International Women’s Day Spotlight: Jelisa Shanjana Amarasekera

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the trailblazers who redefine success, challenge the status quo, and carve out spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued.  

Jelisa Shanjana Amarasekera - our co-founder is one such force. A woman who has navigated the worlds of law, media, and entrepreneurship with grit and determination. From hosting political talk shows fresh out of university to building her path in the industry, Jelisa’s journey is a testament to resilience, bold ambition, and the power of unwavering self-belief.

In this interview, she shares her biggest challenges, the lessons that have shaped her, and the advice she has for young women ready to forge their paths.

Let her story inspire you to step into your power, embrace challenges, and create the future you envision. 

1. What’s your biggest challenge as a woman in your industry?

Along the way, I had different mentors who helped shape my journey. Transitioning from law school to media and then into entrepreneurship, I was fortunate to have a very supportive ecosystem. However, the one person who has always stood by me and shaped me into the person I am today is my mother. She taught me resilience and the importance of never taking anything for granted.

2. What advice would you give young women looking to start their own business? 

To young women aspiring to be entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: start before you feel ready, always have gumption. Success isn’t about having all the answers from day one—it’s about learning, adapting, and showing up even when things get tough. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, but most importantly, believe in your vision even when no one else does. As Oprah Winfrey once said, ‘Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create’. Your journey is yours to write—make it bold, fearless, and unapologetically yours.

3. Can you share a moment when you felt truly empowered in your work? 

One of the most empowering moments in my career was stepping onto a political talkshow and hosting a whole season of it fresh out of university- in a space where experience was often valued over potential, yet I was given the responsibility to navigate complex political discussions with confidence and clarity. It was both intimidating and exhilarating—knowing that I had to prove myself in a room full of seasoned professionals. But that moment wasn’t just about the opportunity itself; it was about realizing that I was capable, that my voice mattered, and that I belonged in spaces that once felt out of reach. Looking back, that experience became a powerful reminder that we often grow the most when we are pushed outside our comfort zones. It taught me to never let self-doubt dictate my path and to embrace every challenge as a stepping stone to something greater. To every young woman out there: don’t wait for permission to step into your power. You are more capable than you think, and the world needs your voice, your ideas, and your courage to break new ground.