Harvard-trained leader with 15+ years advising governments, UN agencies, and NGOs on migration, humanitarian strategy, and inclusive crisis solutions across Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and beyond.
With over 15 years of field-tested leadership across some of the world’s most volatile regions, Pushpi Weerakoon stands out as a globally recognized expert in peacebuilding, migration governance, and crisis response. From the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh to post-earthquake recovery in Haiti and climate resilience in the Pacific, she has built a reputation for delivering transformative solutions under pressure.
A Harvard MPA and doctoral researcher at the UN University for Peace, she has advised senior government leaders, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners on program strategy, crisis management, reparations, social cohesion, and anti-trafficking initiatives. Her work spans Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean—managing $350M+ in multi-sector programming and shaping policy in complex humanitarian emergencies.
Recognized globally with awards including the ‘Rotary Alumni Global Service’ Award (2025) and ‘Millenium Volunteer’ Award, Pushpi also brings a deep commitment to ethics, inclusion, and gender equity. She is a certified trainer in PSEA, psychosocial first aid, suicide gatekeeping and gender-based violence response, and has represented her expertise as a guest speaker at global platforms including Harvard, OECD, Seoul National University, and the UN.
Over the years, Pushpi have been deeply honored to receive global recognition for her contributions to peacebuilding, humanitarian service, and leadership. From the Rotary Alumni Global Service Award (2025)—the highest honor bestowed on a Rotary alumnus worldwide—to the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program Scholar award, these accolades celebrate a journey devoted to advancing social justice and reconciliation. Earlier milestones such as the Rotary National Peace Award (2011), Rotary International Avenues of Service Citation (2012), and multiple leadership fellowships at Harvard and the UN University for Peace reflect not only her professional achievements but also her lifelong commitment to empowering communities and building bridges of understanding across cultures.
Service has always been at the heart of Pushpis personal and professional identity. As a lifelong Rotarian, she has led initiatives on childhood development, literacy, alumni engagement, and peacebuilding—serving as President of Rotary Club of Cinnamon Gardens and later on the Board of Rotary International’s Action Group on Migration, Displacement & Refugees. Beyond Rotary, her volunteerism spans grassroots reconciliation work in Sri Lanka, training mediators and youth leaders, supporting migrant and displaced populations across the world, mentoring future peacebuilders and humanitarian relief services during emergencies man made or natural. These experiences reflect a deep belief that true leadership is measured not only in policies shaped or projects delivered, but also in the lives touched and opportunities created for others.
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Outside of professional commitments, Pushpi pursue a diverse range of creative and adventurous passions that keep her grounded and inspired. She’s an Advanced Open Water certified scuba diver, a published photographer, and an art and sculpture exhibitionist who enjoys translating experiences into visual storytelling. As time permits, she also practices ballroom and Latin American dance at an intermediate level, and remain an avid sportswoman, having once captained her school’s basketball and netball teams while earning full colors in multiple sports. Whether exploring history and nature, diving beneath the ocean’s surface, or expressing herself through art and movement, these hobbies reflect her belief in living life fully and cultivating joy alongside purpose.