Lyenda Delp elected first female chair of AFUWI

Derrick Scott/Contributor

The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) has entered a new phase with the election of Lyenda Delp as chair of its board of directors, making her the first woman and the first graduate of The University of the West Indies (UWI) to lead the US-based philanthropic organisation.

Delp succeeds Dr Cyrus McCalla, whose nearly decade-long tenure helped establish AFUWI as a leading supporter of higher education in the Caribbean through scholarships, strategic partnerships and philanthropy.

The foundation’s newly elected executive committee includes Dr Ron Chase, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, as deputy chair; Wayne Melbourne, executive director and senior advisory compliance officer at Morgan Stanley, as secretary; and Andrea McNish, chief financial officer of The UWI, as treasurer.

Together, the leadership team brings experience spanning finance, medicine, law, higher education and corporate governance, positioning the organisation to deepen its impact and widen opportunities for Caribbean students.

Delp, who is head of Global Insurance and Institutional Asset Solutions at Franklin Templeton, has also held senior leadership roles at BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Deloitte Consulting. Her career has been marked by a focus on strategic partnerships, organisational growth and team leadership.

Speaking after her election, she described the appointment as both an honour and a privilege.

“I am honoured to be elected Chair of the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies, whose mission to expand access to higher education transforms lives across the Caribbean,” she said.

“It is a special privilege to be the first UWI alumna and the first woman to serve in this role. I look forward to working closely with the board, our staff, The UWI, our alumni, and supporters around the world to build on the strong foundation laid by those who have led AFUWI before us and to create even greater opportunities for Caribbean students and future leaders.”

BROADENING NATIONAL PRESCENCE

Delp said the foundation would focus on broadening its national presence, strengthening engagement with donors and alumni, expanding scholarship opportunities and creating more career pathways for students preparing to compete in an increasingly global economy.

The transition also brings to a close McCalla’s stewardship of AFUWI. During his tenure, the foundation navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining support for Caribbean students. It also mobilised significant philanthropic assistance in the wake of major hurricanes across the region, strengthening its reputation as a trusted partner in both education and crisis response.

Reflecting on his years of service, McCalla expressed confidence in the incoming leadership.

“It has been a privilege to serve AFUWI during a period that demanded resilience, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to our mission,” he said.

“Together, our board, staff, donors, alumni, and partners remained steadfast in expanding educational opportunity and responding to the Caribbean’s needs in extraordinary times. I have every confidence that Chair Lyenda Delp and the incoming board leadership team will build on this foundation and lead AFUWI to even greater impact in the years ahead.”

Working alongside Executive Director Ann-Marie Grant and the foundation’s professional staff, the new board leadership will continue AFUWI’s mission of ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented Caribbean students from accessing higher education.

Over the past decade, AFUWI has awarded scholarships to more than 700 students at The University of the West Indies. Through philanthropy, alumni engagement and strategic partnerships, the foundation has continued to invest in the development of future Caribbean leaders, contributing to the region’s resilience, prosperity and competitiveness.

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