Impactful leadership inspires change and fosters unity, empowering individuals to embrace their shared humanity. Its greatness lies not only in achievements but also in uplifting others and driving meaningful social progress. By creating lasting legacies, such leaders resonate across generations and challenge us to work collaboratively toward a common goal.
Sara Ting, CEO of World Unity Inc., epitomizes this kind of leadership. Her commitment to equality and inclusion through art and poetry has made her one of the most iconic leaders of our time. Transforming personal experiences into a powerful mission, Sara champions the idea that unity starts with recognizing our shared humanity, illuminating the profound impact one individual can have on society.
The Power of Forgiveness Through Poetry
Sara did not initially set out to create a nonprofit. In 1978, she wrote a poem in her personal journal, unaware of its future impact. In 1985, a friend moved by the poem displayed it on billboards across Boston, revealing its profound influence. The poem’s message resonated deeply, leading to a public service campaign that expanded to New York City in 1986. This success inspired Sara to found World Unity Inc. in 1993 after a young woman shared how the poem helped her confront discrimination in 1987.
She recounts the story of an Asian American woman who initially hated the poem. Over time, repeated exposure of it at the YWCA of Boston prompted her to process her experiences with discrimination and recognize the need for forgiveness. This journey reinforced Sara’s belief that forgiveness is essential to overcoming prejudice, shaping the mission of World Unity Inc. The poem has inspired many to reflect on their biases. One individual shared how it opened her mind, while another found humility in its message:
Are you greater than the sun
that shines on everyone:
Black, Brown, Yellow, Red, and White
the sun does not discriminate.
This universal message continues to resonate globally.
Sara envisions creating a permanent landmark to showcase the Sun Poem to impact future generations with its timeless, universal and transformative message. World Unity Inc. promotes collaboration through art and poetry, especially reaching out to schools to plant the seeds of equality in the next generation. As the world faces increasing challenges with social media and the internet operating 24/7 spreading misinformation, stereotypes and biases, World Unity Inc. works tirelessly toward a more inclusive society. Sara’s efforts serve as an inspiring call for donations and partnerships, emphasizing the urgent need for unity, understanding and forgiveness.
Rooted in Humanity
Sara grew up as an Asian American in a time when the U.S. population was around 152 million, with only 330,000 Asian Americans across the country. Despite her awareness of being different, Sara never let that isolate her. As a child, she learned an essential lesson: her identity as a human being transcended cultural and ethnic labels. If she had focused solely on her Chinese heritage, she would have found herself alone, as there were very few Chinese children in her community.
The leadership approach, which has shaped Sara’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, was forged through this early realization. She rooted herself in the shared humanity that unites people across different backgrounds, colors, and identities. This outlook gave her the capacity to embrace the rich diversity of humanity and laid the foundation for her work with World Unity Inc.
While many people defend their identities when faced with oppression, it’s essential not to get stuck there, emphasizes Sara. She believes that we must first recognize our humanity before any other identity, allowing us to connect and engage with others from different walks of life. Her thoughtful approach to respecting others is exemplified in the small gestures she makes, such as asking for someone’s name to be spelled correctly to pronounce it accurately—a practice that underscores her humility and respect for diverse cultures.
Navigating Non-Profit Leadership
Sara has spent nearly 30 years leading her non-profit organization with a commitment to building a world that promotes equality for all by raising self-awareness through a poem she wrote in a personal journal. Her journey is one of deep faith in God and perseverance, having navigated complex challenges like funding, politics, and societal resistance.
She reflects on her experiences, sharing insights on the hurdles she faced and how her passion became her purpose. Starting with just a poem and a vision, she willingly made personal sacrifices for the cause, forgoing a part-time salary for the first ten years working as she worked 20 hours or more including weekends. For Sara, her mission is more than a career—it’s her life’s purpose.
Reflection, Growth and Faith
Sara’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in self-reflection and deep faith in God. She believes that growth does not come from comfort and that overcoming challenges requires a willingness to confront discomfort. “If something makes you uncomfortable and you retreat, you’re stopping your personal and professional growth,” she states. This philosophy is central to her work in diversity and inclusion, where she challenges individuals and organizations to face their biases with honesty and openness.
Spreading Equality
One of World Unity Inc.’s standout initiatives is the “Singing Equality Across America and Around the World” program, designed to plant the seeds of equality in young minds. The program originated from a national songwriting contest based on the Sun Poem by Sara, with the winning song, “We All See the Stars,” by John Ciambriello, performed by children at the United Nations. Since 2015, this program has empowered the next generation through music, promoting messages of equality in schools across the country. One child commented, “One day the world will hear this song and it will stop discrimination.”
In addition to the song, Sara has delivered a TEDx Talk that serves as a free diversity and inclusion resource tool. Companies like Merck, AECOM, and KPMG, global leaders have adopted this TEDx Talk to train employees. Local governments such as the city of Revere and Lowell Massachusetts, have also Included it in their digital platforms to spread its message of unity and inclusion and Midwestern University, Babson College and Suffolk University have adopted it.
Workshops and Resources for Change
World Unity Inc. focuses on spreading its message of equality through creative means like the Sun Poem and TEDx Talk, Uncover and Overcome all Unconscious Biases. In 1987 Sara developed a business as a diversity and inclusion trainer, speaker and consultant. In 2000 upon deep reflection she recognized the need to devote all of her time to World Unity Inc. in its mission and vision to build the World Unity Landmark showcasing the Sun Poem to impact future generations.
She welcomes opportunities to deliver her diversity and inclusion training and to speak about her approach to equality, however it has not been her main focus. These workshops have impacted various organizations, including police departments and the Michigan National Guard who ordered copies of Sara’s book, Small Book with a Big Idea: 5-Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World. This resource, along with her workshops, centers on using poetry, story-telling, and self-reflection to foster an environment of equality.
A Collective Effort Toward Equality
Sara emphasizes that true equality cannot be achieved by one organization alone; it requires a collective effort. She encourages companies and communities to adopt the free resources her organization provides, reinforcing that inclusion and diversity should be integral parts of any educational or corporate structure. “If you want to lead a fulfilling life, ask yourself why you’re here and what your purpose is,” she says, urging individuals and organizations alike to join in the effort to create a more equal world.
Political Challenges
Sharing her insights on navigating politics and divisive issues, Sara emphasizes that the real challenges that divide people are not always rooted in racism or sexism, though they exist. Instead, she identified three key factors—power, money, and ego—that often create divisions. Using a workplace scenario as an example, she explained how people can compete for the same opportunities despite sharing similar race and backgrounds, pointing out that power and money drive these divisions. She stressed that transcending biases and remaining kind and gracious despite others’ ignorance is essential, as bitterness only harms personal growth.
The Power of Poetry for Equality
Poetry’s unique role in promoting equality and inclusion, particularly through “The Sun Poem,” is a cornerstone of Sara’s organization. Shared globally, the poem inspires reflection on true equality, emphasizing that the sun shines equally on everyone—a metaphor for how we should treat one another.
She challenges audiences to consider if any other message encapsulates equality as inclusively as “The Sun Poem,” viewing it as a guiding light for societal change. Sara urges everyone to reflect on their actions and share the poem widely, especially in cultures with deep-rooted inequalities.
In addition to “The Sun Poem,” she introduced another powerful piece, “Being,” which celebrates self-empowerment and individuality. This poem suggests that just as no one tells the sun to shine or a river to flow, individuals define themselves. Sara sees this poem as an empowering tool for people to discover their purpose and identity.
Collaboration for a Global Cause
Sara emphasizes the critical importance of collaboration in addressing the global challenges her organization is tackling. As a nonprofit, World Unity Inc. has never believed it could solve these issues alone. Sara stressed that real change can only come through collective efforts, uniting both the business and nonprofit communities.
Reflecting on the organization’s 30 years of work, Sara expressed her hope that readers would be moved by their story and find simple ways to collaborate. “If you can’t make a donation, just share the TEDx Talk, Uncover and Overcome All Unconscious Biases It’s effortless—a click,” she stated, underscoring the power of small actions. If every individual shared the message with just one person, the impact would double.
A Passionate Appeal for Children
Sara’s passion is evident, particularly when she speaks about children—those who are often the most vulnerable and powerless in society. She highlighted a recent tragedy in Chicago, where a six-year-old Muslim boy was stabbed to death by his landlord, driven by biases stemming from the Gaza conflict. Sara pointed out how unchecked biases and hatred among adults can lead to devastating consequences for innocent children. “They can do nothing to make the world a better place,” she remarked, emphasizing the urgency for adults to work on overcoming biases and promoting forgiveness.
Leading with Purpose
Leading with purpose is a vital principle for everyone, says Sara. She stresses that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is crucial for personal growth and societal change. By doing something unusual or different, even in small ways, individuals can take significant steps toward making extraordinary impacts. These small changes can lead to a greater path of contribution, not only for oneself but for the world.
Balancing Self and Others
Sara also emphasizes the importance of self-love and caring for others. Loving oneself means taking care of emotional, physical, and mental health. It involves valuing oneself and others, treating everyone with respect, and recognizing the universal human need to be heard. “Too many of us don’t know how to listen,” she remarked, urging the importance of open-minded and open-hearted listening to truly value diversity and inclusion.
For Sara, solving the global issues we face requires a deep level of understanding and empathy. Valuing equality, she argues, is a lifelong journey. As we progress, new biases—such as those emerging with the advent of AI—will arise. Being aware of this is crucial to maintaining inclusivity.
A Call for Cultural Change in India
Sara has shed light on the tragic case of a female doctor in Kolkata who was sexually assaulted and murdered, calling it a heartbreaking reflection of deeper societal issues. Sara emphasized that laws alone are insufficient to drive change, as the problem lies within the cultural mindset. She advocates for raising awareness and fostering respect, equality, and humanity, particularly from a young age. According to Sara, it is not the legal framework but individual and collective inner work that will bring about transformation. “Laws don’t change mindsets,” Sara remarked, underscoring that a shift in cultural consciousness is required to ensure safety and dignity for all, especially women.
She highlights the importance of World Unity Inc.’s poem, which promotes equality and respect, urging it to be shared widely across India to inspire reflection and change. By instilling these values in children, she believes the next generation will develop a mindset that protects and uplifts women. Sara asked both men and women to reflect on the poem, posing the question, “Do you see women as your equals?” This introspection, she argued, is key to dismantling biases and fostering true equality.
More than a legal issue, Sara sees the case as a cultural wake-up call, emphasizing that men must “root themselves in humanity” and view women as equals, not objects. She urged for widespread collaboration in this mission, inviting nonprofits, organizations, and individuals to join hands in creating a safer, more inclusive world.
Universal Impact
World Unity Inc. is dedicated to promoting rights and equality for all, regardless of gender, race, or nationality by raising self-awareness through the Sun Poem. Sara emphasizes that their mission is for everyone, not just specific groups. Success for World Unity Inc. means progress for all people, which is why the organization invites everyone—whether through donations or partnerships—to join the journey of creating a more united, compassionate world where all people can grow, thrive and lead fulfilling lives. She wonders, how amazing the world could be if all people embraced the Sun Poem!
