Krish O’Mara Vignarajah

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President and CEO
Global Refuge

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, J.D., president and CEO of Global Refuge, has dedicated her career to public service and empowering newcomers to the United States. Born in Sri Lanka, Vignarajah arrived in Maryland as an infant with her family, escaping a country on the brink of civil war. This experience shaped her commitment to helping others seeking refuge and opportunity in America.

Vignarajah’s impressive career includes serving as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama and Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State under Secretaries Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. Her educational background is equally notable, with degrees from Yale Law School, Oxford University and Yale College.

Under Vignarajah’s leadership, Global Refuge has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 75 to over 700 employees. The organization provides comprehensive support to refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers, offering services ranging from resettlement assistance to economic empowerment programs.

In 2023, Vignarajah oversaw the launch of New American Lending, a community development finance institution providing personal and business loans to newcomers in Baltimore. This initiative exemplifies her innovative approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities.

Vignarajah’s vision for Global Refuge emphasizes inclusivity, equitable workplaces and supportive environments. She encourages her team to embrace their strengths and think outside the box, fostering a culture where “who we are is what we do.”