Laila Donowa

Laila Donawa is a Master of Science candidate in Sports Management at Columbia University with a strong interest in the intersection of sports, media, and business strategy. Born in Hawaii and raised as a military child, Laila spent much of her life living abroad, which shaped her global perspective and passion for bringing people together through sport.

Before joining Columbia, Laila earned her MBA from Baylor University. Throughout her academic and professional experiences, she has developed a strong background in leadership, communications, and organizational strategy.

As the SPSSG Sports Management Representative, Laila hopes to help strengthen connections within the program, create opportunities for students to engage with the broader sports industry, and advocate for initiatives that enhance the student experience. She is excited to represent her peers, foster collaboration, and support programming that prepares students for impactful careers across the global sports landscape.