Amylia Deng’s sense of purpose and drive to make an impact emerged at a young age. As a naturally observant adolescent, she keyed in on the challenges around her, especially those affecting women and children, and she knew she wanted to be a part of that change. Growing up in South Sudan and Kenya gave her a unique perspective. Exposure to both environments shaped her worldview — one experience rooted in resilience and community, the other established with opportunities and possibilities.

Health Action in South Sudan

As CEO of Health Action in South Sudan since January 2019, Amylia Deng has dedicated herself to driving lasting impact. She helped enroll more than 200 children back into school, opening doors to children and families faced with financial, structural and social barriers. Deng said that many families cannot afford school fees or live in areas where schools are inaccessible. “There are also cultural factors where education is not always prioritized. Some children are forced into labor or early marriage instead of being in classrooms,” she said.

According to recent United Nations (U.N.) data, South Sudan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world. Around 70% of adults cannot read or write, approximately 84% of girls over the age of 15 are illiterate, and an estimated 2.8 million children are not in school.

Even before she fully understood it, Deng identified as an activist, author and had a flair for fashion. Writing became her way of processing and telling stories, activism became her voice and fashion allowed for self-expression. All three combined, allowing her to communicate who she is and what she stands for.

Representing South Sudan on a Global Stage

As a diplomat working within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in South Sudan and author of two books — Even After the Darkest Moments and Rising from the Ashes — her journey has led her to represent South Sudan on the global stage. In 2022, she founded Amylia Cosmetics. In 2024, she was crowned Miss International South Sudan.

When asked what challenges she has witnessed as a South Sudanese woman that still drive her work today, Deng said she witnessed limited access to education, early marriages, lack of opportunities and societal expectations that often silence women’s potential. She personally experienced instability and moments where she had to navigate systems that were not built to support young women. These experiences continue to drive her work because she knows what it feels like to have potential but limited access.

Deng said access to education is still one of the most urgent needs. Beyond that, there is a strong need for economic empowerment, health care and protection from gender-based violence. She emphasized that women and children need systems that not only support survival but also create pathways for growth and independence.

According to a statement by U.N. Women Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Anna Mutavati, approximately 5 million women and girls in South Sudan need help, with half requiring gender-based violence services.

The 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey for South Sudan showed that 19% of children are stunted, only 42% attended primary school and 43% of women were married before age 18.

Deng said she would want the world to understand that South Sudan is more than a challenge. It is a country full of resilient, talented and ambitious people who, despite difficult circumstances, continue to rise, create and hope for a better future.

The challenges and responsibilities Deng carried early on had an impact on her life’s trajectory. They forced her to grow quickly and shaped her mindset. The roots of her drive and resilience, however, came from the strength of the women around her and her family.

From a global perspective, Deng said the international community should play a supportive but respectful role when partnering with local leaders and organizations in improving access to education in developing countries, rather than imposing solutions. She mentioned investment in infrastructure, teacher training and sustainable economic education programs as critical. Most importantly, she said those efforts should focus on long-term impact rather than short-term visibility.

A Crown as a Catalyst for Health Action in South Sudan

In many ways, Amylia Deng has become a bridge between the two worlds of hardship and possibility that originally influenced her. For her, the crown is not just an achievement but a duty and an honor to make an impact.

“Success is impact,” Deng said. “Changing lives. Creating opportunities where there were none. Building something that outlives me. It is not just about personal achievement. It is about how many people I can bring up with me.”

In closing, Deng expressed that young people, especially girls, growing up in difficult situations, do not have to let their environment determine their future. “You may start with less,” she said, “but you are not less. Stay focused, believe in your vision even when no one else does. Do not be afraid to take up space. Your story matters. You have the power to change not only your life, but the lives of others.

– Erin Sian Mongillo

Erin is based in North Haven, CT, USA and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr