Krishanti Vignarajah - From Refugee To Gubuernatorial Candidate To CEO

“I wasn’t running despite being a woman, but in part because of being a woman.” – Krish O’Mara Vignarajah

Our guest this week Krish O’ Mara Vignarajah embodies “The Power Of The Only” not just because of her impressive resume, but by the way she shows up. She is creating a new model of what leadership looks like through her service and her actions and shows us how we can step into our “Only.”

Krish is the President and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS), one of only two organizations that are helping to reunify families during the separation crisis. She previously served in the Obama White House as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama and at the State Department as Senior Advisor.

With multiple degrees from Yale including serving on the Yale Law Journal and was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford, she’s also worked at McKinsey and Company.

In 2018 she was the only woman running for Governor of Maryland.

She was just nine months old when she and her family escaped Sri Lanka on the brink of a civil war with only $200. Now her mission is to help support others and their American dream.

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“Cancer obviously changes your perspective, just as the pandemic has made all of us appreciate every precious moment that we have.” – Krishanti Vignarajah

On today’s show, we talk about the power of authenticity and taking risks. She shares candidly about her very personal health story publicly to raise awareness and help others not feel so alone. She reveals the words that inspired her to run for governor while doing a spin class with Michelle Obama that can help you step into your strength. We discuss the journey of running for office as a new mother, how to overcome your self-doubt, and perfectionism. We also talk about why being an only isn’t always about being first, it’s about the path you leave behind for others.

“When I launched my campaign my daughter was three months old and I frankly thought it would be too tiring to try to be someone else.” – Krishanti Vignarajah

Show Notes:

Trust your gut when it comes to your body and your health
Her breast cancer journey during COVID-19
Diversity in the Maryland state legislature
How to get out of a rut
How to prepare to run for office
Why immigration is an asset to the US
Why women are uniquely qualified to run for office
How to find environments where your uniqueness is an asset

“When your mother is a maverick, you grow up challenging orthodoxy.” – Krishanti Vignarajah

3 Pieces of Advice or Action Steps:

Find mentors and sponsors
Seek out environments where you can bring a unique perspective as The Only
Pay it forward

Links and Resources:

–Krish For Maryland Video

Connect with Krishanti Vignarajah:

Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn |Luthern Immigration and Refugee Service

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To you and your voice,