Volcanoes are erupting in The Philippines, but on-fire Australia received some welcome rain. The Iran war cries have been called off and The Donald’s military powers are about to be hamstrung by the Senate. Meanwhile, his impeachment trial is starting, and we’re all on Twitter for a front-row seat.
Penny
Abeywardena
Penny Abeywardena is New York City’s Commissioner for International Affairs. As the City’s ambassador, Penny leads the agency serving the largest diplomatic corps in the world and is the primary representative to the United Nations, 193 permanent missions, 116 consulates, and 75 trade missions. Since her appointment in September 2014, New York City has successfully implemented a series of initiatives and programs with the international community, which include youth empowerment and the leadership of cities and local governments on global issues like climate change and managing/rebuilding post the COVID-19 pandemic. During spring 2020, when NYC was the epicenter of the pandemic in the US, she was responsible for working with the United Nations and foreign governments to secure necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators.