Kayla is the daughter of Salvation Army officers (ministers) who serve in the USA Eastern Territory. She currently works as the Youth UN Representative at The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission in New York, USA. Kayla lived in Costa Rica for the first six years of her life and has travelled extensively, most recently living in South Korea where she taught English as a foreign language for three years.

At 13, I was first introduced to the United Nations (UN) by my mother, when we attended the 55th Session of the Commission on the Status Women, the annual meeting of the UN’s global body to promote gender equality.

A passion for social justice, particularly for the girl-child, began to ignite inside of me. That passion never died. Now at 26, I have been involved with the UN and social justice community for thirteen years.

I have been led to research social justice issues, learn about global girl leaders, and become the Chair of The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Girls’ Group. Inspired by the UN Working Group on Girls, we wanted to give Salvationist girls an opportunity and a platform for their voices to be heard locally and globally. This group is a space for girls to learn about and advocate for social justice issues while also mirroring God’s Word.

It can be frustrating to hold on to hope that injustice will end overnight. God has taught me patience to trust Him in this fight, guiding my every step, and transforming me into the leader that I am today. Even though it can seem that injustice outweighs the justice in the world, I see hope in the face of every girl I work with. In their eyes, I see the passion they have to eliminate social injustice, to advocate for girls’ rights, and to change the world one girl at a time.

This reflects 13-year-old me and I am proud of my girls and of myself for the hope and transformation I see within The Salvation Army.