Celebrating Excellence: How a Former AYUSA Exchange Student Earned the Coveted Diana Award

At AYUSA, our mission has always been to foster cultural exchange and empower young minds to make a positive impact on the world. Today, we are overjoyed to share the incredible achievements of one of our former AYUSA participants, Haya Al-Kubati. Her unwavering dedication to social action and humanitarian efforts has earned her the highest accolade a young person can receive for creating positive change – The Diana Award, presented by YES (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study).

Haya spent August of 2014-May 2015 as an AYUSA exchange student in Owensville, MO at Owensville High School. During her time in the program in Owensville Haya was actively involved in community service.

After returning home to Yemen, Haya had a strong desire to make a difference in her community. As a medical student, she realized the pressing need for better health services, especially for girls and women. Haya volunteered over 6,000 hours to champion this cause, creating a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people.

Beyond empowering girls and women, Haya spearheaded various health awareness projects. From breast cancer awareness to drug abuse, gender norms, reproductive health, mental health, and vaccination awareness, she tackled critical issues head-on. By arming her community with knowledge and support, Haya has undoubtedly improved the overall well-being of her fellow citizens.

Recognizing the power of collaboration and youth-driven efforts, Haya worked alongside more than 30 local youth-led initiatives to advocate for sustainability. Her dedication to building a more sustainable and eco-conscious future reflects her deep-rooted commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact on our planet.

Haya's influence extended beyond her community. Her podcast, "Youth andSustainability," not only resonated with countless listeners but also served as a powerful platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire action among young people across borders.

Haya's incredible achievements have not gone unnoticed. In addition to The Diana Award, she was also honored as the 2022 Awareness 360 Fellow of the Year. These accolades serve as a testament to her tireless efforts and the transformative power of her work.

AYUSA is immensely proud of Haya Al-Kubati's outstanding achievements and contributions and reminds us of the incredible impact cultural exchange has in the world. Haya’s dedication to social action and humanitarian efforts has touched the lives of over 20,000 people and continues to inspire positive change on a global scale. As a company devoted to cultural exchange and youth empowerment, we believe that Haya's journey is a shining example of the incredible impact young leaders can make in their communities and beyond. Congratulations, Haya – you are a true champion of social change!