After a thorough recruitment process, the new GSIF Regional Manager for Asia Pacific has been appointed. Originally from Sri Lanka, Onalie DeSilva is a former student of a Good Shepherd School. She later studied Economics, International Studies and Environmental Studies in the US and is a visiting lecturer in International Business at various universities in Sri Lanka, the UK and Australia. She has been working at the Sri Lanka country office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for two years, campaigning for social change to mobilize young people against gender-based violence.

Onalie feels naturally inclined to serve the community and brings youth, energy and enthusiasm to her new role. She is passionate about educating and empowering young girls and those most vulnerable. She worked as part of a local team within the Good Cyber Practice Project in Asia Pacific, which ran from October 2021 to February 2022. Having begun her new role in June 2022, she has spent these past months working alongside her predecessor, Theresa Symons.

She recently spoke of how it is “with deep gratitude and hope that I have assumed this new role to serve the Good Shepherd family, especially across Asia Pacific.” Commenting on her becoming a member of the GSIF family, Onalie went on to say: “I sincerely believe that collectively – by bringing together global skills, competencies and knowledge across GSIF – we are able to strengthen ourselves to serve more communities of women and young girls in vulnerable situations. My hope is that we grow together in capacities, resources and passion to serve the Good Shepherd mission.”

Welcome Onalie!