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Danushi Fernando
Staff Spotlight: Danushi Fernando
Danushi Fernando joined ESF as the new Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) in April. She
brings more than 10 years of experience in diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility
from Vassar College, Clarkson University, and Farleigh Dickinson University. At ESF,
her goal is to make sure that everyone feels supported, heard, and knows that they
belong. How does she tie her life experience with her work at ESF?
Q: Why are you passionate about Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility?
A: I first got interested in diversity, equity and inclusion work because of my own
experiences as a queer woman, born and raised in the height of the Sri Lankan civil
war. I wanted to find ways to navigate conflict that didn't end in bloodshed. I wanted
to stop being ashamed of my sexuality. Higher education gave me the space to explore
all this. On the way, I learned that I really enjoyed bringing people together to
have tough conversations. I loved these bridge-building opportunities because they
helped people recognize each other’s humanity. This is what made me fall in love with
my work. To help someone see themselves in another’s eyes is the first step in their
journey to realize that every single one of us is deserving and entitled to living
the life we want for ourselves. It’s wonderful that I can help someone on their journey!
Q: Tell us about your community service work with HarborLab, a volunteer-led environmental
nonprofit.
A: I am the volunteer and intern manager for HarborLAB. We use kayaking and canoeing
to educate and provide access to the New York City waterways. As one of the only predominantly
person-of-color volunteer organizations on the NYC waterfront, our services are focused
on under-resourced and marginalized communities.
Q: What are some of your goals for diversity and inclusion at ESF?
A: My overarching goal for ESF is that its current and future and community members
feel that they all truly belong here. We can accomplish our goals if we work together
and trust each other. One of my first goals is to really build and strengthen relationships
both on campus and in the greater community. By building a sound foundation of trust,
I hope that ESF is seen as a just institution and that marginalized communities feel
visible and recognize that they have a space for them to thrive.
Q: What should know about the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (OIDE).
A: Students should know OIDE is a campus resource. We exist to support them and to
amplify their voices. I want our students to know that our mission is for them to
flourish at ESF so that when they leave, they know that they have a community to fall
back on.