ABOUT ME

MY STORY

Born and raised in North Carolina, Layla is a proud NC State alum (Go Pack!). Her college experiences with endometriosis led her to social work where she is focused on disability justice and healthcare policy. As a graduate student at Columbia University, Layla has been a relentless advocate for social change. She serves as the policy and advocacy chair for Payments for Placements, a student led collective fighting for social work students to be paid for their labor. She’s also involved with CU Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a grassroots student led movement calling upon Columbia University to divest from companies that profit off the Israeli occupation and the ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people. Layla is involved with the CUAD research committee and the CUAD press team.

Layla Saliba has been quoted in The Intercept, The Washington Post, The Hill, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and by the Associated Press.

  • Authored multiple press releases under high-pressure conditions during significant protest events at Columbia University.

  • Successfully communicated key messages and demands despite external threats, including potential National Guard involvement.

  • Worked with student leaders at NC State to successfully advocate for free menstrual products on campus. NC State is the first public university in the UNC system to provide free menstrual products to students.

  • Successfully advocated for increased funding towards endometriosis research in the North Carolina State legislature. Resulted in over $1 million going towards new research.

  • Leadershape Institute Graduate