Sara Ting
President Of World Unity Inc
Sara Ting: A Voice of Unity and Transformation
From a young age, Sara Ting, President of World Unity Inc., felt called to understand her purpose and contribute to humanity in a meaningful way. What began as a personal search led to the creation of the Sun Poem, a message that would later inspire stories of forgiveness, healing, and unity across communities. Today, Sara continues to champion equality through art, education, music, and global outreach. Her work is anchored in a simple but powerful idea: that every person deserves to live in a world free from discrimination. Her leadership blends imagination, faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving the greater good. In this special Top 100 Disruptors Interview, she shares her journey and the mission that drives her forward.
- Let’s start with your journey. How did it all begin, and what led you to your current leadership role? When I was around nine or ten, I began asking myself why I was here and what my purpose was. Years later, in 1978, I wrote the Sun Poem in my personal journal, and it became the foundation for everything I would eventually build. In 1987, someone shared a profound story about how the poem helped her learn forgiveness. That moment changed my life. It pushed me into leadership and inspired a vision to bring the Sun Poem to the world, but also led to the founding of World Unity Inc. in 1993. Our initiatives are anchored in the poem. They are programs and music that touch hearts across all ages. Are you greater than the sun, That shines on everyone: Black, Brown, Yellow, Red and White, the sun does not discriminate. © 1985 Sara Ting
- What motivated you to keep going, and which values guide your leadership today? What kept me moving forward were the real stories of transformation. People shared how the poem opened their minds or humbled them. One woman told me she first hated the poem because it triggered painful memories of discrimination, but over time, it helped her release her past and forgive. Children who learned the song We All See the Stars told me it gave them hope and confidence, like this one from VH, “When I sing this song, I feel like I can do anything.” Hearing comments like these showed me how powerful the Sun Poem can be for individuals and for entire communities. The values that guide me are gratitude, integrity, accountability, respect, kindness, compassion, humility, generosity, and thinking beyond oneself. I deeply believe in God, and one of my guiding prayers is that with God, all things are possible and that where there seems to be no way, God will create one.
- Every path has challenges. Can you share a defining moment in your career and how you overcame it? World Unity Inc. was once included in a park plan to build the World Unity Landmark. We spent sixteen years working with stakeholders and even partnered with the Boston Architectural College on a design competition. But as time went on, challenges with finalizing the location grew, and eventually, we were removed from the park. I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I could continue. Then one day, while listening to a story on NPR about Normandy Day, I heard a calm voice say to me, “There are no guns pointing at you. Carry on.” That moment renewed my commitment. I knew I had to continue the vision no matter how hard it became.
- Innovation and collaboration are key today. How do you cultivate these within your organization? I believe imagination fuels innovation. I always ask people to imagine what is possible and to share new ideas that can help us bring the Sun Poem to the world through our programs, the TEDx Talk, and the future landmark. Collaboration comes from creating a culture where people feel respected and heard. I listen with an open mind, encourage honest communication, and make sure everyone feels valued and elevated, and praise people for their contribution. When people feel safe to express themselves, are recognized for their contribution, and are invited to be part of something they believe in, great ideas and collaboration can follow.
- From your perspective, what traits distinguish top-performing leaders? I believe top-performing leaders are guided by something greater than themselves. They have a vision that serves the greater good, and they can communicate that vision in a way that inspires others to join them. Leadership is not only about directing people. It is about empowering others to grow and helping them see a future they want to be part of.
- Mentorship and learning shape leaders in powerful ways. How have they influenced you, and how do you encourage them within your team? My greatest mentor has been God. Whenever I faced major challenges, I prayed and listened. I do not follow any organized religion, but I have deep faith. Along the way, many people offered guidance; however, there were times when no one had an answer. I needed to turn to God and listen to the quiet voice within. It has always been my anchor. I also believe that learning never stops. I encourage my team to share ideas, suggest improvements, and grow with the mission. Leadership requires constant reflection, especially about oneself.
- The world is changing fast. How do you keep your organization aligned and agile? We are a nonprofit with free programs, so our focus is not on selling a product. We keep our organization aligned by making sure our initiatives and decisions are always aligned with our values and mission. Our mission is to address unconscious bias, something that affects every part of society, especially healthcare and law enforcement. Laws and technology cannot remove biases. People must work on them from within. The Sun Poem asks a powerful question that opens that door. It is also the foundation of our TEDx Talk and our children’s program, Singing Equality across America and Around the World. These efforts allow us to reach new audiences while staying true to a message that is timeless. No matter how the world changes, we can be agile because the Sun Poem expresses the truth of equality very clearly. It transcends politics, ideology, religion, and all the biases that divide us. The message will always be needed because there is no end to the journey of creating a nation and world that respects and values all people.
- Looking back, is there an experience that shaped your leadership style? My leadership style has always been shaped by my childhood question of purpose. Growing up with strong Asian values also influenced me. I was taught to think of family first and to value the collective. Over time, my deep faith in God became the strongest guide in how I lead, make decisions, and serve others.
- What advice would you offer emerging leaders who want to make a meaningful impact? Develop strong self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Face your unconscious biases. Have integrity and principles you stand by. Be kind, generous, compassionate, and humble. Do not fear mistakes. Build a clear vision and learn to communicate it well. Believe in something greater than yourself. For me, it is my faith in God. Create daily routines that ground you. Surround yourself with a team that believes in you and your mission.
- Finally, what excites you most about the future? I am most excited about building the World Unity Landmark. It will be a permanent home for the Sun Poem and a symbol that guides future generations. As AI reshapes how we live and connect, we must ask what values we are building into our systems. The Sun Poem is a reminder of our shared humanity, and its message belongs in every industry — especially technology. What excites me most is not only what we are creating but who we are becoming and how the Sun Poem can be recognized worldwide as a poem that empowers individuals to become more self-aware in realizing their full humanity. I believe our children deserve a world shaped by unity, not division. That is the future I work for every day.