A Place for Puppetry in the World Today
Sulochana for PUPPETRY ! …. Sulo now resides in Adelaide and is therefore a resource within reach for All Australians …
Source:Thuppahis
SULOCHANA DISSANAYAKE …. CV
Sulo Dissa
Events | Communication | Marketing
+61 (0) 452507389| powerinfoplay@gmail.com | LinkedIn
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
I’m an innovative events manager based in Adelaide, SA, passionate about using performing arts to drive engagement for entertainment, marketing, and community-building. With over 14 years of experience in events and student recruitment, I’ve worked with diverse communities, including universities, on large-scale events and programming for international sponsors, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
My background in economics helps me align performing arts with organizational goals to create impactful programming that boosts revenue, enhances reputations, and builds community connections. My international student experience enables me to create safe, respectful environments for diverse stakeholders and drive sustainable outcomes. I excel in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing award-winning events for regional, interstate, and international clients. With grit, integrity, and compassion, I am a committed team player dedicated to achieving results aligned with organizational objectives.
SYSTEMS
SKILLS
COMPETENCIES
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Word
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PowerPoint
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Excel
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Canva
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Event design & management
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International student recruitment
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Marketing & organisational skills
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Creative Writing
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Inter-cultural Communication
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Critical thinking
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Compassionate leadership
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Creative problem solver
ACHIEVEMENTS
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Created & delivered the largest youth engagement project 2024 (USAID/Power of Play)
Secured funding of AUD 422,000 for a 7-month long contract from USAID for Power of Play
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Won the BUNKA Award 2016 (Power of Play PVT LTD)
Established the first commercially successful puppet-event company and motivated a multi-disciplinary team of 15 collaborators to deliver award-winning events to global clients.
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Led large-scale communication campaigns 2011-2024 (Australia AID, UN, GIZ/Germany, British Council/UK)
Designed and executed innovative public awareness programs for international donors.
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Created award winning programming for empowerment 2019 (Power of Play PVT LTD)
Designed and delivered programs for children, youth and communities on gender, diversity, equity &
inclusion and communal harmony for regional, interstate and international clients.
HONOURS & AWARDS
2019: Best Event for giant puppetry on gender equality at the State Theatre Festival
2013: ‘40 under 40’ for 40 outstanding innovators & disruptors under 40 Y- Echelon Business Magazine
2009: Watson Fellowship of Thomas J. Watson Foundation (IBM)
2005-8: Dana Scholar & Arata Scholar, Bates College (USA)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Events Assistant, Eastwood Community Centre (Nov 2024 – Present)
Overseeing the delivery of family programming & assisting with weekly programs to engage the diverse & culturally vibrant communities of Eastwood, SA
• Grew the program from 1 participant to over 10 participants in 6 sessions.
Volunteer, Oz Asia Festival, Adelaide Festival Centre (Oct 2024)
Responsible for managing the multi-faceted interactive art installations of the Tanabata Star Village & Moon Lantern Trail & managed the smooth operations of both public venues that experienced record-breaking audience turnout on the opening weekend.
Producer & Event Director, Economic Literacy for Youth – Power of Play PVT LTD (Feb-Sep 2024)
Youth Arts Program for economic empowerment and civic engagement
Developed and led a community-based project in response to the economic crisis focusing on economic literacy for youth & awareness of good governance.
• Reached 1,000 beneficiaries with 8 events performed across 4 cities
• Led a team of over 30 artists, crew and service providers to create & tour the show
• Highest investment in a community project by SL Engage of USAID within its 2-year grant-cycle
• Was reviewed as one of the most outstanding community interventions based on creativity and engagement by the global evaluators of USAID (USA).
Events Facilitator, Dilmah Tea’s MJF Foundation (charitable foundation uplifting disadvantaged communities) (2011 – 2021)
Oversaw the development, theming & delivery of events in alignment with the world’s leading brand of tea
• Impacted over 80% of the foundation’s diverse benefactors empowering them in areas of diversity equity & inclusion, personal development, mental health & overall wellbeing.
• Introduced giant puppetry to promote awareness on disability inclusion and created award winning programming for country-wide awareness
• Entrusted with creative direction of the year-end production that showcased performances from over 5 country-wide centres.
Founder and Event Director, Power of Play PVT LTD (2011 – Present)
Founded an event company that disrupted the events industry with development of award-winning programs to promote civic engagement, economic development, diversity equity & inclusion for communities in partnership with international sponsors like Australia AID, UN, USAID, & British Council.
• Motivated a team of 15 artists and collaborators to professionalize standards to attract global clients
• Grew the audience impact from 1000-30,000 direct & indirect beneficiaries per annum over 13 years
• Expanded the start-up company to achieve an annual turnover of AUD 422,000 in 2024/5
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Economics & Theatre Bates College, USA (May 2009) (GPA 3.71)
Combined Economics & Theatre to develop innovative strategies to drive organisational growth & performance.
REFERENCES ….References available upon request.
