Layla has experience researching women in the labor force and work-life policies. . Previously, she worked as the Senior Government Affairs Assistant at the Mortgage Bankers Association. Layla has also worked at the Institute for Women's Policy Research, where she collaborated with Labor Economist Dr. Vicky Lovell to further paid sick leave research. She has also co-authored a paper with the Mobility Agenda entitled, "Work-Life Policies for the Twenty-First Century Economy."

In addition, Layla has worked with the National Council of Women’s Organizations and the American Association of University Women Lobby Corps. She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida, where she earned a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Women’s Studies. Layla received an M.A. in Public Policy focusing in Women’s Studies from the George Washington University in 2007.