Meet Lily Wu
MADE IN WICHITA
Lily was made in Wichita and has called “The Air Capital of the World” her home for 30 years. She was born in Guatemala and immigrated to the United States at the age of 8, only speaking Spanish and Chinese. A proud product of Wichita Public Schools and Wichita State University, Lily went on to serve as a local reporter.
Throughout her 12-year career as a journalist, she reported on tough stories that revealed the truth to the public. As a reporter, Lily listened to people of diverse backgrounds and experiences and saw the struggles that are faced firsthand in every corner of our city.
Family
Lily is the proud daughter of two working class parents, a hairstylist and a cook, who sacrificed everything to immigrate to the United States so their children might have a better future. As an 8-year-old, Lily took it upon herself to learn English quickly so she could help her family navigate their new country. They continue to live their American Dream.
LOCAL REPORTER
Lily learned English by watching the local news. After graduating with a master’s in journalism, she began her career in 2010 as a local reporter for KAKE News. She was offered a leadership opportunity at KWCH 12 News where she became a 4 p.m. anchor and multimedia journalist, who shot, edited, and reported local stories on the 5 and 6 p.m. news. Lily partnered with the Workforce centers to help launch the “Building You” series that connected job seekers with opportunities in South Central Kansas.
For 12 years, she has been listening to Wichitans and understands the concerns of our community. Lily is an Emmy-nominated reporter and was named the 2022 Rising Star TV by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER
Lily began volunteering as a teenager at Exploration Place, Wesley, and Diversity Kansas. She has been involved with the Wichita Asian Festival since 2003. Lily served as the Wichita Asian Association President in 2015 and 2016. She continues serving as a director of the Miss Wichita Asian Festival cultural scholarship competition and mentors young women to embrace their ethnic heritage and celebrate cultural diversity. Lily was recognized for her community service being named the 2020 Exceptional Young Leader by the Wichita Chamber of Commerce and a 2015 Leader in Diversity by the Wichita Business Journal.
wHO DO YOU WANT REPRESENTING OUR CITY?
My first responsibility as a reporter has always been to listen. I’ve been to every corner of our city listening to people, and I understand Wichita. I resigned from a career I love because Wichita deserves better. It is time for real leadership and this election cycle will present an important choice.
• Wichita’s storyteller for 12 years
• Active Community Volunteer: WSU Barton School of Business Alumni Advisory Board, Wichita Asian Festival, Steve Clark YMCA
• 2020 Exceptional Young Leader (Wichita Chamber of Commerce)
• 2015 Leader in Diversity (Wichita Business Journal)
• Summa Cum Laude, International Business & Integrated Marketing Communication (WSU)
• Master’s degree in Journalism
• Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar
Take Action
Let’s do this! It takes all of us to make Wichita the place we deserve it to be, but less than 10% of Wichitans voted in the last mayoral primary. That’s very few people choosing our leaders. We would love for you to get involved. Let us hear your voice.
I’m all in for Wichita, but true progress will take all of us, ALL FOR WICHITA. Together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. I want to
make you proud. I want to make Wichita proud.
Help Us Achieve Our Mission
Wichita needs a voice that speaks for the entire city. A refreshing leader who can restore trust and build relationships that move us past our reluctance, our gridlock, and our uncertainty—Someone who knows the city inside and out, someone who has talked to its people, and someone who’s able to be that voice. Show your support by volunteering below.
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