As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2024, Emilie Delaye, entrepreneurship major with a minor in fashion management from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Delaye was nominated for this series by Horn Entrepreneurship Manager, Marketing & Events Meg Marcozzi, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship Dan Lee, Senior Instructor of Entrepreneurship Vince DiFelice, and Horn Executive Assistant Jaime Lee.
Lee said, “Emilie is the ideal student, not only in terms of academic excellence, but also in terms of leadership experience, running her own startup as well as the VDC’s community sessions. Indeed, she has an entrepreneurial spirit and a community-minded approach, and perhaps most importantly, she ALWAYS READS THE SYLLABUS.
“Emilie is an incredibly talented individual who is passionate and empathetic. She is also hard working and humble and I believe will create immense value wherever she heads after graduation,” Lee added.
In this profile, Delaye shares her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Delaye: I have always been driven by a higher purpose, and came into college wanting to “change the world,” though I didn’t really know what that meant. While I wanted to make an impact, I really lacked the confidence in myself and my own abilities to actually act on my dreams. The alumni and faculty here, as well as my peers in class, helped encourage me to get out of my comfort zone. I learned that the worst thing you can do is let that voice in your head scare you out of doing something you want to do. I started trying to take advantage of every opportunity possible, even if it made me uncomfortable (which it always did). This taught me to embrace fear and to believe in myself, and I think with this newfound confidence I am just starting to change the world!
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Delaye: I went through my four years of college dealing with a chronic illness and going through treatment for it. This was particularly challenging as a college student because when you are dealing with an invisible illness it is hard to explain to your peers the things you are going through. Most students have to worry about the usual college struggles of managing their course schedule and personal life, but I had to manage my health and treatment plan at the same time. It is quite isolating and can leave you feeling hopeless when all you want is to be like those around you but your body doesn’t quite catch up with this. I did not get through these challenges alone. I had my friends, professors, advisors, alumni, and family to help get me through even the most challenging times. The level of compassion and encouragement I received when I thought there was no hope is something I will always be grateful to UD for. I will spend the rest of my life trying to give back half as much as the University gave to me.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Delaye: I loved studying abroad in Athens, Greece during my sophomore year of college. I couldn’t imagine a better study abroad experience with another college. UD has established such great international relations with schools that we were made to feel at home the entire time we were there. My favorite memory of the trip is on our first night out of quarantine Deree treated all of the students to a traditional Greek meal. It had multiple courses and definitely required you to pace yourself!
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Delaye: Yes, the Lerner faculty member that had the most impact for me was Vince DiFelice. Vince is a professor for Horn Entrepreneurship and teaches you how to actually be an entrepreneur. He is the most giving and selfless professor (and person) I have ever met. He takes the time to know each of his students individually and then works with you to get you where you want to be. Vince understood not just my dreams to launch my startup Relief, but he also understood my own personal struggles with chronic illness in a way that no one else did. Without Vince, I would not have been able to accomplish everything I have. If you have the opportunity to know him and learn from him, then take it! I will continue to look up to and seek guidance from Vince long after my time here at UD.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Delaye: I am incredibly proud to be a “Lifelong Lerner.” My time here at UD and the people I have encountered in Lerner College have made me who I am. Reflecting back on all the opportunities that faculty and alumni created for me, I could not imagine graduating from any other school. I am excited to now join the alumni community where I will be able to give back the wisdom and encouragement that I received to those after me. Our community here at UD and at Lerner is what makes us world changers. I cannot wait to continue to make this community stronger.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Delaye: My advice to incoming freshmen would be to just SHOW UP! Are you thinking about doing something but you are unsure? Just SHOW UP! Are you scared you might not fit in or fit the criteria for something? Just SHOW UP! You will never know what will happen if you don’t try. This University spends time to create amazing opportunities for you so find the ones you want and take them. You need to believe in yourself like the people here on this campus believe in you. Trust me, you will never regret trying, you will regret not trying.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Delaye: After graduation, I plan to continue working on Relief Chronic Care, and also will pursue an internship with the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AFFA) in Washington, D.C., focusing on trade, policy, and sustainability. Following my internship, I intend to continue my journey by pursuing a master’s degree in fashion and apparel studies at UD, with a focus on sustainability, trade, policy, and supply chain. Through these endeavors, I aim to further my mission of driving positive change in the fashion industry, women’s health, and beyond.