Penny Abeywardena

Accomplished Speaker, Panelist & Moderator; Former NYC Commissioner for International Affairs; Former Director of Girls and Women Integration at the Clinton Global Initiative

Travels From Travels From:
New York, NY, USA
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Penny Abeywardena Biography

As a young child, Penny Abeywardena emigrated from Sri Lanka to the United States with her family. She spent her youth as an undocumented immigrant, a 1980s version of a “Dreamer." Today, she is a Knight in the National Order of Merit presented by French President Macron and holds leadership roles in international affairs, government, and philanthropy.

She is a lifelong advocate of women’s rights and a vocal champion for sustainability and social justice. Her contribution to social justice has been recognized and celebrated by the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and the French American Foundation, among others. Penny is the former New York City Commissioner for International Affairs. During her eight years of service (2014-2022), she led the agency serving the largest diplomatic corps in the world. During her tenure, New York City successfully implemented a series of award-winning programs with the international community focused on issues ranging from youth empowerment to the leadership of cities and local governments on global issues like climate change and rebuilding post the COVID-19 pandemic.

When NYC was the epicenter of the pandemic in the US, her team was responsible for working with the United Nations and foreign governments to procure necessary medical equipment. Abeywardena’s leadership in crisis resulted in a historic donation from the UN to the City of New York and donations from dozens of countries. Before her role in government, Abeywardena was the Director of the Women’s program at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), where she advised multinational corporations, philanthropists, NGOs, and multilateral institutions to increase investments in gender-focused development initiatives.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, she completed her Master of International Affairs at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. She is a proud Sri Lankan/American/New Yorker and mom to a young son.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/10/2024.

Penny Abeywardena Videos

  • Alumni Keynote Address: Penny Abeywardena MIA '05
    Penny Abeywardena is New York City's Commissioner for International Affairs. As head of the Mayor's Office for International Affairs, she leads the...
  • Brut Media: How America's cities are fighting climate change
    Donald Trump may not believe in climate change — but these U.S. cities are acting without him. Featuring Penny Abeywardena. Original source:...
  • Striking a Green New Deal | DAVOS 2020
    Political leaders around the world are proposing "Green New Deals" that link goals to combat climate change, social justice reforms and economic...

FAQs on booking Penny Abeywardena

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  • What topics does Penny Abeywardena speak about?

    Penny Abeywardena is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Female Leadership, Influential Women, Inspirational, International Business, Leadership, Political, Women's Rights, World Affairs.
  • Where does Penny Abeywardena travel from?

    Penny Abeywardena generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Penny Abeywardena is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Penny Abeywardena for your event is available upon request. Penny Abeywardena generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mika Brzezinski, Sabrina Yang, Dana Walden, Miuccia Prada and Shiza Shahid. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Penny Abeywardena for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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