IMALI BANDARA

Sr. Director, Advocacy

imali@brysongillette.com

Imali is an experienced strategist whose background ranges from roles in philanthropy, communications, public affairs, and consulting. She brings expertise in philanthropy, civil and human rights, and public policy to help her clients navigate policy environments and develop their advocacy strategies. As a Director in the Issue Campaigns practice area at a previous firm, Imali led teams for clients focused on tech accountability and racial justice, and provided guidance to various philanthropic organizations on strategic planning, programs, and communications. She also worked on campaigns, conducted research, and built partnerships focused on a range of issues from immigration and public health to education and diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Imali also helped support the work of human rights organizations around the world through her role at Wellspring Philanthropic Fund’s International Human Rights Program, where she co-managed a multimillion dollar grantmaking portfolio and specialized in corporate accountability and human rights defenders’ work. She began her career at the United Nations Foundation, where she held roles in digital communications for global development campaigns focused on girls’ rights, malaria, and other UN causes. 

Imali values using her range of skills in service of connecting organizations doing influential work on the ground with the right set of resources, connections, and advice to help them make greater impact. 

As a graduate of both Duke University and UC Berkeley, Imali is a proud Californian transplant in Brooklyn who enjoys live music, cooking, and sharing her Sri Lankan culture with her community.