Iyla was admitted as a lawyer and worked as a law academic for over 20 years specialising in mediation and dispute resolution. She is currently a Non-Executive Director of Metro South Hospital and Health Service, UQ Residences Ltd and an Adjunct Professor in the University of Queensland Law School.
She highly values the education she received from the Sisters of Mercy in country Queensland and has served for 9 years as Chair of All Hallows’ School and for 3 years as a Director of Mercy Community Services (SEQ).
She has held leadership roles as Assistant Dean (International, Commercial and Community Engagement) Queensland University of Technology and the Head of College and CEO of the Women’s College UQ. Her previous board roles have included: National and Queensland President of Relationships Australia, National President of University Colleges Australia, Non Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board Queensland and member of the Specialist Accreditation Board Queensland Law Society.
She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to education and a National Leadership Award from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL). She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of Women Chiefs of Enterprises International.
She is a committed Catholic and an active member of her local parish. She is looking forward to continuing her connection with the Mercy tradition and charism through her new role with Mercy Ministry Companions.