Lilyann Haygood turns struggle to success and support for herself and others
By James Auvil
Lilyann Haygood, a senior double major in marketing and business analytics with a concentration in digital marketing, is a first-generation college student and only the third person in her family to graduate from high school. Despite facing doubt and adversity throughout her life, she has consistently transformed challenges into opportunities for success. For Haygood, achievement is not about a 4.0 GPA or class rank — it is about proving to herself what is possible and using her experiences to uplift others.
When Haygood was 12, her outlook on life shifted after her mother attempted suicide. Financial instability became a reality, and keeping the lights on was not guaranteed. She began working at a young age to help support her family. Rather than allowing these circumstances to define her, Haygood graduated from high school a year early.
She enrolled at The University of Alabama in Huntsville immediately afterward, moving onto campus younger than many of her peers and uncertain about what lay ahead.
“I was not prepared for this,” Haygood said. Still, she refused to let that uncertainty hold her back.
Determined to find her place, Haygood attended what she initially believed was a College of Business event, only to realize it was a recruitment event for the Kappa Delta sorority at UAH. “I thought it was a College of Business event,” she said with a laugh. She quickly found a sense of belonging and connection with the members.
Haygood later served as vice president of finance for Kappa Delta, where she redefined the role by going beyond financial management to prioritize support for her fellow members.
“I like to change the normal,” she said. “Normal is not for me. I like to change it, grow it, and if I’m not there forever, that’s OK. It becomes someone else’s story.”
In addition to her involvement in Kappa Delta, Haygood is a leader within the College of Business, serving as president of the UAH Sales Club. She emphasizes listening to members and fellow leaders to guide the organization’s growth.
Balancing multiple commitments, Haygood acknowledges she cannot attend everything but relies on strong communication and delegation. “I delegate and I communicate; I don’t need to do it all,” she said.
Through both hardship and achievement, Haygood emphasizes the importance of patience and empathy.
“Outside of it all, I’m a human, and so are they,” she said.
She also finds joy in the success of others and encourages her peers to embrace their own paths.
“It’s OK if you feel like you’re behind or ahead,” she said. “You don’t have to be perfect.”
