- My Story
Tell me your story—who are you outside of work? This simple question is my go-to whenever I meet someone new, whether it is a government official at a dialogue or a fellow traveler on a plane. More often than not, I hear the same response: “I have never been asked that before. Let me think…” In that fleeting moment, something remarkable occurs—an authentic human connection is born. It allows me to see people for who they truly are, beyond roles, titles, and expectations. This openness leads to meaningful conversations that break down barriers and build trust.
I often wish we could all embrace this mindset—approaching each encounter with curiosity rather than assumptions. If only we recognized each individual as someone with a unique story and valuable contributions. Imagine a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
This belief serves as the foundation of my work. Throughout my life, I have come to understand the profound influence of narratives—how they shape identities, limit our potential, and frame how we perceive ourselves and each other. I have also discovered that when we dare to challenge those narratives, we unlock a world of possibilities. At the heart of what I do is the desire to create spaces where people can express their full, authentic selves and embrace their stories. It is about fostering an environment where every voice counts, and every story is vital to our shared humanity.
- Sara's Mission
Sara Minkara challenges individuals, leaders, and organizations to break barriers and lead with authenticity through her transformative In the Dark methodology and dynamic speaking engagements. By removing visual and communication constraints, she fosters deeper connections, trust, and lasting impact.
Unlock leadership. Foster bold conversations. Transform mindsets.
- Sara’s Journey
Sara’s Journey
From the Hindu Kush Himalayas in Nepal to the Andes in Peru, Sara Minkara has collaborated with leaders, advocates, and communities across more than 70 countries. As a blind, Muslim, Arab-American woman entrepreneur, she brings a unique perspective, fostering authentic dialogue, facilitating difficult conversations, and creating transformative experiences in every encounter.
Sara recently completed her tenure as the U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights, where she led U.S. foreign policy on disability. She elevated disability policy across key sectors such as trade, emerging technologies, climate action, and peace and security. Known for her ability to build partnerships across government, the private sector, and civil society, she leveraged disability diplomacy to bridge divides and create sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders. Throughout her career, Sara has influenced global disability policy through bilateral and multilateral engagements and participation in major international forums.
As U.S. Special Advisor, Sara led the U.S. delegation at the inaugural G7 Ministerial Meeting on Inclusion and Disability in Perugia, Italy, and co-hosted the ASEAN-U.S. High-Level Disability Dialogue during Indonesia’s presidency. She engaged with 21 economies through APEC, resulting in the signing of the Arequipa Goals, and hosted a special C5+1 session with Central Asian government leaders and civil society at the United Nations.
Her global collaborations have included:
Malaysia – Engaging with the Digital Minister to create inclusive digital economies.
Nepal – Partnering with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICMOD) on disability-inclusive climate strategies.
Kenya – Working with Kenya’s First Lady to promote accessible tourism.
Sri Lanka – Supporting demining efforts with Halo Trust.
Turkey – Bringing together the entertainment industry to reshape narratives around disability.
Ukraine & Central Asia – Advocating for deinstitutionalization efforts and cross-border disability rights initiatives.
Most notably, Sara and her team developed and launched the Disability Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy Playbook in collaboration with the leadership of the U.S. Department of State.
Sara is also an innovative entrepreneur, having developed the In the Dark methodology—a unique experiential approach to leadership and inclusion training. These workshops immerse participants in environments where conventional communication and visual cues are removed, encouraging alternative forms of engagement. By shifting the focus from external perceptions to internal strengths, the methodology fosters deeper self-awareness, trust, and authentic leadership. Organizations and leaders who have participated in these workshops have reported significant improvements in communication, team cohesion, and problem-solving abilities. She has facilitated these sessions across diverse settings, including London, Lebanon, and Malaysia, for audiences ranging from corporate boardrooms to student orientations.
For over a decade, Sara founded and led the international nonprofit organization Empowerment Through Integration (ETI), which has transformed opportunities for youth with disabilities worldwide. ETI has systematically worked to break down barriers for over 1,000 youth with disabilities across the MENA region.
As a global speaker and consultant, she has advised corporate leaders, government officials, and civil society organizations on authentic leadership, diplomacy, social entrepreneurship, and systemic change. Her pioneering leadership has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, the Clinton Global Initiative, and Vital Voices.
- Sara's Approach
Sara Minkara’s approach is built on fostering authenticity, encouraging us to embrace curiosity with compassion, recognizing that every person carries unique experiences and perspectives. She challenges individuals to reflect on the narratives shaping them and others, pushing them to engage in difficult yet necessary conversations. By fostering shared responsibility, Sara believes we can transcend individual struggles and work collectively toward breaking down barriers and systemic transformation. When authenticity, courageous conversations, and collective responsibility guide us, we unlock human potential, drive innovation, and create lasting, meaningful change.
