Hello! I’m Layla, a junior at Columbia University from the Bronx, NY majoring in Urban Studies/Education and minoring in Ethnicity & Race Studies. I have an energetic personality with lots of multifaceted interests, eager to take the media world by storm. My skills and experiences are unlimited: web development, photography, videography, journalism, marketing, graphic design, choreography, founding nonprofits, curriculum development, and more. My enthusiasm for learning, desire for creativity, passion for community, and commitment to amplifying marginalized voices shape me into a renowned leader across various spaces on-campus and New York City. I am passionate about bridging my multimedia background to spotlight the histories and narratives of BIPOC folx, challenging systems of power and driving societal discourse that impacts policies.

I am an award-winning, published journalist and marketing professional, with works featured in GLAAD, New York Daily News, New York Amsterdam News, YR Media, Columbia Daily Spectator, and the Yale Daily News. My journey with storytelling began with the founding of Journals of Color, a literary magazine empowering over 40+ Bronx teenagers to channel their creative voices and publish monthly issues. My work in Journals of Color earned me distinction as the New York City Winner of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations in 2021 and the Bronx All-Star distinction awarded at Yankee Stadium

I’ve continued to bring the momentum at Columbia across various clubs and departments on campus, most notably serving as the Communications Coordinator for the school’s orientation program for an incoming class of 2,000+ students. I spearheaded all media strategy and created all short-form and long-form content, culminating in over 100,000 social media impressions across the school’s socials. My work for various media companies, including GLAAD, New York Amsterdam News, and Warner Bros. Television Group as a current Creative Intern and Campus Ambassador, make me a seasoned media professional committed to harnessing the power of multimedia storytelling. I’m excited to explore new opportunities that challenge me, push creative boundaries, and leave a lasting impact on the communities I care deeply about.