Sara Minkara

Delivered 100+ keynote addresses at prestigious global forums, including the World Government Summit, UNESCO Youth Forum, Global Disability Summit, UNESCAP, Delphi Economic Forum, Clinton Global Initiative, Concordia Summit, and the United Nations General Assembly. Lent expertise on critical topics, such as disability policy, authentic leadership, breaking systemic barriers, social entrepreneurship, sustainable change, and fostering difficult yet constructive conversations. Provided actionable frameworks for adaptive leadership and inclusive policymaking, influencing policy outcomes and organizational strategies in 50+ countries on themes ranging from AI and recovery reconstruction to economic development. Notable Engagement: At the G7 Summit, her keynote led to a groundbreaking consensus among member states, affirming that global foreign policy priorities cannot exclude disability anymore.

Developed and facilitated the In the Dark Methodology, an innovative framework embraced by 10+ global organizations to cultivate authentic leadership and dismantle bias-driven barriers. Led 100+ transformative workshops for Fortune 500 companies (e.g., Airbnb, Genpact, Dow Jones), international NGOs, and academic institutions (e.g., Vital Voices, Summit, Princeton, Harvard University, Lebanese American University) as well as government agencies (e.g., Boston Mayor’s Office, NOAH). Tailored 20+ workshops for leadership programs, including Young Global Leaders for the World Economic Forum, Women's Public Policy Program, and top corporations like Microsoft and Adobe, addressing complex organizational challenges through adaptive leadership. Fostered stronger teams, helping participants break through limiting barriers, enhance creativity, and build collaborative, inclusive environments. Testimonials Fostered Inclusive Environments: “Sara's workshops are truly a transformative experience. Participating in her sessions has forever changed how I connect with others and facilitate meetings.” — Participant, Summit Junto Strengthened Team Dynamics and Creativity: “These sessions helped break down barriers and allowed me to be my authentic self.” — Participant, CBRE Workshop Inspired Leadership Transformation: “Sara is an incredible storyteller who provided the space for others to show up as themselves while learning from other experiences. She embodies love as a guiding ethic.” — Participant, Lead For America Challenged Societal Narratives: “The training was an eye-opener to how we as a society see and label each other. It made me think about how we can make someone feel truly seen.” — Participant, Running Start Dynamic Speaking and Facilitation: “Sara was honest, moving, and truly inspirational. We hope to work with her again for future D&I events.” — Participant, Women of Color Conference

Led U.S. global initiatives to mainstream disability policy, shaping international strategies across critical sectors such as economic development, artificial intelligence, and peace and security. Represented the U.S. in 50+ countries, engaging in high-level forums including the G7, ASEAN, APEC, and C5+1. Played a pivotal role in historic milestones such as the first-ever G7 Inclusion and Disability Ministerial, the ASEAN/US High-Level Dialogue on Disability, the adoption of the Arequipa Goals, and securing a Presidential Commitment for a disability initiative in the C5 region. Facilitated multi-stakeholder dialogues about Ukraine, resulting in a multi-year action plan to advance deinstitutionalization and implement community-based living reforms. Connected U.S. government experts with international interlocutors, offering technical guidance on accessible tourism, labor rights, independent living, trade, and other key areas. Championed systemic change by convening diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and media, to drive inclusive policies and initiatives. Collaborated with unconventional partners, such as Fortune 500 companies, media networks, intelligence agencies, and security forums, to integrate disability into their global strategies and operations. Key Achievements Designed and launched the Department of State Disability Diplomacy Playbook, a comprehensive toolkit to guide Embassies, Department leadership, and diplomats in integrating disability into their priorities, ensuring that disability diplomacy becomes a cornerstone of modern foreign policy. Led the inaugural G7 Inclusion and Disability Ministerial, driving groundbreaking commitments from member states on disability-inclusive policies and practices.

Founded ETI, a global nonprofit that empowered 1,000+ youth with disabilities through grassroots initiatives, life skills training, and inclusive education, fostering resilience and leadership. Led a team of 125+ staff and volunteers, delivering impactful programs across 10+ communities in MENA countries. Secured partnerships with top-tier organizations, including Deloitte, AUB, Saint Joseph, LAU, UNESCO, and local governments, driving systemic change through social projects and inclusive education policies. Elevated ETI’s global presence, engaging with platforms such as Echoing Green, Ashoka/Zero Project, Helsyon, World Government Summit, ONCE Foundation, Reynolds Foundation, International Achievement Summit, and the Clinton Global Initiative. Key Programs: Camp Rafiqi: Empowered youth through leadership and life skills training. Family Workshops & Community Service Initiatives: Strengthened support systems and built inclusive communities. Inclusive Education Training: Facilitated the adoption of inclusive practices in schools and universities. Through these initiatives, ETI dismantled systemic barriers and reshaped ecosystems to promote long-term inclusion and equity for youth with disabilities.

Conducted research on the intersection of disability, Islam, and gendered leadership, exploring inclusive narratives in diverse cultural contexts.

Supported teaching of Adaptive Leadership, mentoring graduate students.

Managed HR and finance operations, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission to advance global disability rights.