Profiles of Tenacity: Lilli Verma

Lilli Verma is a fourth year public relations and political science major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, set to graduate in May 2026. Verma is a Grady ambassador as well as the president and co-founder of the First Generation Law Society. Verma is also a member of PRSSA and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity.

Read her Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose public relations and political science because the intersection of communication and politics is often where real-world change happens. These two degrees also reflect my ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those around me. Over the last three years of pursuing those degrees, I have learned how impactful a strong set of communication skills, when combined with a firm knowledge of politics, can be on all communities.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity means trying your absolute hardest to produce the very best results in every aspect of life. Whether it involves schoolwork, building meaningful relationships, or even the most mundane task, a tenacious person will always put their heart and soul into it.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

One piece of advice I have for other Grady students is to start a conversation with someone new in your classes whenever you get the chance. Your cohort is one of your biggest strengths, and these are the people who will have your back now and after graduation. Everyone is in Grady for a reason, and you’ll realize pretty quickly how inspiring and talented the people sitting next to you actually are once you get to know them.

What motivates you?

My biggest motivator is my goal to leave the world a little better than I found it. I’ve always been the type to look out for my family and friends and make sure they’re okay, but I also feel that same pull toward the bigger picture. There are so many issues in the world that need fixing, which drives me to learn how to actually tackle those problems and find better ways to show up for others.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

Professor Joseph Watson has made the biggest impact on my life during my time at UGA. His invaluable advice over the years has shaped my collegiate experience in ways I could never have imagined. He has also given me several opportunities that have solidified my lifelong passion for public service. For instance, he admitted me to the Public Affairs Communication Certificate program and the Grady D.C. summer abroad, which were both life-altering experiences. Ever since my first interaction with him years ago, Professor Watson has shown me an incomparable amount of support and encouragement, and I will forever be grateful to him for all he has done for me over the years.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

This summer, I had the privilege of interning for both Senator John Kennedy and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise in their D.C. offices on Capitol Hill. This experience provided me with a firsthand look at the legislative process and the inner workings of the U.S. government, which ended up being a career-altering learning curve for me as I look to return to the Hill after I graduate in the spring.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the Schnitzer Family Media lawn. I will sit there for hours at a time and be greeted with nothing but smiles the whole time. It is so comforting that such a special place exists where I know I will always be surrounded by such amazing people who genuinely care about me, and it truly is so endearing that you can experience the true beauty and spirit of the Grady community before you even walk into the building.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

One piece of advice I would give my freshman self is to live in the moment and stop trying to take on the weight of the world all at once. You’re still figuring things out and doing everything for the first time. As long as you have a positive mindset, you will have the power to live every bit of your college experience to its fullest potential. This is something I am still working on, too, but that’s the point: life is not easy, perfect or in your control. You just have to learn to let things be and let them come to you.

Editor: Sarah Kate Maher, skm01341@uga.edu