Nayomi Kannangara – Her Place Board Director

Nayomi Kannangara – Her Place Board Director

Nayomi Kannangara is the CEO of the International Women’s Development Agency, Australia’s only development agency focused exclusively on gender equality. As the first woman of colour to lead IWDA in its 40-year history, Nayomi brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to feminist and decolonial principles and systemic change.

Born in Sri Lanka, Nayomi moved to Australia as a young adult on a prestigious AusAid scholarship for academic excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monash University and a Master’s in International Development from Deakin University. As a first-generation migrant woman, her lived experiences inform her leadership and drive for inclusivity in the development sector.

With over two decades of experience, Nayomi has held key technical and leadership roles within organisations such as Oxfam, Childfund US, Plan, and Save the Children International- with her most recent role being Head of Global Programs at Save the Children Australia, where she demonstrated strategic acumen and a commitment to fostering gender equity and cultural diversity.

Nayomi now leads IWDA and their bold ten-year organisational strategy that is grounded in a

feminist and decolonial approach to international development.