About Lily Be
The Journey to Storytelling
Lily’s storytelling career officially began when she became the first Latina to win a Moth GrandSLAM. This groundbreaking achievement didn’t just open doors for her—it tore them off their hinges. Lily quickly became known for her fearless approach to storytelling, focusing on narratives that reflected the grit, resilience, and beauty of marginalized voices.
But storytelling wasn’t always Lily’s path. She’s a single mother who’s experienced life’s hardships firsthand, including homelessness and navigating systems that often work against people like her. These experiences shaped her mission: to prove that stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re a lifeline.
Stoop Style Stories
Lily Be founded Stoop Style Stories (aka The Stoop ) in 2013, to create a space for storytelling that isn’t curated for perfection but instead embraces the beautiful messiness of real life. She sees storytelling as more than a performance—it’s a tool for survival, connection, and change.
Not Just a Storyteller—A Pioneer
Lily Be is a storyteller, producer, educator, and unapologetic champion of authentic narratives. Born and raised in Chicago’s vibrant Humboldt Park neighborhood, Lily’s journey into storytelling began on stoops, surrounded by the voices of her community. Her unique ability to connect with people through raw, unfiltered stories has made her one of the most respected and sought-after storytellers in the nation.
Lily is one of the pioneers in the storytelling world, blending her natural talent with a deep understanding of the craft. She was among the first storytelling teachers to develop programs that empower people to share their stories. Her pedagogy isn’t just about the art of storytelling; it’s about reclaiming power, building connections, and fostering understanding.
Through her work, Lily has taught storytelling globally, from community centers to the World Health Organization. Despite being let go from her dream job—teaching storytelling around the world—she turned that loss into fuel, doubling down on her commitment to uplifting others’ voices.