Alumni Spotlight: Laknath Gunathilake

Alumni Spotlight_ Laknath Gunathilake Fall 2018.png

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Current Job: Data and Process Analyst-City of St.Louis-Circuit Attorney’s Office (CAO)

LinkedIn

Describe FLIA in three words.

“Nurturing, Transformative, Fast-paced”

What does FLIA mean to you?

“FLIA provided a bridge to gain real-world experience after finishing my Master's program that helped me in obtaining a full-time position. My experience with FLIA also gave me an opportunity to examine some of the values that guide me in my work."

Describe your career path. How did your fellowship with Future Leaders in Action prepare you for this role? 

“I was unsure of what I wanted to do after graduate school but was interested in working in the realm of data and program evaluation in the non-profit/social sector. My fellowship with Row New York (RNY) was a perfect fit in this regard since my project at RNY expanded my existing skillset, which eventually led to my current position. In my current role, I help the St. Louis CAO in all data-related matters. My day to day work could involve anything from extracting data for research partners working with the CAO, creating ad-hoc reports for staff, or analyzing data to track policy goals.”

What is the most important thing you learned during your fellowship? Was there an individual, event or encounter that influenced the work you’re doing now?

"Although the fellowship lasted just a few months I learned a great deal from my time at RNY, especially from my coworkers and the FLIA cohort. A key takeaway from this experience that I still use is-seeking regular and consistent feedback on work/projects and setting up realistic goals for each week."

What’s something interesting about you that’s not in your resume?

“Since moving to St. Louis, I have become an avid bike commuter and try to ride my bike whenever I can.”