Lily Stark
she/they (learn more about affirming pronoun usage here.)
Pronunciation: LILL-EE ST-ARK (sounds like “arc”)
Title: Communications and Development Associate
As Pilot Light’s Communications and Development Associate, Lily Stark helps to lead internal communications, external marketing and social media, and assists with development administration. They also serve as staff liaison to the Associate Board.
A DePaul University graduate, Lily has fulfilled a variety of roles in the hospitality industry for the last 10 years in restaurants, grocery stores, and movie theaters. These service industry experiences sparked an interest in food and how the food system impacts our individual lives, communities, and futures. Lily believes that both food system workers and educators are some of the most important – and often most devalued – members of our society, and is honored to be able to serve these communities through their work at Pilot Light.
Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #6 – We can make positive and informed food choices.
It’s hard to choose just one favorite Standard! #6 is a standout to me because I believe it empowers the learner to think about what a “positive and informed” choice looks like to them. Every person is different, every body is different, and every day is different – we get to decide for ourselves what needs and wants our choices fulfill everyday. I think understanding our choices and why we make them is key to developing our relationships not just with food, but with ourselves and communities as well.
A favorite food memory or recipe:
When I was around 11 or 12 I saved up for months to buy a camcorder – it recorded on tiny DV tapes and I thought I was going to become the next Iron Chef producer/director. One day, I convinced my dad to star in our own cooking show – I filmed him going to the grocery store shopping for ingredients, and we made two different versions of homemade mac and cheese to demonstrate different techniques. My younger sibling, Robert, was our “taste tester.” The mac of course was delicious, and the experience of filming, editing, and cooking together made it a memory I can never forget!
Reach me: lily@pilotlightchefs.org or connect with me on LinkedIn!