Independent (Chedliya Ishak Sahabdeen)

I am a multidisciplinary professional whose work sits at the intersection of science, leadership, and strategic communication, driven by a strong sense of purpose and impact. With formal training as a scientist and a career that spans research, marketing, and organizational leadership, I focus on creating meaningful value in both corporate and community spaces. I hold a Master of Science in Regenerative Medicine and have extensive research experience at the Human Genetics Unit of the University of Colombo. My scientific work has covered areas such as stem cell biology, molecular genetics, clinical diagnostics, and global genomics collaborations. This foundation has shaped how I think and work, grounding me in analytical rigor, evidence-based decision-making, and precision. My research contributions have been recognized through the Young Scientist Award and multiple international citations, reinforcing my belief in the importance of science that serves people and society. Alongside my academic journey, I have consistently invested in leadership and service. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Genetics with a minor in Biochemistry at Massey University in New Zealand, where I was actively involved in student leadership and advocacy. Serving as President and Public Relations Officer of Amnesty Massey and working with AIESEC on youth leadership and community development projects strengthened my commitment to social impact, global citizenship, and collaborative action. My leadership continued to evolve through Rotaract. As the Fifty-Second President of the Rotaract Club of Colombo from 2021 to 2022, I led the club through one of its most impactful years, completing 52 community projects across education, sustainability, crisis response, SME development, and international service. During this period, the club was awarded the Rotaract Gold Citation and the Rotary International Citation, and I co-authored the book 52 Years and Counting. These experiences shaped my leadership style, one rooted in empathy, structure, accountability, and resilience. In my professional career, I currently serve as Marketing Manager at Macksons Holdings, where I lead branding, communications, product launches, corporate storytelling, consumer engagement campaigns, and global exhibitions. I bring scientific discipline into marketing strategy, ensuring that creativity is supported by insight, research, and long-term brand thinking. My work spans ATL, BTL, digital platforms, and experiential marketing, always with a focus on authenticity and consumer connection. In 2025, my leadership journey was recognized when I received the NextTier Leader of the Year Award from Women in Management at the Top 50 Global Awards. This recognition reflects my commitment to continuous growth, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership. My mission is to use knowledge, creativity, and leadership to build systems, brands, and communities that are ethical, inclusive, and future-focused. My vision is to continue bridging disciplines and sectors to create impact that is sustainable, human-centered, and globally relevant, while inspiring others to lead with integrity, curiosity, and compassion.