About me

Palmera is international not for profit organisations that promotes and develops micro-enterprises for the rural poor in war torn regions. Palmera predominately works with women and applies an economic lens to develop the critical skills/capacity required to address the many social challenges and support them on a path out of the poverty and aid cycle.

Abarna is the founding Director of Palmera and has set up and assisted numerous social businesses in Sri Lankan and Cambodia. In her role, she has also been responsible for the development of the fundraising strategy and continues to work to engage a network of volunteers to deliver Palmera ambitions social objectives. Her NGO experience is supported by over a decade of experience in corporate sustainability. Abarna was formerly a Strategy Consultant for Social Venture Australia, working with clients to increase their social impact. Prior to that, she held the role of head of Sustainability, Diversity and safety at Leighton Holdings. Prior to this, Abarna was involved with advising numerous listed companies and government bodies on sustainability, policy and risk at PwC in their sustainability team.