An active member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA), Layla is the literary assistant to agents Emily Forney and James McGowan at BookEnds Literary Agency, where they support 100+ clients, including award-winning, critically-acclaimed, and bestselling authors and illustrators.

In addition to their role at BookEnds, Layla is a Co-Director of the PB Rising Stars Mentorship, a program dedicated to mentoring emerging authors and illustrators from traditionally marginalized communities. In all things, Layla is wholeheartedly committed to breaking down barriers in publishing and creating space for diverse voices.

Layla holds a degree in clinical and educational psychology from Simon Fraser University, a foundation that shapes their commitment to fostering childhood development and championing inclusivity in literature. Now based in the Valley of the Sun, Arizona, Layla writes picture books, poetry, and novels for young readers, with a focus on themes of identity, belonging, and the magic that surrounds us—both out in the world and within ourselves, if we open our eyes to it.

When not immersed in folkloric fantasy or reviewing client manuscripts, Layla can be found painting Kurdistan, planting seeds, or collecting picture books from the public library.