Jayla Cody was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. She graduated from Columbia College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History. After graduating she had various roles serving students and families in the Kansas City community including Missouri College Advising Corps, The Local Investment Commission, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Jayla joined the OSI staff as a LGBTQIA Program and Services Graduate Assistant in August 2024. She is pursuing a Master's of Public Administration. In her free time, she enjoys live music, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.