NEW YORK — The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies has elected investment executive Lyenda Delp as chair of its board of directors, making her the first woman and first University of the West Indies graduate to lead the U.S.-based philanthropic organization.
Delp succeeds Dr. Cyrus McCalla, whose nearly decade-long tenure helped expand the foundation’s support for higher education in the Caribbean through scholarships, partnerships and philanthropic initiatives.
AFUWI’s New Executive Committee
The foundation also elected a new executive committee: Dr. Ron Chase, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, as deputy chair; Wayne Melbourne, executive director and senior advisory compliance officer at Morgan Stanley, as board secretary; and Andrea McNish, chief financial officer of The University of the West Indies, as treasurer.
The leadership team brings experience in finance, medicine, law, higher education and corporate governance as AFUWI seeks to broaden its reach and strengthen opportunities for Caribbean students.
Delp said her election was both an honor and a privilege.
Lyenda Simpson Delp
“I am honored 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.”
Delp said the foundation will focus on expanding its national presence, strengthening donor and alumni engagement, increasing scholarship opportunities and creating career pathways to prepare Caribbean students for leadership in a competitive global economy.
The transition concludes McCalla’s tenure as chair. During his service, AFUWI navigated the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing its support for Caribbean students. The foundation also helped mobilize philanthropic assistance after hurricanes in the region, reinforcing its role in advancing education and responding during crises.
McCalla said he was confident 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.”
The new board leadership will work with Executive Director Ann-Marie Grant and the foundation’s staff to advance AFUWI’s mission of ensuring financial barriers do not prevent talented Caribbean students from pursuing higher education.
Over the past decade, AFUWI has awarded scholarships to more than 700 students studying at The University of the West Indies. Through philanthropy, alumni engagement and strategic partnerships, the foundation says it will continue investing in future Caribbean leaders while supporting the region’s resilience, prosperity and global competitiveness.
