Kaya, born and raised in Islington, is the Leader of Islington Council and has represented Junction Ward since 2013. Kaya was appointed Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families in 2019, previously serving as Executive Member for Community Development. Kaya’s professional background is in the charitable sector, and she has worked for the Centre for Mental Health, Shelter and World Jewish Relief. Kaya sits on the Executive of London Council’s Grants Committee and the National Living Wage Friendly Funders Steering Group. Kaya is also a member of the Archway Town Centre Business group and is the Thrive LDN co-lead.