Women's History Month Interview with Dushanti Peiris

Meet Your Banker
Dushanti Peiris Sandy Spring Bank

This Women’s History Month, Sandy Spring is shining a light on some of our remarkable women leaders. Meet Dushanti Peiris, Vice President and Branch Manager. Dushanti shared her thoughts on leadership and who inspires her.

  • What makes a great leader?

    There are several characteristics that make a great leader. A few of them that I think are critical are: 

    • Courage, the ability to take risks.
    • You need to have a clear vision of where you want to go and be able to communicate that to your team.
    • Integrity, act honestly so you earn the trust of your team.
    • Adaptability, be able to be flexible in the changing environment.

  • Who is the most influential woman you know and what about her makes her so impactful?

    That would be my sister who rose in ranks to be an executive. She was the Chief Marketing Officer for Times Out. She was a Global Brand Manager in the alcohol industry, like very high-end whiskey and bourbon. And last year, she decided to move back to Maryland (which I was really happy about) to give back to the community, and she’s currently the President of Bethesda Magazine, and she mentors young people and small businesses. She’s really proud to provide journalism in our community. 

  • Why did you choose Sandy Spring Bank?

    It’s community! I work where I live, and the values of Sandy Spring Bank really align with mine. 

  • What is something you wish you would have known early in your career?

    It’s okay to take risks, and you don’t have to have a title to sit at the table as long as you bring value. So always sit at the table. 

  • How do you give back to your community?

    I am very good at connecting and building relationships so I serve on several boards of nonprofits in the Bethesda area. I help them raise funds, secure sponsorships. I’m fortunate enough to work with organizations like KIND which provides food to Montgomery County kids that don’t have food over the weekend, Nourish Now, Bethesda Cares, Afghan Refugee Project which I was really involved with, and So What Else. 

  • What impact do you hope to have on others?

    Through kindness and generosity, I like to make the lives of my community better. 
     

  • Do you think your younger self would be proud of you?

    Absolutely, I think all the experiences, good and bad, made me who I am. And I’m really proud of myself.

The opinions and statements expressed by Dushanti Peiris reflect her own views and do not necessarily represent the views of Sandy Spring Bank.

Times Out, Bethesda Magazine, KIND, Nourish Now, Bethesda Cares, Afghan Refugee Project, and So What Else are not affiliated with Sandy Spring Bank.