Lilly Nie is quite remarkable. An outstanding student by every measure, she just earned two degrees (a bachelor of science in Urban Studies & Planning and a master’s degree in Urban Planning) from the University of Southern California’s (USC) Sol Price School of Public Policy. And recognizing both her achievements and potential, in 2020, WTS-LA named her as the Myra L. Frank Memorial $10,000 Scholarship winner. Today, she’s finishing up her tenure as a graduate research assistant at USC’s METRANS Transportation Center and looks to use her considerable skills to explore new arenas.

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“People always ask, ‘What’s your dream job?’ Well, that’s actually a very tough question. In my scholarship application I wrote that my heart was set on public sector work, particularly at the municipal level. But now I realize how valuable it is to be open to a wider range of experience. While the public sector still holds great appeal for me, I’m also very interested in working for elected officials, consulting firms, public agencies— regardless of where it is, I want to work at in organization that centers equity and inclusion in its core mission, where I can use my skills to co-create healthier and just communities.”

More specifically, Nie finds great interest in the intersection between design, transportation technology, climate health and adaptation, and civic engagement. Given her achievement at USC—she graduates with a near-perfect GPA, numerous awards, and considerable work experience already—any organization will find her to be an invaluable asset. And that is not speculation. City of Los Angeles Mobility Innovation Executive Officer Julia Thayne wrote as much in Nie’s Frank Scholarship recommendation. 

After highlighting copious, significant accomplishments while on her team, Thayne wrote of Nie, “What might distinguish Lilly most of all is her quiet leadership style. It exemplifies her dedication to the public good—and candidly to real equity—and is expressed through her readiness to raise her hand and lead a project, to think creatively about problem solving, and to make sure people are heard and listened to.”

So, how did winning the Myra Frank Scholarship affect her?

“Of course, I was extremely honored to receive the award. In addition to providing much-needed funding for things like the AICP Candidate Pilot Certification Program and to register for ACM, the Frank Scholarship award provided me with amazing networking opportunities. It’s definitely opened doors. And of course, I’d be honored and look forward to working with other WTS-LA professionals in the future.” 

Lilly Nie is quite remarkable. And now, with the help of WTS-LA’s Myra L. Frank Memorial Scholarship, some lucky organization is about to find out just how remarkable she is.