Education

B.A., Journalism and Mass Communications, University of South Carolina
M.A., Organizational Leadership, Columbia College
Ed.D., Northeastern University

Background

Lila Anna Sauls has over 30 years of experience in fundraising, organizational impact, community relations, community partnerships, and advocacy in both private and public sectors. She is a seasoned non-profit leader with experience in strategic growth, team building, and program development and management, and a certified affordable housing developer. Sauls is an advisor to city, county, state, and congressional leaders on issues affecting vulnerable and at-risk families and children such as education, housing and healthcare.

Teaching

Sauls believes resilience is best taught when students are given space to fail, reflect on the reasons behind their failure and use those experiences as opportunities for growth. Failure, when supported with guidance and encouragement, helps students develop perseverance, critical thinking and confidence. By analyzing mistakes, students learn that challenges are not setbacks but essential steps in the learning process. Her role as an educator is to create a safe environment where failure is viewed as a tool for improvement rather than discouragement. Through reflection, feedback and support, students gain the skills needed to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success.

Awards

University of South Carolina Social Justice Award, USC, 2026
Steven Morrison Award for Social Justice, Columbia Urban League, 2024
Jefferson Award, Network for Good, 2022
South Carolina Midlands Icon, SC Business News, 2022
Woman of Influence, Columbia Metropolitan Magazine, 2021
Michael J. Mungo Foundation Community Builder, 2018

Research

Sauls is interested in interdisciplinary research that bridges women’s studies, organizational leadership, and systems change with media practice. Her work explores gender equity and representation in leadership structures, strategies for transformational change within institutions, and the impact of cultural and social systems on diverse communities. She also investigates current trends in journalism, especially how artificial intelligence and social media platforms are reshaping news production, distribution and public trust. Sauls is focused on ethical uses of AI, inclusive leadership practices, and systemic interventions that foster equity and innovation across sectors while addressing societal challenges in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Service

• South Carolina Affordable Housing Coalition: board member, 2022-present
• South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development: board member, 2020-present, board secretary
• SC Opt-In Advisory Committee: 2024-present
• City of Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force: 2022-present
• United Way of the Midlands (UWM) Community Impact Council: member, 2012-present
• Richland School District One Board of Commissioners (elected); 2016-20

Personal

Sauls cares about a lot: especially her five boys, the mountains, the moon, travel and beach sand. She has walked the Camino, competed in triathlons, jumped into fjords during the "midnight sun" in Norway and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro — but nothing beats hanging out with my friends and family in my own backyard. Sauls is a dreamer with a shovel in one hand and Mjölnir in the other.