Accomplished actress. Gifted writer. Published author. Passionate nonprofit founder. Honor student. And did we mention that she’s only 16?

At an age when many teenagers are just discovering who they are, Lillian Gilbert has already mapped out a bold path that is touching lives, transforming communities, and proving that age is no barrier to impact. Fueled by her grounded faith, a strong support system, and an unshakable belief in the power of words, Lillian is on a mission to help others discover their voice—one story at a time.

Words can change the world. And she’s living proof of that truth.

 Lillian with attendees at her 5-day workshop 

More Than Words: Why Literacy Matters

Words are more than just letters strung together. They inspire dreams, demand justice, comfort pain, and spark revolutions. They shape who we are and p we see the world. Yet far too many people don’t have the literacy tools they need to fully participate in life.

In Harris County alone, a staggering 32% of adults are considered functionally illiterate, meaning they lack the reading and comprehension skills to perform everyday job tasks. Black and Latino communities bear the brunt of this crisis, being three times more likely than their white counterparts to face educational disadvantages.

Those statistics didn’t sit right with Lillian. She knew she had to do something.

Igniting Passion Through a Take Action Project

Lillian, a proud Girl Scout, saw an opportunity to use her love of reading and writing for a greater cause. To earn the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award, she had to launch a Take Action Project—one with long-term impact that addresses root causes of an issue.

Her idea? A transformative five-day writing workshop for teen girls. She brought together 22 young women from different backgrounds and inspired them with powerful speakers, engaging writing activities, and one-on-one mentorship. The result?

“By the end, they had created over 30 original stories and poems,” Lillian beamed.

Attendees’ work was compiled into a published anthology titled The Stories of Tomorrow, making every participant a published author. The book is an emotional, empowering collection that gives young women a platform to share their truth.

 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8319156396 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F8C5LV37 Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 23, 2025 52 pages

The Spark Becomes a Movement

The success of the workshop lit a fire in Lillian. Inspired by the feedback, she didn’t stop there. She launched a nonprofit organization—The Stories of Tomorrow—to keep the momentum going and expand her mission globally.

Her first big initiative? Delivering 50 copies of the anthology to students in Malawi at Capital City Baptist Church—an institution known for serving local children through education and outreach. Lillian used proceeds from book sales to fund this effort, believing strongly that every teen deserves access to creative expression.

A Vision for the Future

Lillian is already planning future writing workshops, new editions of The Stories of Tomorrow, and more book donations to underserved communities. Her dream? “To put this book in as many hands as possible and a create a love for writing and reading like she has. 

But she can’t do it alone.

You can support Lillian’s mission by purchasing The Stories of Tomorrow on Amazon. Every copy sold goes directly toward funding her nonprofit's outreach. Better yet, share it with your friends, your school, or your church. Help spread the word and keep this dream alive.

And if you’re a teen with a story to tell? Lillian wants to hear from you! She’s inviting young writers to submit their work for possible publication on her monthly blog. Full details are available on her website: storiesfortomorrow.com.

A Star on the Rise

With an already-impressive résumé that includes acting, writing, publishing, and philanthropy, Lillian Gilbert is not just chasing dreams—she’s creating blueprints for others to follow.

At just 16, she reminds us all that youth isn't a limitation. It's a launchpad.

So, Houston Style Magazine readers the next time you think one voice can’t make a difference, remember Lillian—and speak up.