A West Australian university student whose family came to Australia as refugees has been selected as a youth delegate to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Haweya Ismail’s family fled Somalia in the mid-1980s shortly before civil war broke out.

She was born in Saudi Arabia but has grown up in Australia.

She says her family’s story and her strong connection with Africa are what drive her ambition to help people in developing countries.

Haweya Ismail spoke with Darren Mara ahead of her trip to the United States.