Delina Aylay is from a homeland who gained independence after a 30-year struggle. She now thrives to better the lives of those around her. Through serving as Resident Assistant, fundraising chair for the African Student Association and mentoring for the Intercultural Student Leadership Conference, USF has allowed her to gain a voice she never knew she had.
She now has a platform from which she can facilitate change both here and abroad. In 2016 she was crowned Miss Africa at the annual ASA Philanthropic Pageant. That allowed her to shed light on the beauty and struggles of Eritrea, and represent the Eritrean Relief Association. She is set to graduate in May 2019, majoring in global business with a concentration in finance.
As a student leader for the Global Citizens Project, alongside an internationally recognized youth ambassador, drafted an initiative “Why Not Us” to promote ideals of global citizenship and civility. She has volunteered at the University Area CDC on an initiative called Block-by-Block, which called on her to reach out to a family and make connections with resources. She later interned there as Community Development and Engagement and Human Resources.
In the summer of 2018, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy, where she reconnected with the language she grew up learning. Aylay is also fluent in Tigrigna, and English. She is the recipient of the Global Citizens Award and the Muma College of Business study abroad scholarship.
She is part of the Corporate Mentor Program, and plans to pursue her MBA in the fall. She hopes one day to utilize all her experiences and passions to work as a Diplomat for Eritrea.
25 Under 25 Program 
She’s a great individual! Very beautiful inside and out!
Wonderful person all around! She’s amazing!
Wishing you the very best
Well deserved !!
Make us all proud Delina
Wow! Such a pure and powerful woman!
Delina has demonstrated a leadership spirit throughout her mentorship. She has a drive powered by motivation to apply her education in a way to make a change within the community. Her opportunities will be endless.
Delina, is the epitimy of remarkable! She has impacted me, and others with her vibrant attitude and positivity. She inspires me to be the best version of me, and is a shining example of how individuals should contribute back to society. She sees the big picture, while actively working to pursue that vision!
Delina Aylay
God bless you, Delina! I love you!
So proud and happy for you!!!
The best!!!
She’s such an amazing person! Wishing you the best Delina!
Wow! Delina story is so inspiring. Definitely deserves to win.
I’ve known her for a while now and she has got to be one of the most genuine, caring, and most intelligent people I know. Shes passionate & hardworking! Such an amazing person to know & work with!
You make us so proud Delina!!