Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT SUE GUNAWARDENA-VAUGHN

Dynamic, collaborative, results-oriented human rights leader with international background and extensive philanthropy, advocacy, campaigning, and fundraising experience; strategic alliance builder with demonstrable commitment to supporting and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities & advancing human rights & racial justice; skilled people manager with ability to attract/mentor/lead high performing, racially and culturally diverse teams that collectively envision and deliver bold, transformative, social change. Twenty years’ experience in strategic grant-making (including USG sub-granting) and strong familiarity with philanthropy/non-profit sector; skilled in identifying and capacitating historically under-resourced racial/intersectional justice and other marginalized social movements and ensuring their long-term sustainability. Proven ability to develop effective “bottom-up” human rights/democracy/governance programming and implementing impactful high caliber programs that have stakeholder/beneficiary buy-in.Demonstrable track record spearheading successful global advocacy campaigns; adept at conducting high level lobbying/developing creative advocacy strategies at the local, national, and multi-lateral level that generate tangible wins.$4 million+ grants fundraising record with government & private donors; outstanding ability to develop and cultivate strong donor relationships Strong intercultural communication skills; ability to build trust & foster strong cross-cultural partnerships/collaboration with key affinity groups both in the US and overseas including racial and ethnic justice movements, frontline human rights defenders, feminist collectives, marginalized groups (LGBTIQ+, Indigenous groups, persons with disabilities, and ethno-religious minority communities) Excellent written/oral communication skills; skilled at managing multiple complex relationships and communicating with diverse multi-sector audiences; experienced media commentator.Strong track record of building strategic alliances with “unusual suspects” and crafting broad-based issue coalitions that cut across partisan lines and achieve tangible results.Highly skilled, empathetic, people manager/team builder with over 20-year proven record of recruiting, mentoring, and leading, high performing, racially/culturally diverse teams based in multiple geographic locations.Strong conflict resolution skills/ability to forge consensus and develop innovative “win-win” solutions to complex problems. Extensive international living, travel, and work experience.