Sara S. Minkara, Founder at Self Employed

About

Sara Minkara led U.S. foreign policy on disability rights as the second-ever U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. She elevated disability policy across sectors such as trade, emerging technologies, climate action, and peace and security. Fluent in Arabic and English, and conversational in Spanish, Sara brings a unique perspective as a blind, Muslim, first-generation American, fostering authentic dialogue and adaptive leadership in 70+ countries.

Known for her ability to build partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society, Sara leverages disability diplomacy to bridge divides and create sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders. Throughout her career, Sara has influenced global disability policy through advocacy at major international forums:

- Advocated for disability rights at global forums, including the G7, ASEAN, and APEC.

- Founded Empowerment Through Integration (ETI), which worked systemically to break down barriers for 1,000+ youth with disabilities across the MENA region.

- Pioneered the In the Dark Methodology, a transformative framework that fosters authentic dialogue and challenges societal narratives.

Sara’s work has been recognized globally, earning her accolades such as Forbes 30 Under 30, the Clinton Global Initiative, Vital Voices, and roles as a sought-after speaker and facilitator. Sara is board-ready, with a proven track record in governance, driving strategic alignment, and fostering innovation and equity within organizational frameworks.

Looking ahead, Sara will be expanding her impact by contributing through board service, consulting, and leadership in organizations committed to transformative and sustainable change. She is developing partnerships with academic institutions to establish Disability Diplomacy as a recognized field, focusing on training future leaders to mainstream disability into their international relations and policy-making.

Roles

Jan 2025–Present

Current role

Founder

Self Employed

Washington , District of Columbia

Consulting

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.

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.

Nov 2021–Jan 2025

Former role

Special Advisor on International Disability Rights

U.S. Department of State(DOS), Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

(appointed)District of Columbia

Foreign Relations / Diplomacy

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.