From Sri Lanka to Strategic Finance: Dana Udumulla’s Story of Resilience and Balance

In this episode, I sit down with Dana Udumulla, Head of Strategic Relations at Madison Trust, whose story begins in Sri Lanka and leads to the United States with just $200, two suitcases, and a dream. As an immigrant, woman, and young professional in finance, Dana has built a career around helping investors, sponsors, and operators better understand alternative investments and retirement capital.

Dana shares how she came to America nearly 10 years ago after losing her father at a young age and helping care for her mother and sister. She arrived with very little, worked multiple jobs while going to school, and eventually pivoted from her original goal of becoming a lawyer into finance, where she discovered a passion for capital, investment structures, and helping people stand out instead of becoming just another number.

She reflects on her early career at Madison Trust, where she started in customer service and grew into leadership roles by staying curious, learning the business, and building credibility one conversation at a time. Dana also opens up about the challenge of being taken seriously in rooms where people often underestimated her, and how persistence, preparation, and confidence helped her earn trust and create real impact.

Today, Dana works with sponsors and operators across the country, helping them understand how retirement capital can support alternative investments and capital raising. Her advice to ambitious professionals is a reminder that success should not come at the cost of your well-being:

“Learn the art of balance.” — Dana Udumulla

Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Dana:

https://www.madisontrust.com/sponsors/dana-udumulla/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanuriudumulla/

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