Penny Abeywardena

Commissioner for International Affairs, New York City

Penny Abeywardena is a prominent government leader, international affairs expert, and human rights advocate with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles across various sectors.1 2 She is the Founder and CEO of Soft Power Strategies, a Fellow-in-Residence at NYU's McSilver Institute, and a leadership strategies contributor at Forbes.1 2

From 2014 to 2022, Abeywardena served as the Commissioner for International Affairs for New York City, leading the agency responsible for the world's largest diplomatic corps.1 2 Prior to this, she was the Director of the Women's program at the Clinton Global Initiative from 2009 to 2014.1

Abeywardena's contributions have been recognized by prestigious organizations, including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum.1 2 She was appointed to the rank of Knight in France's National Order of Merit by President Macron for her global leadership in diplomacy, human rights, and sustainability.1

Currently, Abeywardena serves on several boards, including the United Nations Democracy Fund, FHI360, and the Center for Reproductive Rights.1 2 She has previously served on the board of the United Nations Development Corporation, which oversees US-based real estate.1 2

Abeywardena holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University and an undergraduate degree in business from the University of Southern California.1 2