Dinuka Gunaratne

Dinuka Gunaratne is currently the Director, Centre for Graduate Professional Development at the University of Toronto. Over the last 15 years, he has worked at six post-secondary institutions across Canada in student services, fundraising, alumni relations, international education and career development. As a former international student from Sri Lanka and an immigrant to Canada, he is passionate about supporting immigrants and international students while advocating for system-level change for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) and dismantling racism in higher education. He is also a facilitator of Anti-Racism Response Training (ART). Over the last six years, Dinuka has specialized in supporting the career and professional development of graduate students (Masters, Ph.D. and Postdoc) and is recognized for his expertise in the field. He holds leadership positions with the Canadian Association of Colleges and University Student Services (CACUSS) Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network (GPDN), and the Graduate Career Consortium (GCC).

The resilience of young people and my students. Many of them travel far away to North America in search of a better future for themselves, their loved ones and their children. Their resilience, stories and accomplishments inspire me and instill hope in a world that is difficult these days to be hopeful.

Many educators have been influential in my life. Too many to name. What is common among them is how they supported me and believed in me when I, at times, didn’t believe in myself. I am grateful for those mentors and their wise wisdom and support.

Designing your Work Life, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

Rocking the Boat: How Tempered Radicals Effect Change Without Making Trouble, Debra Meyerson

The Adaptation Advantage: Let Go, Learn Fast, and Thrive in the Future of Work, Chris Shipley