Praveeni Perera CEO and co-founder of Professional Edge Consulting . (Picture courtesy Professional Edge Consulting)
Sri Lankan born Praveeni Perera was among top speakers at the Ottawa edition of the Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo last week at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
The expo was hosted by Canadian Small Business Women (CSBW) a Toronto based organization and arrived in Ottawa this year at the invitation of Ms. Perera.
Ms. Perera is the CEO and co-founder of Professional Edge Consulting an Ottawa based company which provides training and consulting services in cultural Intelligence, business etiquette and international protocol.
The expo featured businesses owned and operated by immigrant women as well as organizations that provide support for the immigrant women entrepreneurs.
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in free workshops hosted by the exhibitors.
Ms. Perera was joined in a special panel discussion with Rima Aristocrat – President CEO Willis College, Stephanie Lafontaine – Microsoft, Gunta Edwardson – Account Manager Commercial Banking CIBC, Lili Weemen – Councillor Ward 14, Sandra Saric Information and Communications Technology Council in Ottawa, Alexandra Logvin – Fasken Martineau LLP.
Ms. Perera migrated to Canada with her family in 1992 and lives in Ottawa Ontario.
Prior to starting her own venture in 2011, Praveeni worked in the non-profit sector heading international development projects in South Asia and Africa.
Praveeni holds a MBA in International Business from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. She is also a International Protocol and Corporate Etiquette Consultant certified by the Protocol School of Washington.
Ms. Perera is a published author, having recently completed her first book Cocktails & Conversations : a guide to networking, which will be launched in Sri Lanka on the 29th of October. Praveeni also runs her own lifestyle website praveeniperera.com
