Sara Minkara

The cornerstone of all that Sara does is her experience as a blind Lebanese-American Muslim woman. Sara has an incredible ability to connect deeply with people from all over the world, and she attributes this, at least in part, to her own intersectional background. Sara proudly features her own journey in her work, and encourages others’ to incorporate their personal experiences and identities into their professional lives. She has launched multiple enterprises to promote these ideals, working in the nonprofit and private sectors, and now does so through government service.  

In every role she accepts and every challenge she faces, Sara maintains a highly personal and relatable style that complements her driving vision: that we are all connected, and we all have value. Sara believes strongly that by rejecting assumptions and preconceptions, we create new opportunities for human connection, innovation and social change. She has dedicated her life to promoting inclusion as a value, and guiding individuals and groups on their journeys toward authentic inclusion.  

Sara has a rich academic and professional background. She graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor’s degree in Math and Economics, and from the Harvard Kennedy School with a Master’s degree in Public Policy. Sara has been recognized for her contributions to the greater good through various appointments and awards, including Forbes, Ashoka, MIT, Harvard, the Clinton Global Initiative and Halcyon.   

Sara enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She is an avid reader, hiker and explorer, always looking for the next book to get lost in or volcano to scale. And in all of her journeys, Sara loves connecting with and learning from new people.

Special Advisor, Office of International Disability Rights, U.S. Department of State