Some people speak about unity—others dedicate their lives to building it. Sara Ting, President of World Unity, Inc., is one of those rare leaders whose mission transcends words and turns into action. With nearly four decades of experience in diversity and inclusion (D&I) training, Sara has pioneered bold, transformative solutions that challenge bias, empower individuals, and create lasting change in schools, corporations, and communities.
As the founder and driving force behind World Unity, Inc., she envisions a world where the fight against prejudice, bias, and discrimination extends beyond conversations and into concrete action. One of her most visionary projects is the construction of a permanent landmark showcasing The Sun Poem, a simple yet profound message of equality:
“Are you greater than the sun that shines on everyone: Black, Brown, Yellow, Red and White? The sun does not discriminate.”
Beyond advocacy, Sara is an author and speaker whose impact reaches boardrooms, classrooms, and even law enforcement agencies. Her book, Small Book with a Big Idea: 5-Minute Training to Empower You and Transform Our World, has been embraced by colleges, government institutions, and corporations, proving that powerful change can begin in just minutes.
From her early work as a freelance reporter covering Asian American issues to training executives, educators, and first responders, Sara remains a visionary force—a leader who doesn’t just talk about change but builds it, writes it, and inspires it in others.
The Legacy of The Sun Poem
For over three decades, World Unity, Inc. has remained steadfast in its mission to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion through the power of self-awareness, the arts, education, and innovation. At the heart of this nonprofit organization is “The Sun Poem,” a thought-provoking piece that poses a simple yet profound question: “Are you greater than the sun that shines on everyone?” The poem underscores a fundamental truth—the sun does not discriminate, casting its light on all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
The enduring message of “The Sun Poem” serves as the foundation for all of World Unity, Inc.’s initiatives. One of its most ambitious projects is the development of a permanent landmark dedicated to this poem, ensuring that its message continues to inspire future generations. This visionary concept has been embraced as part of the Dorchester Bay City development, solidifying its place as a timeless and universal beacon of inclusivity and unity.
Beyond this landmark, the poem’s impact extends into the world of music and education. “The Sun Poem” inspired the creation of a song and an international program, “Singing Equality Across America and Around the World.” This initiative has brought children together to celebrate diversity through music, with performances reaching as far as the United Nations and Namibia. The program, available at no cost to educators, provides teachers with music sheets and tracks, eliminating barriers to participation and making it accessible to schools worldwide.
Further amplifying its reach, World Unity, Inc. launched a national songwriting contest, challenging artists to craft music that embodies the poem’s powerful message. The winning composition, “We All See the Stars” by John Ciambriello, has since become a cornerstone of the “Singing Equality” program, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity through the universal language of music.
By leveraging poetry, music, and innovative projects, World Unity, Inc. continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide. With its commitment to spreading the message of equality and inclusion, the organization is shaping a legacy that transcends borders and generations.
A Catalyst for Healing and Transformation
Sara finds the most special part of her experience to be hearing the incredible stories of how the poem (The Sun Poem) has impacted people, transforming their perspectives and emotions. One person shared that after hearing the poem, it opened her mind in a way she had never expected. Another individual described how, upon first reading it, she felt as though the poem was challenging her—almost asking, Who do you think you are? But when she read it a second time, she felt humbled. The poem had taught her humility, a lesson that resonated deeply with her, particularly in her role in the HR department of a hospital.
One of the most profound stories Sara encountered came from a woman who said the poem taught her forgiveness. She had first seen it displayed as a large, four-by-eight-foot graphic poster hanging in the YWCA, an organization whose first imperative is the elimination of racism. As she walked into the lobby, the poem was impossible to ignore—it confronted her, forcing her to acknowledge the deep wounds of discrimination she had faced growing up in Boston as an Asian American woman. Seeing the poem again and again over time, she eventually came to realize that she needed to let go of the past and forgive. That revelation, that moment of healing, was what ultimately inspired Sara to create World Unity, Inc. and to pursue the vision of building a permanent landmark for the poem. She recognized that there are countless places around the world where discrimination remains severe, and where healing is desperately needed.
Reflecting on global conflicts, such as the devastation in Gaza, Sara understands that immense healing and forgiveness will be necessary for those affected. She also sees hope in the voices of children. When they sing the song inspired by the poem, they express a powerful sense of possibility—The child commented, when he sings the song, it makes him feel like he could do anything. Another young man admitted that singing the song inspires him every time, while a young girl confidently declared that one day, the world would hear this song and it would put an end to discrimination. Sara believes that children, free from political agendas, simply speak the truth, and their reactions to the poem and song continue to inspire her.
The impact of the poem has extended even further. It became the subject of a TEDx talk, and the responses to it have been deeply moving. A bank executive described it as inspirational, concise, and powerful. Clients and healthcare workers commented that the TEDx talk could dramatically improve patient care. The president of a global company even remarked that it was “amazing and so inspirational.” Hearing these stories and witnessing the profound influence of the poem reinforces Sara’s passion for the initiatives it has inspired—a song, a TEDx talk, a permanent landmark, and now, an animated project featuring the poem.
To Sara, it is incredible to see how this single poem has the potential to change the world—quite literally—to make it a better place for everyone.
The Power of Self-Awareness
For Sara, success is deeply personal. She believes that the first step is to be true to oneself—to look inward and ask, What do I want to accomplish in the next year? The next two years? The next three? Goals, she insists, should not be dictated by the outside world but should stem from the heart and soul. Staying true to one’s principles and values is essential because they serve as a guiding force in achieving those goals.
Every dream Sara has pursued has been rooted in self-awareness and an understanding of her natural gifts and talents. She believes that everyone possesses unique abilities, and it is each person’s responsibility to discover them and find ways to share them with the world in a way that serves humanity. One of her earliest dreams was to become a reporter—not simply as a profession, but because she loved talking to people, listening to their stories, and bringing those stories to life. She wanted to create work that inspired, empowered, and enlightened others. Rather than following the conventional path—attending journalism school, working in a small market, and gradually advancing—she focused on her dream and achieved it in her own way.
Her second dream was to write a book, and she accomplished that as well. But perhaps her most ambitious goal has been the creation of a permanent landmark, a vision that has required over 32 years of extraordinary perseverance and patience. Sara understands that success is never immediate; it demands resilience, the ability to endure setbacks, and the willingness to overcome rejection. Many people abandon their dreams because they struggle with hearing no, but she believes that perseverance is the key to overcoming obstacles and reaching one’s aspirations.
For Sara, success is not just about personal achievements—it is about using her talents to contribute to something larger than herself. World Unity, Inc. is built on that same philosophy: setting a goal and seeing it through to completion. The organization set out to create a song, and they accomplished it—leading to over 86 schools registering for the Seeing Equality Across America and Around the World program. They aimed to have the song performed at the United Nations, and they made it happen. Every year, they host the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Gala, bringing together leaders, organizations, and communities to empower and inspire. They sought to share The Sun Poem through a TEDx talk, and they succeeded.
At the heart of it all, Sara’s vision remains unchanged: to bring The Sun Poem and its inspired initiatives into the world to share with humanity. She believes that laws, policies, and even technology can never fully erase people’s biases. Everyone has unconscious biases, not because they are bad people, but because it is part of human conditioning. The real challenge is whether individuals are willing to confront their biases, be honest with themselves, and do the inner work required for personal and professional growth.
Eventually, Sara believes that as people work on becoming better human beings, the world will change for the better. Children, in particular, will benefit from this effort because unconscious biases shape every social and economic issue. Prejudice is a man-made problem, and because of that, it can be solved—but only if people truly want to change. The answer to that question, she believes, lies within the heart of each person.
The Heart of a Mission-Driven Organization
Sara finds being both the president and founder of a mission-driven organization means embracing strategy as an essential component of success. Leadership in this role demands not only a clear vision but also the ability to communicate that vision effectively to ensure organizational alignment. Understanding the target audience and the broader market is crucial in crafting a strategy that resonates and achieves meaningful impact.
At the heart of the organization’s mission is a message intended for everyone. However, strategic focus necessitates concentrating on key areas of influence. Sara’s team has identified five core areas: education, public agencies, healthcare, law enforcement and corporations.
One of the flagship programs, Singing Equality Across America and Around the World, aims to plant the seeds of equality in future generations. By fostering an environment of inclusion and acceptance, this initiative seeks to create a lasting cultural shift.
Another critical focus is healthcare, particularly addressing inequities that disproportionately affect communities of color. Studies, such as one conducted by Optum, have highlighted the financial burden of unconscious biases in healthcare, costing the United States an estimated $93 billion annually. This data underscores the urgency of the organization’s advocacy in ensuring equitable healthcare access and treatment.
Law enforcement is another area where unconscious biases have had devastating consequences. The tragic murder of George Floyd, witnessed by millions, sparked global outrage and reaffirmed the necessity of systemic change. Recognizing the impact of biases within policing structures, Sara’s organization works toward meaningful reforms that promote justice and fairness.
The Business of a Nonprofit: Balancing Mission with Sustainability
While traditional businesses focus on generating profits, nonprofit organizations must adopt a different financial strategy. For Sara, the priority is not profitability but sustainability—ensuring there are enough funds to continue the work. Diversifying revenue streams is critical, including fundraising through ticketed events, sponsorships, silent and live auctions, and individual donations beyond annual gatherings.
Visibility plays a vital role in securing support. If potential donors and stakeholders are unaware of the organization’s work, they cannot contribute. To address this, the team leverages multiple platforms for outreach, including:
- TEDx Talks: Being invited to deliver a TEDx Talk is a prestigious opportunity, as it undergoes a rigorous selection process. The talk provides credibility and amplifies the organization’s message to a global audience.
- Media Coverage: Stories featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, the Boston Globe, and public service announcements aired on CBS and NBC have helped elevate the organization’s profile.
- Digital Campaigns: Partnering with the private sector has enabled national public service campaigns, including displaying the organization’s message on 81 digital billboards across the country.
Collaboration: Expanding the Reach
Strategic partnerships are instrumental in scaling impact. Sara’s organization actively collaborates with city agencies, other nonprofits, and private sector partners to amplify its reach and effectiveness. Diversity and inclusion training is a valuable tool, but the organization takes it a step further by providing a simple, yet powerful, method to challenge biases: The Sun Poem.
Taking just 20 seconds to reflect upon, The Sun Poem has been recognized for its ability to ignite personal and societal transformation. This recognition extends beyond anecdotal evidence—Boston’s City Council passed a resolution acknowledging the poem’s role as a catalyst for change.
The organization’s mission is not only gaining traction but also receiving validation from influential figures. When the digital billboard campaign launched in 2021, the president of a participating company stated, “Keep up your amazing mission. The world needs this.” This affirmation serves as both motivation and a reminder that the organization’s work has a global significance.
Celebrating Success in Leadership
Sara’s leadership approach is rooted in recognizing and uplifting emerging women leaders, as well as leaders of all backgrounds. She firmly believes that the foundation of strong leadership begins with acknowledging achievements, applauding successes, and recognizing alignment in missions and goals.
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: every leader, regardless of gender, benefits from encouragement and recognition. Sara emphasizes the importance of supporting leaders by introducing tools that align with their objectives. One such tool she champions is a poem that has resonated across diverse audiences, fostering introspection and growth. The impact of this poem varies—some have found humility, others have discovered forgiveness, while some have felt empowered or courageous. This diversity of impact underscores the universal relevance of her message.
When it comes to team-building, Sara believes in articulating a clear vision that everyone can understand and rally behind. Effective leadership, in her view, is about more than just strategy—it’s about fostering respect, making individuals feel valued, and ensuring they are integral to a mission greater than themselves.
Her ability to cultivate such a dedicated team is evident in the 32-year history of her nonprofit organization, which has operated entirely with volunteers. The key to this sustained commitment, she notes, is the feeling of appreciation and purpose that each volunteer experiences. They are not just giving their time; they are contributing to a cause they believe in and are respected for their efforts.
Sara’s organization has successfully executed major fundraising events year after year, staffed entirely by volunteers. When asked how such commitment is sustained without monetary compensation, she credits a culture of unconditional appreciation and empowerment. She shares a particular instance where a volunteer proposed an idea for a cabaret night—a concept that was embraced, refined, and successfully implemented for four consecutive years. This example highlights her open leadership style, where innovative contributions are welcomed and nurtured.
Beyond nonprofit work, Sara believes these principles apply universally—whether in a volunteer-driven initiative or a corporate environment. Leaders who instill a sense of value, respect, and shared purpose within their teams will always cultivate loyalty and success.
Her work serves as a testament to the power of human connection, the importance of valuing individuals, and the profound impact of strategic leadership. Through her efforts, she continues to inspire a new generation of leaders who are not just driven by success but by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the world.
A Compass for Your Career Path
When advising young leaders, Sara emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. As Socrates once said, “Know thyself.” She encourages them to stay true to their values and principles, setting goals based on what is in their hearts rather than external pressures. She prompts them to ask themselves: If God or your creator came to you today and offered your dream job, what would it be? If they don’t know, that is where their work must begin.
Respect is non-negotiable. Regardless of status—whether someone is a boss, a peer, or a server at a restaurant—everyone deserves respect. A simple act of kindness can have an unforeseen impact. Above all, she advises young leaders never to quit on their dreams. Patience and perseverance are essential. Mistakes will happen, but growth comes from learning to forgive—both oneself and others. Finally, she stresses the importance of being connected to something greater than oneself. True leadership, she believes, is built on resilience, purpose, and unconditional commitment to one’s values and aspirations.
