Rukesh Samarasekera

Rukesh Samarasekera is the proud product of a single mother and grandmother. Family has always been important to Rukesh. That took on new meaning when his brilliant brother, Shanith, passed away in a tragic accident in college. Rukesh moved back home to support his family, but in reality they are supporting him. Rukesh's talent for talking and listening had him co-hosting a radio show in the 5th grade. Years later that talent morphed into a tunnel vision ambition to become a TV news reporter, which ultimately evolved into a passion for connecting with others and giving them a platform to share their story. Rukesh believes that everyone has a story, and that story has the power to heal, the power to teach, the power to change lives…but that can only happen if the story is shared. Rukesh is currently the Storyteller & Changemaker for USGBC in Washington, DC. His life's work is dedicated to storytelling, social entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Rukesh graduated from Brown University.