Join us for a Norman and Florence Brody Family Foundation Public Policy Forum, a discussion with Krish O'Mara Vignarajah.
From federal civil service to community leadership, Krish O'Mara Vignarajah brings senior-level experience on a variety of foreign policy issues. While serving as former First Lady Michelle Obama's Policy Director, she led the Let Girls Learn Initiative to empower young women around the world through education. Prior to this, she also advised former Secretaries of State Kerry and Clinton on subjects ranging from international law to engagement with religious communities. Vignarajah is currently the President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, promoting awareness and providing vital services to vulnerable communities. Her career in public policy and tireless work for these groups is full of insight for future practitioners.
Attend this event on April 5 at 12pm by clicking this link
Speaker Bio
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah has committed her career to public service because she knows how differently life could have turned out. Krish was 9-months old when she and her family escaped a country on the brink of civil war and built a life in Maryland – her parents came to this country with no jobs and just $200 in their pockets. Her interest in public service and grassroots politics began at an early age. In elementary school, Krish went knocking door to door with her mother in support of Senator Barbara Mikulski when she won her historic first race for the Senate.
During her time at the White House, Krish led State First Lady Michelle Obama’s signature Let Girls Learn initiative. At the State Department, she coordinated development and implementation of multiple programs including those concerning global women’s issues, climate and migration, engagement with religious communities, the legal dimensions of U.S. foreign policy, and regional issues related to Africa and the Middle East.
Krish has been recognized as one of The Daily Record’s “Most Admired CEOs,” “Top 100 Women,” and the Baltimore Sun’s Women to Watch. She serves on boards and committees for the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the World Trade Center Institute, and the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration. She and her husband, Collin O’Mara, are the parents of a young daughter, Alana.
Celebrating 40 Years
This event is part of a year-long series celebrating the School of Public Policy's 40th anniversary. During this year the School reflects on a fundamental question — what role should programs of public policy play in our world? The policymaker and analyst of the past needs to be the policy entrepreneur of the future, adept at navigating an ever-changing governance landscape. As we look forward to our next 40 years of serving the public good, we commit to advancing education and research.