Making a Difference and Inspiring Others Lili Portmann’s Dedication to Muscular Dystrophy

By: Ava Margolis

Position: Staff Writer

amargolis@email.edu  

Lili Portmann, a Lynn student majoring in social entrepreneurship, inspires others through her energy and dedication supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

Portmann, a Holmdel, N.J.-native, advocates for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and is someone living with the disability herself. 

Throughout high school, Portmann was involved in fundraising for the organization, and that has continued at Lynn with help from Theta Phi Alpha. Aside from fundraising, Portmann has made a difference for people with disabilities by being a part of Tommy Hilfiger’s first adaptive clothing line. 

“My mission in life is to raise awareness for people with disabilities,” said Portmann.

Portmann has been involved with Tommy Hilfiger’s adaptive line since 2016, modeling for them, sharing her advice and having been featured in “People” magazine proudly wearing the Hilfiger attire. Earlier this year, Portmann modeled for Runway of Dreams Fashion Revolution in Miami, where she felt pure happiness.

“Adaptive clothing has changed my life forever and has made me more confident in who I am today,” said Portmann. 

The Lynn senior has experienced many opportunities as a result of her hard work, attending countless galas and meeting celebrities she has admired for years (like Derek Jeter).

Portmann has also shared her story with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Runway of Dreams, with brands looking to make clothing more adaptive. She not only wants to continue making a difference in people’s lives, but she’s hoping to help to make sure adaptive clothing is mainstream. 

“People shouldn’t have to shop from companies that only sell adaptive clothing. It should be all brands that sell adaptive clothing,” said Portmann. 

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