Laya was raised in a traditional Orthodox home and was destined to become a housewife until her life took an unexpected turn. After initially studying at Yeshiva University, she began working during the infancy of computers, climbing the industry’s ranks to become one of MasterCard’s first female programmers. Laya went on to found two successful data processing companies serving Fortune 500 clients and was identified by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of Philadelphia’s Top 25 Women Business Owners. She is credited with founding the first female club (and business club) table at the Union League of Philadelphia.

Laya has three grown children and works in the Philadelphia suburbs where she resides with her second husband. As two-time president of her local Rotary Club and a Paul Harris fellow, she regularly engages in international community service projects. When not writing, speaking, or spending time with her grandchildren, she travels extensively throughout the world.

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Her next project will be the creation of a secular cultural center called, ‘‘Our Cultural Center’’. The Center will be a warm and loving place that accepts and finds value in each person. It will be a space for families and individuals to be embraced by a community and participate in lessons and events, with no religious affiliation. This will build a community of character that endures from generation to generation.

Email: Author.Laya@gmail.com