared with a dog, a cat, and a gecko, reflecting her nurturing nature. Her family's love and support are her greatest sources of strength and motivation. Fueled by the desire to leave a better world for her grandchildren, Lily's passion for community service and advocacy is driven by the hope that her efforts today will ensure a brighter, more equitable future for them and for all children in her community.