Laila Shai

Laila Shai is a sophomore in GS, majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Linguistics. Originally from Tel Aviv, Israel, she is currently living her dream of being a real New Yorker!

During her service in the IDF, Laila spent two years as Deputy Head of Screenwriting, Direction and Research for the IDF Spokesperson Unit, primarily focusing on communications and marketing. After the military, Laila transitioned to journalism as a news editor for Maariv, where she still serves part-time as their reporter for American Affairs. 

Now at Columbia, Laila is involved in a number of student groups within the Jewish, Israeli, international and veteran community in GS, which she is proud to represent as part of the GSSC!

She’s thrilled to receive this opportunity to take part in the GS student experience, with her main goal being to ensure every student feels represented and has access to all the information and resources they need to make the absolute best of their time at Columbia. When she’s not working on student communication or studying in Butler, you’ll probably find her sipping coffee on the lawns, and you’re more than invited to join!