Hasini Basnayake

MRM

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Hasini has a passion for applying her knowledge in land and water use management to global communities. She draws on her international background and communication skills to facilitate collaborative solutions to complex natural resource management problems in a cross-cultural context.

Hasini joined the Compass team in 2022. She holds a master’s degree in Resource Management (MRM) and a BSc in Environmental Science from Simon Fraser University. She brings in experience working with carbon budgets in wetland and forest ecosystems, GIS/spatial analysis skills, and ecosystem conservation policy.

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What do you do when unplugged from work?

I dance. A lot. I co-founded a dance company named BollyFusion, which aims to provide a safe space for women to feel empowered through dance.

What was your first job?

Barista at a café. I do not drink coffee. (But enjoyed making conversation).

What is something most people don’t know about you (but will now)?

I dropped out of kindergarten because my dance teacher told me I can’t dance. 22 years later, I co-founded a dance company.

Why do you do what you do?

I come from a small town in a developing country, and I want to eventually give back to similar marginalized and vulnerable communities. The work I do helps me gain the experience needed to hopefully facilitate much-needed sustainable growth practices in those communities sometime in the future.

What truly blows your mind?

How much power we have in controlling the trajectory of our own lives, and how unaware we are of it.