Danushi Fernando

Danushi Fernando is the Assistant Dean for Engagement and Strategic Programs at Columbia Engineering, where she leads the Engineering Community Engagement office. She joined the team over a year ago, bringing more than a decade of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIA) management within higher education.

Prior to her role at Columbia, Danushi served as the Chief Diversity Officer at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She also held leadership positions at other universities, including Director of the LGBTQ+ Center and the Women’s Center at Vassar College, and Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion at Clarkson University.

In addition to her work in DEIA, Danushi is a licensed clinical mental health counselor with experience in Title IX investigations and discrimination law. She holds three master's degrees in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling, Creative Writing and Literature for Educators, and Corporate and Organizational Communication.