Lily Ellora Newton

Autistic self-advocate and communications specialist with a passion for inclusive content and accessible resources.

Education

University of Illinois, class of 2020

Bachelor’s Degree in Fine and Applied Arts - Acting

Work Experience

Content Specialist — Brand Marketing & Communications, March 2022 - Current 

Easterseals, Chicago, IL.

  • I manage end-to-end social media campaign creation.

    • I develop and execute content calendars, adhering to deadlines and budgets. In 2023, following implementation of my content strategy plan, Easterseals National Office social profiles saw an overall 296% increase in engagement. 

  • I manage influencer social media collaborations to expand Easterseals reach and impact with target audiences.

    • I orchestrate influencer collaborations that align with Easterseals brand marketing campaigns.

    • I produced a collaboration with disability advocate Chelsea Bear that resulted in a 1400% increase in engagement YOY for the yearly campaign. 

  • I manage podcast production for two Easterseals podcasts.

    • This show has created a network of podcast guests that now collaborate with the Easterseals and support ongoing campaigns.

      • Guests include Jameela Jamil (3.8 million followers), Spencer West (4.4 million followers), and Jillian Mercado (354k followers). 

    I leverage market research and social media reporting metrics to track success of campaigns.

    • Consistently measuring how Easterseals messaging resonates with varied audiences including Easterseals participants, caregivers, veterans, disability advocates, and donors.

    • I market test Easterseals materials with focus groups and advisory councils, including caretakers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Successfully navigated PR emergencies and implemented social media crisis communications plans. 

    • I protected Easterseals brand identity following targeted Twitter hate from an account with 3 million followers.

      • I collaborated with a public and government relations agency partner.

      • This experience strengthened my knowledge of PR crisis de-escalation.

Neurodiversity Inclusion & Communications Consultant, January 2023 - Current

Freelance, virtual

  • I consult with brands to support neruodiversity inclusion and create accessible content, drawing from personal experiences and research based understanding of neurodiversity and greater disability culture. 

  • I currently serve on the advisory council as a neurodiversity expert for the Sensodyne Sensory Inclusion Initiative.

  • I am a subject matter expert in neurodiversity inclusion for panels & brand advisory councils. 

Delivery Co-Manager — Communications, August 2020 - February 2022

MedMen, Los Angeles CA.

  • Managed a high-performing team, overseeing the successful launch of a new cannabis delivery department. 

  • Implemented internal communications plan and on-going staff development through a learning management system.

  • Fostered a unique brand identity by infusing elements of five-star hospitality and luxury into the retail experience. This approach differentiated the brand and elevated the overall customer journey, aligning with the values of excellence and purpose. 

Data Analyst, May 2015 - January 2020

AGR Health Consultants Inc., Champaign IL. 

  • Translated data analytics into compelling brand narratives to be used in internal and external communications. 

  • Collected and analyzed financial and inventory related data for 41 group homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

  • Created plain language and Easy Rest materials for client activities of daily living (ADLs).

Presentations and Conferences

  • Panelist for “Neurodivergent Life Hacks,” Minds of All Kinds, May 2025

  • Presenter for “Inclusive Practices for Autistic Learners,” Digital Dabblers and The North Pole Studio, June 2025

  • Guest lecturer for “Disability Representation in Film & Media,” University of Kentucky, March 2025

  • Presenter for “Updating Language: Neurodiversity,” Easterseals National Office, August 2024

  • ANA Non-Profit Leadership Conference, ANA Non-Profit Federation, August 2022

  • National Development Networking Conference, Easterseals Network, October 2022 & October 2024

  • Easterseals Policy & Partnership Forum, Easterseals National Office, April 2023 & April 2024 

Media Experience & Publications

  • Co-host of “Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong” Podcast 

  • Co-host of Disability Readathon 2024

  • Co-founder of Forced Party Film, a Neurodivergent Film Production Company

  • Co-founder and host of True Blue Comedy: LGBTQ+ Community Building

  • Author of My Itty-Bitty Bio: Judy Heumann, Cherry Lake Publishing

  • Blog Contributor, Proof Positive Autism Wellbeing Alliance

    • Embracing Autistic Joy with Lily Newton

    • Joyful Movement Insights with Lily Newton

    • Big Feelings Go Both Ways, One Autistic Person’s Thoughts on Joy

Technical Skills 

  • Proficient in Accessibility Apps, Canva, Microsoft Suite, Tiktok video editing apps, Google Apps

  • Beginner skills in Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, FinalCut, Adobe InDesign

  • Public speaking, educational training

References available upon request.