Aya was born in New York, New York and grew up in Rocky River, Ohio. She is a junior at San Dieguito Academy (SDA), in San Diego, California. As the granddaughter of Iraqi immigrants on both sides of her family, she has always been passionate about activism and social justice. She is committed to working towards a better, more diverse community. Aya has always been passionate about activism and social justice and is committed to working towards a more inclusive school site and at a district wide level. Aya is the Co-President of SDA’s Multicultural Anti Racism coalition alongside Joy Ruppert as well as the treasure for the Carlsbad-Encinitas Chapter for the International Lions Association, and Co-Leader of the Encinitas for Equality Youth Committee. Aya strongly believes in student expression and fights for student expression and representation.