Tehani among top 10 Zonta international award winners

Tehani Chandrasena has won the prestigious Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs International Award. Nominated by the Zonta Club II of Colombo, Tehani was first selected as the winner of the YWPA District 25 Award competing with nominees from India, Bangladesh and Nepal and then competing with 32 candidates from all the Districts of Zonta for the 10 International awards. Tehani is the only winner from Asia – the others being from the US, Canada, Italy and Australia.

Tehani completes her schooling this month at Asian International School and will pursue her college education at the Seven Sisters Liberal Arts University, Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts USA. She plans to study International Relations with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Tehani was the President of the Z Club of Colombo when she was 15 and worked on several projects uplifting the lives of women and children. She was also the vice president of the Interact Club of Colombo, senior prefect, house captain, netball captain, choir leader, member of the Community Service Club and vice president of the Model United Nations Cub of Asian International School. Tehani also served on the executive committee of the Colombo operated Model United Nations as Head of Admin for two consecutive years.

With plans to start her own NGO with the focus on educating the girl child, her dream is to eventually work with the United Nations.

“We the Zonta Club of Colombo II are pleased that our nominee Tehani Chandrasena has been recognized as one of these 10 outstanding young women,” said Manthri Perera, club President said.

Zonta’s Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award recognizes young women fordemonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.