Distinguished Volunteer and Mentor – Madushan Ilangakoon

 IEEE WIE Distinguished Volunteer and Mentor series highlights a dedicated WIE volunteer who is well known for his/her notable contribution to IEEE WIE.

In this issue, we feature Madushan Ilangakoon, a dedicated WIE volunteer.

IEEE WIE: How has your experience with IEEE WIE shaped your career and personal growth?

Madushan: My journey with IEEE WIE began in 2024, when I first got connected through the IEEE WIE Puzzler initiative. What started as a fun and engaging way to bring together problem solvers quickly became the platform that connected me more deeply with the WIE community.

Through WIE Puzzler, I was able to collaborate not only with the IEEE Sri Lanka Section but also with peers and professionals worldwide. It became a space where I built valuable global connections, exchanged ideas across cultures, and worked with diverse teams. These experiences broadened my perspective, strengthened my leadership skills, and gave me the confidence to contribute to international IEEE WIE efforts.

Being part of WIE has also encouraged me to mentor and support others, particularly women and young professionals in STEM.  I am grateful that my journey with Puzzler became the starting point for making a global impact through IEEE.

IEEE WIE: What innovative projects or initiatives are you currently working on that you believe will make a significant impact?

Madushan: One of the most exciting initiatives I am currently working on is the IEEE WIE Puzzler engagement series. This project was designed as an innovative way to bring the WIE community together through fun, challenging, and intellectually stimulating puzzles. What began as a simple activity has grown into a platform that fosters collaboration, teamwork, and knowledge sharing among participants across the world.

A key outcome of WIE Puzzler has been its ability to increase engagement on both IEEE social media platforms and IEEE Collabratec, where members actively participate, share, and interact with the puzzles. This has strengthened WIE’s digital presence while also showcasing the creativity and problem-solving spirit of the community.

I believe this initiative will continue to grow as a unique model of community engagement, combining technical learning, creativity, and global networking in an enjoyable and inclusive format.

IEEE WIE: Can you share a moment when you overcame a significant challenge in your professional journey and what you learned from it?

Madushan: One of the significant challenges I faced was launching and managing the IEEE WIE Puzzler initiative, which aimed to engage participants globally through fun and intellectually stimulating puzzles. Coordinating across time zones, ensuring consistent participation, and maintaining high-quality content while balancing my professional and academic responsibilities was not easy.

There were moments when engagement was lower than expected, and logistical hurdles seemed overwhelming. However, by collaborating closely with volunteers, iterating on puzzle designs, and leveraging platforms like IEEE Collabratec and social media, I was able to overcome these challenges and grow the initiative successfully.

This experience taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. It reinforced the importance of clear communication and creative problem-solving in driving community engagement. More importantly, it showed me that even complex, global initiatives can succeed when approached with dedication and collaboration, a lesson I carry into all my professional and volunteer efforts.

IEEE WIE: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field?

Madushan: I stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in my field by actively engaging with IEEE WIE-related social media platforms and online communities. Following discussions, posts, and updates from peers and thought leaders around the world allows me to stay informed about emerging technologies, initiatives, and best practices.

Through platforms like IEEE Collabratec and WIE online networks, I exchange ideas, learn from global experiences, and gain insights into innovative projects and community engagement strategies. This approach helps me remain current in my field while also understanding how to create meaningful impact through initiatives like WIE Puzzler.

IEEE WIE: What role do you think mentorship plays in the success of young professionals, and how do you approach mentoring others?

Madushan: I believe mentorship plays a critical role in the growth and success of young professionals. It provides guidance, encouragement, and perspective, helping mentees navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop both technical and leadership skills. A good mentor can inspire, motivate, and open doors to new opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible.

In my approach to mentoring, I focus on active listening, sharing practical insights, and fostering a supportive environment. I encourage mentees to set ambitious goals, think creatively, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Through initiatives like WIE Puzzler and other WIE engagements, I aim to mentor others by empowering them to collaborate, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the IEEE WIE community, while also nurturing their professional and personal development.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be featured in the IEEE WIE Distinguished Volunteer & Mentor series. Through initiatives like WIE Puzzler, I have had the chance to connect with volunteers and professionals globally, share knowledge, and support the growth of young professionals in STEM. I hope my experiences inspire others to actively engage with the IEEE WIE community and contribute to creating inclusive and innovative platforms for learning and collaboration.