How has being part of Enactus influenced /impacted you personally?

I come for a generous country and giving to those who need is a part of daily life in Sri Lanka. However, with Enactus, I leaned how to empower people for a more sustainable future. I’m personally interested in empowering children in education. One of the notable for me this year is a pilot of a social enterprise I’m working on to improve interest in coding/programming amongst young girls in impoverished communities.

How has being part of Enactus influenced / impacted you professionally?

Even though I am academically a molecular biologist and neuroscientist, today I work as an academic director of a pathway college to ECU. I use my skills developed during Enactus to lead and inspire the next generation of academic, scientists and leaders. Without Enactus this would have been a difficult task for me.

What skills and competencies did Enactus help you develop?

Leadership, Communication, think outside of the box, problem solving, innovation, seeing beyond the mere gaps but also how to bridge those gaps, working with a team, respect and trust.

How would you describe the benefits of Enactus to someone who is considering joining a team?

It is a lifetime reward. you learn to think with a practical mind. you learn to turn hardships to opportunities and solutions. You learn to serve the common humanity and be a guide to those who need. You become a leader not just to lead, but also to help other lead their lives independently. And everything you do, you will learn to appreciate yourself and have fun.

Please share some detail about a memorable experience / experiences you had whilst with Enactus.

My experience with Enactus is most probably the highlight of my time at ECU. Every project we developed left a lasting impression on our lives. During this time I was lucky to be a part of the 2015 squad to Nationals and win the spirit of enactus award and runners-up. Then in 2016, I was the president to took the team to win the national championship. I was to team leader to represent ECU and Australia to the Enactus World Cup, in Toronto, Canada. I was lucky enough to attend 2017 Enactus World Cup as a judge in the following year. Ever since, I have been supporting my ECU team to this date.

Briefly outline your career journey.

I’m a post graduate of Biotechnology with specialisation in genetic engineering, proteomics and neuroscience. After returning home during the COVID-19 pandemic, I started my professional career as an Academic Director of Edith Cowan College, Sri Lanka Campus. Today nearly 1500 students in foundation and diploma courses are under my care towards their university entry. It is a challenging career where I’m responsible to make sure these young people are inspired and promoted to follow their dreams and become valuable global citizens.