Ayah is a passionate first-generation student from Arlington, Virginia. The daughter of Moroccan and Sudanese immigrants, Ayah works to serve minority, first-generation, and refugee communities throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area (DMV).

Ayah is the co-founder of The Noura Initiative, a non-profit advocating for education and hygiene access amongst underserved populations in the DMV. Inspired by her AP Research project that examined the mental health consequences youth face as a result of Sudan’s ongoing war, she is dedicated to her Nubian and Sudanese communities. She believes that cultural support groups are necessary for the Sudanese diaspora, specifically aiding young women to heal, lead, and thrive.

At school, Ayah is president of the Muslim Student Association, where she organizes Ramadan iftars for 200+ people, raises funds for war-torn countries, and creates an inclusive community. As Secretary General of Model United Nations she has expanded membership and brought global awareness to students with her love for world politics. Ayah is also vice president of GirlUp, her school's chapter of a UN initiative promoting equality for underrepresented females. Additionally, Ayah supports local teens as an appointed chair of Arlington County’s Teen Network Board’s Peer to Peer committee, and is the CEO of LeadPeace, an organization cultivating youth leaders and peacebuilders while raising awareness on global conflicts.

Ayah draws strength from her ancestors and heritage. Ayah’s Nubian father calls her Nubian Queen, or a Kandaka, inspiring her to take action and make an everlasting impact on society just as her Kandaka ancestors did.