Lily Oatis is the Founder and CEO of Not Just Headlines, a forward-thinking media company dedicated to empowering young and new voters with the local news that matters most. As a passionate advocate for political engagement, Lily travels nationwide to inspire and connect with young voters and community leaders. Her speeches highlight the crucial role of political participation and the transformative impact of activism in shaping our collective future. Through Not Just Headlines, her mission is clear: EDUCATE, INSPIRE, MOTIVATE—encouraging young people to think beyond the headlines and cast their vote in local elections.

Lily’s journey began as a first-time voter in 2024, determined to make informed decisions on every candidate on her ballot. This experience lead her to create Not Just Headlines, a platform designed to simplify local politics and make it accessible to a new generation. Since April 2024, Lily has conducted over 30 interviews with candidates for the 2024 North Carolina elections, engaging more than 800 students across the state.

With Not Just Headlines, Lily aims to bridge the gap between traditional news formats and the needs of today's youth, ensuring that local stories are not only accessible but also compelling and relevant.