Layla Khan

“As a soldier, I was trained to see the world in black and white, but photography has taught me to appreciate the nuances and details that make each moment unique.”

Layla is a woman who hails from Afghanistan and grew up in Seoul. She joined the army as soon as she could and found purpose and fulfillment through her service. She proudly served her country for six years and earned many accolades for her bravery and leadership. Despite facing challenges and prejudices as a woman and a person of color, Layla dedicated herself to her work and teammates. During her time overseas on deployment, she discovered a love for photography and spent every free moment capturing the beauty and humanity around her.

What was your favorite memory of serving in the army?

There are too many to count, but probably the most memorable was when I led my team on a successful mission that saved dozens of lives. It was a defining moment for me as a leader and a soldier.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the military?

Understand that it's not just a job, it's a way of life. You have to be willing to put your country and your fellow soldiers above yourself. It's not easy, but it's worth it.