Sara Minkara

Sara Minkara is a Lebanese-American advocate, entrepreneur, and disability-rights leader with deep roots in Tripoli, Lebanon. She uses her voice and vision to make inclusion a global priority.

Sara lost her sight at the age of seven, yet she turned that challenge into a lifelong mission for empowerment. Growing up between Tripoli and the United States, she learned to see the world beyond limitations.

During her studies at Wellesley College, Sara founded a summer camp in Tripoli that brought blind and sighted children together. The experience became a turning point, inspiring her to launch Empowerment Through Integration (ETI) in 2011. Through ETI, she promotes inclusion by shifting the global narrative from pity to value.

After earning a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, Sara expanded her work internationally. She began leading workshops and consulting programs that help governments and organizations include people with disabilities in education and employment. Her approach combines policy, empathy, and cultural awareness.

In 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden appointed her as the U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. In this role, Sara advances equality through diplomacy and international cooperation.

Over the years, Sara Minkara has spoken at the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and numerous global summits. Her work has been featured by Forbes, CNN, and Arab News. She has received multiple honors, including the Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition.

Despite her global influence, Sara never forgets Tripoli, where her journey began. She often says the city’s warmth and strength taught her to lead with compassion. Today, through every speech and project, she continues to prove that inclusion creates stronger communities and a better world for everyone.