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Meet our Founder & Leader
Dr. Gaya Gamhewage
As Founder, Dr. Gaya Gamhewage, dedicates and volunteers her expertise and experience to the Wisdom House. Her aim is to help build a new generation of leaders who can combine modern science with ancient wisdom to address the challenges we face in today's world.
Dr. Gaya is a medical doctor, former journalist, and internationally recognised leader in global health, institutional transformation, and leadership under pressure. With over three decades of experience across more than 50 countries, she has held senior leadership roles at the World Health Organization, shaping global approaches to crisis response, learning systems, and institutional accountability.
Her career spans community-based work in conflict-affected settings, international NGOs, and global governance, giving her a rare perspective on how systems, culture, and power operate across contexts. A widely published academic author, she bridges theory and practice, drawing on insights from science, policy, and lived experience. She is also a professional coach with extensive experience mentoring and coaching leaders worldwide, and an experienced trainer, learning expert, and facilitator who has designed and delivered programmes reaching millions. As a woman from the Global South who has navigated complex international systems, Dr. Gamhewage brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work on diversity and mentoring. Her work today focuses on building leaders and institutions capable of functioning wisely in a world under pressure.
Education and biography
Education
- Medical Degree from the University of Beijing
- Masters in International Policy making and negotiations – Graduate's Institute of Geneva
- Masters of Public Health – University of Heidelberg
Professional experience
Throughout her 24-year career at WHO, Dr Gamhewage has spearheaded initiatives in health emergency response, risk communication, and capacity building—playing a pivotal role in responses to global crises including COVID-19. She was WHO’s first Head of Corporate Communications and the inaugural Director for preventing and responding to sexual misconduct by aid workers.In addition to her medical education, Dr Gamhewage holds advanced degrees in International Health and Policy-Making & Negotiation, and is a certified coach and mentor. She has completed missions to more than 50 countries and lived in Sri Lanka, England, China, and Switzerland, bringing a truly global perspective to her work.
Certification – Highlights
- Certified Professional Coach
- Certified Group Coach
- Certified Neuroscience Coach
- Certified Trainer & Adult Learning Expert
- Certified Safeguarding Expert
- Certification in Leadership in Emergencies