Penny Abeywardena is a globally recognized leader who has spent over two decades driving strategic influence across philanthropy, government, and international institutions. As the former Commissioner for International Affairs for New York City, she led groundbreaking initiatives serving the world's largest diplomatic corps, creating award-winning programs like the Voluntary Local Review—a movement of hundreds of local governments working toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Her contributions to diplomacy and global leadership earned her the honor of being appointed Knight in France's National Order of Merit by President Macron.

Currently, Penny serves as Founder & CEO of Soft Power Strategies (SPS)  and Fellow-in-Residence at NYU McSilver Institute, where she specializes in identifying strategies of influence and persuasion when there is little or no perceived power. Through SPS she advises global institutions including PwC and The Elders. Her expertise spans critical global issues from AI to food security and climate change, and she contributes leadership insights as a Forbes columnist. 

With a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University and an undergraduate degree in business from the University of Southern California, she has held senior positions from directing the Women's program at Clinton Global Initiative to advising multinational corporations and philanthropists on strategic development initiatives. Her combination of diplomatic expertise, multilateral experience, and focus on soft power strategies has positioned her as an influential voice in international affairs and strategic influence.

Penny is currently leading a global discussion about the use of soft power positioning on a variety of issues, including advising Fortune 500 companies and governments. You can learn more at Soft Power Strategies.