Nadiya's upbringing in Sri Lanka during the nation’s 30-year Civil conflict left an indelible effect on her. She has pursued a professional and personal path that promotes a collaborative improvement of her community. Nadiya's family moved to Connecticut when she was 13 where she attended Hall High School in West Hartford. She then attended College at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York.

After graduating Nadiya spent four years with the City University of New York where she worked to improve the families and communities in New York City. In 2011 Nadiya and her twin sister were selected to appear on the CBS show "The Amazing Race" and followed with an All Star Season, and then Survivor.  Since then Nadiya has worked with Bridge2Peace, a non-profit, non-governmental organization that builds communities in SriLanka by providing early childhood education and teacher training to educate, empower and create a brighter future for families and children who live under impoverished conditions. The opportunity to move back to Connecticut  presented it self with the opening of Upward Hartford!

Nadiya is a positive thinker, a global giver, a community collaborator, a risk taker,  a marketing maverick, an event creator and a social media enthusiast. And she is passionate about being a catalyst in propelling building strong foundations for an interconnected world!

Favorite Hartford Restaurant: Bears BBQ. I've been a fan of bears before they moved to Hartford!
Favorite Hartford Museum: The Wadsworth.
Favorite Coffee Place: Hartford Baking Co. Their home made caramel drizzle is amazing!
Best part/thing about Hartford: The diversity! I can drive down Albany ave and get a freshly baked patty from Scotts Jamaican Bakery or a local brewed craft beer down the street at City Steam Brewery. Just depends what I'm in the mood for!
Favorite Hartford neighborhood: Downtown! Duh! 20 Church Street to be exact!
Favorite food: Tacos, tacos tacos.
Favorite musical or play: The Lion King!
Country to visit/want to:  Barbados/ Hawaii/ Brazil/ Zimbabwe... shall I stop now?
How do you take your coffee: Soon as I wake up, soy vanilla creamer, splash of heavy cream.
Best vacation destination:  SriLanka, home and paradise all in one!
Favorite artist/or type of music: Anything that has good vibes!

Contact Nadiya at [email protected]