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Sharmila (Sam) Wijeyakumar, MSc

CEO @ iSales Dynamics | Anti Human Trafficking Survivor Leader | Women’s Empowerment Champion | Tech, SaaS, Blockchain & AI GTM expert

Sharmila (Sam) Wijeyakumar, MSc, is an accomplished C-suite leader, COO of Rahab's Daughters, and Chief Revenue Officer at Women on the RISE with a strong commitment to empowering women through AI technologies and combating human trafficking.

With a background spanning over two decades in digital transformation, data analytics, AI, regtech, and marketing technology, Sharmila focuses on fostering women-led businesses by establishing supportive networks, mentorship programs, and empowerment initiatives that aid in achieving professional and personal success.

Beyond her corporate roles, Sharmila offers advisory services to tech startups, particularly in the financial services, insurance, energy, and manufacturing sectors, helping them scale and expand into new markets. She also serves as a non-executive director at Rahab's Daughters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking and supporting survivors.

Sharmila's educational journey includes a Master's of Science in Communication - Custom Leadership Program from Northwestern University, a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication with a minor in Psychology from Purdue University Fort Wayne, and candidacy for a Doctor of Business Administration in Data Analytics/Data Science from the University of the Southwest.

Throughout her career, she has held various prominent positions such as Chief Executive Officer at iSales Dynamics, CRO at TrustyCore and Veriday, International Sales Director at NetCents Technology, and Vice President Sales & Marketing at Entando, among others. She has also been actively involved in organizations like IEEE and Willow Creek Community Church in leadership roles.

Sharmila's endeavours are fueled by her personal experiences, driving her commitment to empowering women and combatting human trafficking. Her ultimate goal is to create a world where women can flourish in their careers and live free from exploitation.

Highlights

Apr 26 · linkedin

Last week, an interesting thing happened. A Member of Parliament, running for office, visited my home to discuss her campaign. Interestingly, her focus was primarily on sports issues. However, during our conversation, it became apparent that she had very little knowledge about human trafficking, a cause close to my heart. Initially, I felt a mix of surprise and irritation. How could someone in her position be unaware of such a critical issue?

But here's where the magic of community and dialogue comes into play. Thanks to some insightful conversations with friends, I realized this wasn't just a moment of frustration but a golden opportunity. Instead of dwelling on her lack of knowledge, I could help educate her, leveraging her influence to advocate for vital changes in human trafficking policies.

This experience was a profound reminder of the power of the voices around us. They can help us see beyond the immediate irritations and embrace the potential to make a real impact. A big shoutout to Iraah W. and others in my circle who provide that perspective shift, reminding us that every interaction is a chance to advocate for the changes we wish to see in the world.

Let's continue to support each other, share knowledge, and shift paradigms. Together, we can turn every conversation into an opportunity for growth and advocacy. #ChangeMakers #CommunitySupport #HumanTraffickingAwareness

Apr 25 · linkedin

WomenTech Network hosted a wonderful panel discussion last night.

In the dynamic tech industry, diversity of thought drives innovation. That's why it's crucial for women to share their career journeys at every stage. Here's why:

🌟 Inspiration and Role Modeling - Stories from women in tech serve as powerful examples for those just starting out or considering tech careers.

🌟 Highlighting Unique Challenges and Solutions - Open discussions about the specific challenges women face can lead to real organizational change and provide valuable strategies for navigating these issues.

🌟 Encouraging Diversity of Thought - Women's unique perspectives enhance creativity and problem-solving, enriching the technological landscape.

🌟 Breaking the Glass Ceiling - Visibility in sharing successes and setbacks helps dismantle stereotypes and clears the path to leadership for future generations.

🌟 Networking and Support Systems - Sharing career stories opens up networking and mentorship opportunities, crucial for career advancement.

🌟 Driving Policy and Cultural Change - Persistent dialogue about experiences in tech can catalyze cultural shifts and improve workplace policies.

🌟 Empowering Women to Negotiate - Discussing negotiations and career strategies empowers women to advocate for their value, addressing the wage gap.

Let’s keep the conversation going to not only pave the way for future generations but also to foster a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative tech industry. Your story matters and can be the catalyst for change!

#WomenInTech #DiversityInTech #TechCareers #Innovation #Leadership #BreakingTheGlassCeiling #Empowerment

Sharmila (Sam) Wijeyakumar, MSc
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Location

London, England, United Kingdom