Krish O'Mara Vignarajah: A Legacy of Empowerment + Hope

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah’s journey from a war-torn country to becoming the President and CEO of Global Refuge is a powerful testament to resilience and the spirit of giving back. Fleeing with her family from civil strife when she was just nine months old, they arrived in Maryland with $200 and a dream for a better life. Krish's early exposure to grassroots politics, as she accompanied her mother to support Senator Barbara Mikulski, ignited a passion for advocacy that has defined her life.

An accomplished scholar, Krish graduated magna cum laude from Yale College with a Master’s in Political Science and a B.S. in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology. She went on to become a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University and earned an M.Phil. in International Relations before returning to Yale Law School. Her impressive academic journey paved the way for her influential roles in the White House, where she served as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama. She was also a Senior Advisor at the State Department under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry.

At Global Refuge, Krish leads a dedicated team that has provided essential support to over 750,000 people seeking safety and a new beginning in the United States. “Welcoming newcomers isn’t just our duty—it’s an inherent part of our identity,” she states, reflecting on the importance of community in the resettlement process. Her commitment to helping others navigate their own paths is deeply rooted in her own family's experiences as immigrants.

Krish is also a strong advocate for civic engagement, urging citizens to recognize the power of their votes. “Recent elections should disabuse us of the idea that your vote does not matter,” she emphasizes. Her call to action serves as a reminder that every voice counts and every effort to uplift others can create a ripple effect of change.

Balancing her demanding career with family life, Krish continues to embody the values of resilience, empathy, and empowerment while raising her two daughters, Alana and Leya. She is not just a leader in public service but also a role model for the next generation. Through her work and her story, Krish O'Mara Vignarajah inspires others to rise, thrive, and extend a hand to those seeking a better life.