I had the privilege of working on many projects with Layla, and I truly admire the way she thinks and leads. Layla is someone who constantly challenges herself and those around her to go beyond the expected. She brings fresh, innovative ideas to the table and has an exceptional ability to empower others toward success.

Even before structured succession planning was formally introduced by our nursing affairs department, Layla had already envisioned and implemented a clear professional development path for both nurse managers and clinical leaders. She personally identified and enrolled two SNIs into her team, guiding them closely and preparing them for future leadership roles. Her mentorship didn’t stop there; she continues to actively identify those with potential, dedicating her time and effort to mentoring and coaching them, always leading by example.

Layla is also a dependable resource person across departments. Her colleagues often turn to her for guidance, and she is always willing to support others with sincerity and professionalism. I also had the opportunity to work with her while she was covering as the Breastfeeding Committee Co-Chair. Her commitment and dedication were remarkable; she handled responsibilities from A to Z with unmatched ownership and passion.

Layla also plays a vital role in preserving and promoting our hospital’s COC model. Despite many original core members stepping down after the model’s founder left, Layla remained a steadfast pillar of the initiative. She continues to lead the Cultural Competency Sub-Council with passion and commitment, ensuring the model’s legacy lives on. She not only upholds its values in her daily practice but also actively teaches and advocates for the model’s principles to new staff, emphasizing its relevance and impact on patient-centered care.

During World Day for Cultural Diversity, Layla took the lead in organizing the event, and I had the opportunity to serve alongside her as a co-team leader. I was especially impressed by her flexibility, her willingness to listen to everyone’s ideas, and the respect she showed for diverse perspectives. Her leadership created a collaborative, inclusive environment where every team member felt valued.

I have also seen Layla go through challenging personal and professional times. Even in those moments, she remained strong, composed, and focused on supporting others. Her resilience and compassion are truly inspiring.

One of the things that makes Layla stand out is her deep belief in the power of recognition and gratitude. It’s one of her core values. She consistently creates initiatives aimed at celebrating her team, whether through formal recognition events, meaningful thank-you notes, or simply spotlighting everyday acts of excellence. She understands that when people feel appreciated, they thrive, and she lives this principle in everything she does.

Layla’s leadership is not only strategic but also deeply human. She is the kind of nurse leader who makes a lasting impact on her peers, on her team, and on patient care.