Lyla Kohistany

Lyla is an Afghan refugee, U.S. Navy veteran (Surface Warfare & Intelligence), organizational performance strategist, cultural intelligence advisor, and sci-fi enthusiast. She has deployed to Afghanistan three times alongside U.S. and NATO Special Operations Forces - once as a Naval Intelligence Officer and twice as a civilian Cultural Advisor. Deeply committed to uplifting refugees and veterans, Lyla launched Honor the Promise (a 501c3 nonprofit) to focus on the long-term resiliency of Afghan Army Special Operations Forces who were evacuated to the U.S. in the Fall of 2021.

Lyla is a member of several professional and civic organizations, such as AfghanEvac (Executive Advisory Council), Global Special Operations Foundation (Advisory Board), Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation (Ambassador), The Honor Foundation (Board of Directors), Truman National Security Project's Defense Council, and U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's Veterans in Smart Power.

She has had a distinguished career in the national security sector, working with various military, government, and civilian organizations on issues such as counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, all-source intelligence operations, and innovation. Lyla is also an accomplished corporate facilitator and educator, having designed/delivered hundreds of experiential programs on cultural intelligence, organizational performance, and inclusive leadership. She is a sought-after speaker on the power of inclusive leadership and high-performing teams at numerous national events, been featured in media outlets such as CNN, NPR, PBS, and The Washington Post, and contributed to numerous podcasts.

Lyla earned a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University. She enjoys international travel and spends every free moment with her niece and nephews.