My name, Ayla, means halo of light around the moon. Holding light and dark in tandem is where I find hope and possibility. My stories are conversations about love: moving, shifting, ever-evolving conversations.
I write with a nostalgia for a new future.
I write to reimagine.
Raised and educated all over the world, I have a master’s in human rights and am the co-founder of MINDSHIFT LEADERSHIP and co-host of THE SHIFT podcast. I speak four languages and laugh in all. I am a queer Iranian-Canadian from Tkaronto/Toronto living in Tiohtia:ke/Montréal, raising my two young children.
in the media
INTERVIEW SERIES | YOU x ME Conversations
What does the book’s natal chart reveal? with Susheela Willis
How art helps us feel seen, more human + better connected with Dr. Yashar Khosroshahi, ND
Can we have it all in inclusive romance fiction? with Generous Press
How Writers Are Reimagining Joy & Purpose with Bonnibel Rambatan
What does the energy of the book reveal? with Kenya Raymer
Queer Futures, Writing & Belonging with Gayathiri Kamalakanthan
podcast | THE SHIFT
INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEW WITH FORGET THE BOX
Wild Pride: Queer Joy, Politics, and Power
INTERVIEW WITH MET RADIO: THE INTERSECTION
ORGANIZING FOR WILD PRIDE
INTERVIEW WITH LOCAL 514
Wild Pride doesn't shy away from politics
INTERVIEW WITH BONNIBEL RAMBATAN
Is it worth it to keep writing and making art in 2026?
INTERVIEW WITH STELLA
Reclaiming Your Voice + Rediscovering Yourself
LEADERSHIP CONVERSATIONS
Evolving as a Leader
THE LIFESTYLE EDIT
EP# 38 Abundance Mindset & Flow
CANADIAN COLLEAGUE CONNECTION
Part 1: Cultivating Inclusion
CANADIAN COLLEAGUE CONNECTION
Part 2: Cultivating Inclusion
SPOKEN WORD
FEELS ZINE PERFORMANCE
Live Spoken word Reading
THE SOULFUL SERIES
(INTERVIEW + PERFORMANCE)
THE JOURNEY OF INTUITIVE CREATION
QUANTUM CONVOS
(INTERVIEW + PERFORMANCE)
An Empowered Voice