Top 5 Leaders Redefining Business Excellence In 2025

A 21-Word Poem That Sparked a Movement for Equality

In 1978, a short poem written in a personal journal changed Sara Ting’s life forever. Just 21 words long, the Sun Poem began with a simple yet profound question:

Are you greater than the sun that shines on everyone: Black, Brown, Yellow, Red and White? The sun does not discriminate.

When a friend who worked in billboard advertising read it, she was so moved that she arranged for it to be displayed on billboards throughout Boston. The message spread, becoming the centrepiece of a citywide multimedia public service campaign in Boston and later in New York City in the mid-1980s. The campaign even aired nationally on CBS and NBC.

But bringing the message to her hometown of New York wasn’t easy. Working out of her father’s office, Ting made call after call to potential sponsors—hearing “no” fifty-two times. She realized that resistance to change and fear of equality were real barriers. Yet the success in Boston, and the truth within the poem’s words, kept her going.

When the campaigns ended, Ting thought her work might be complete. But her heart told her otherwise. She wanted the message to live on—something people could see and reflect upon every day. That search led her to the YWCA, where program director Pat Bonner Turner welcomed the idea of displaying a large 4-by-8-foot poster of the Sun Poem in the lobby. Funded by Shawmut Bank, the colorful and bold poster made an immediate impact—especially on one young Asian American woman who at first resented the words because they reopened old wounds of discrimination. Over time, however, the poem helped her confront her pain and choose forgiveness.

That moment revealed the depth of the poem’s power. Ting thought about places of deep division—like the Middle East—and how much healing could come from the courage to forgive.

In 1993, she founded World Unity Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion by raising self-awareness through the Sun Poem worldwide. Sara states, “Laws, policies and technology cannot eliminate unconscious biases all humans have. Humans must remove them. The Sun Poem can ignite the change that must come from within.”. To keep this message alive, she envisioned building a permanent landmark showcasing the Sun Poem. What began as a few lines in a private journal had grown into a lifelong mission—one that continues to inspire and challenge people to see each other through the same impartial light the sun gives to all.

Carrying the Sun’s Message Around the World

For Sara Ting, success is not measured in profits or accolades—it’s found in staying true to a mission that began with just 21 words in 1978. Those words, known as the Sun Poem, have since become a beacon for equality, inclusion, and understanding.

One measure of that success is that both she and her organization, World Unity Inc., continue to believe deeply in their initiatives and the transformative vision behind them. Another is the steady arrival of new sponsors and supporters at the nonprofit’s annual Diversity and Inclusion Leadership event. Media coverage—on radio, television, and in print—also plays a role, helping to share the extraordinary and enduring story of the Sun Poem with the world.

But Ting’s hopes extend far beyond events and publicity. She envisions the organization’s work making a true global impact. One of its most heartfelt initiatives is Singing Equality Across America and Around the World, which aims to plant seeds of equality in the next generation through music. The song We All See the Stars, written by John Ciambriello and inspired by the Sun Poem, won a national songwriting contest the organization held in 2015. That same year, children performed it at the United Nations. Since then, it has travelled as far as Namibia, and the goal is to reach at least 20 countries within five years.

Another key initiative is the TEDx Talk Uncover and Overcome All Unconscious Biases, offered as an educational tool for leadership training, organizational development, helping create a culture of inclusion and belonging that can foster innovation.. So far, 23 organizations—including two global giants, Merck and AECOM—have adopted it as part of their diversity and inclusion efforts.

At the heart of Ting’s vision is the creation of a permanent World Unity Landmark showcasing the Sun Poem. She is reaching out to philanthropists and leaders who want to leave a legacy—one that can transform the world into a place where all people are valued equally.

From a handwritten journal entry to a worldwide mission, the Sun Poem continues to shine—offering light, hope, and a challenge to live in true equality.

Leading with Humanity

At the heart of World Unity Inc. is a culture rooted in openness, respect, and the simple yet profound truth of the Sun Poem: the sun shines on everyone—it does not discriminate. This guiding message shapes every conversation, decision, and interaction within the organization.

For founder Sara Ting, maintaining this culture means creating space for open, honest dialogue and embracing different points of view. “The key is being accepting of differences and always listening with an open mind and heart,” she says.

A lover of quotes, Ting often reflects on Aristotle’s words: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” It’s a reminder that true growth comes from nurturing compassion as much as intellect.

World Unity Inc. strives to embody compassion, kindness, generosity, respect, integrity, and open-mindedness—qualities that allow people to be their genuine selves. As the leader, Ting models these values by living “from the inside out,” letting her humanity guide her decisions and actions. In doing so, she creates an environment where others feel safe to be authentic, too.

Through this human-cantered leadership, the Sun Poem’s message is not only spoken but lived—proving that equality begins with the way we see, hear, and value one another.

Resolving Conflicts Under the Light of the Sun

When disagreements arise within World Unity Inc., founder Sara Ting approaches them with patience, empathy, and a commitment to the values that guide the organization. Her first step is always to listen intently—making sure to fully understand the issue before taking action.

“Identifying the problem correctly is essential,” she says. Rather than seeking someone to blame, Ting focuses on understanding the perspectives involved and working toward a resolution that is best for everyone concerned.

In these moments, she stays anchored to the organization’s core values: integrity, respect, and valuing differences. And she draws strength from the message of the Sun Poem: the sun shines on me and on all those involved in the conflict.

By leading with compassion and fairness, Ting ensures that even challenging moments become opportunities for deeper understanding and unity—turning potential divisions into a reaffirmation of the mission itself.

A Song That Helps Children See, Connect, and Believe

For Sara Ting and World Unity Inc., success isn’t measured in revenue—it’s measured in the lives touched and the minds opened. As a nonprofit, their focus is on the impact of their initiatives, and one of the most powerful examples comes from We All See the Stars, a song inspired by the Sun Poem.

The song’s message has reached children across the country, and their words speak volumes about its effect:

“I like the words, ‘black, brown, yellow, red and white the sun does not discriminate’ because to me, it means that we are all seen.” – Cris
When you read this, you want every student to feel seen.

“This song reminds me to be friends with everyone.” – Jade
When you read this, you want every student to be friends with everyone.

“When I sing this song, I feel like I can do anything.” – VH
When you read this, you want every student to feel like they can do anything.

“One day the world will hear this song and it will stop discriminate.” – Annie
How powerful—Annie saw what the song could do!

For Ting, these comments are proof of the song’s ability to inspire change from an early age. That’s why she believes it’s essential to share both the song and the students’ reflections with sponsors, donors, and foundations—to show the tangible impact of their work.

World Unity Inc. invests in projects and programs that generate visibility and inspire others to join their mission. With a timeless, universal, and transformative message, they use creative formats to reach global audiences. And in a world where music can transcend borders, a song like We All See the Stars may be one of the most powerful ways for the message of equality to travel around the world.

Staying Resilient in Challenging Times

For Sara Ting, leading a mission-driven nonprofit means finding ways to keep the vision alive—even when resources are tight. Tough times call for creativity and a clear-eyed look at what is possible.

“It’s about finding ways to minimize your losses and maximize the financial base you have,” Ting explains. That can mean carefully cutting expenses, making sure every dollar serves the mission, and looking for opportunities to generate new support.

She believes in doing an honest assessment—taking stock of what’s available, identifying untapped potential, and thinking outside the box to secure resources. For Ting, these moments of challenge are also moments of possibility, when innovation and determination can carry the work forward.

It’s this mindset that has allowed World Unity Inc. to continue sharing its timeless message of equality, ensuring that even in difficult seasons, the light of the Sun Poem keeps shining.

Faith, Vision, and the Enduring Light of the Sun Poem

For Sara Ting, leadership has always been guided by a deep faith in God—a divine force that has provided strength, clarity, and direction through every step of her journey with World Unity Inc. She believes the organization carries a powerful, undeniable truth about equality, one the world needs now more than ever. Central to her vision is the creation of a permanent landmark showcasing the Sun Poem, a message she hopes will inspire and guide future generations.

Ting doesn’t think in terms of failure. To her, something either works or it doesn’t. The measure is whether progress is made, and if not, understanding why. Obstacles don’t define the path—vision does.

Her faith has deepened alongside the project. “Faith is believing in what you cannot see,” she reflects. “Who would imagine that an organization would endure for 32 years because of a poem that expresses the truth about equality?”

For Ting, leadership means valuing the people you work with—sponsors, contributors, and collaborators alike—while leading with gratitude. Having dedicated board members especially her Vice President, Michael Hemingway has been vital to the organization persevering with its initiatives and mission. It’s about keeping eyes on the vision, learning from setbacks, and allowing faith to illuminate the way forward.

Through it all, the Sun Poem remains the constant—a simple, timeless reminder that the light of equality shines on everyone.

Faith as the Guiding Light

For Sara Ting, the greatest influence in her life and work is God. Her leadership and dedication to World Unity Inc. have been shaped by learning to take action while holding faith that everything will work out for the best—for everyone involved.

The Bible has been a steady source of wisdom, strength, and direction throughout her journey. Certain lines have spoken to her at just the right moments, offering clarity when she needed guidance most.

Her work with the organization’s mission has become a journey of tremendous spiritual growth—learning to walk in faith and trust that with God, all things are possible. She believes that even when the path seems blocked, God will make a way.

It is this unshakable trust that has sustained her through challenges and fuelled her vision for equality. For Ting, faith is not just a personal foundation—it’s the force that allows the Sun Poem to keep shining its light to the world.

Leading with Humanity and Vision

For Sara Ting, effective leadership begins with strong self-awareness—knowing who you are, believing in yourself, your vision, and in something greater than yourself. For her, that guiding force is God.

She believes leaders must clearly articulate their vision so that everyone in the organization is aligned and moving forward together. Creating a culture where each person can be their authentic self—100%—is essential. This requires excellent listening, genuine care for the team, and the mindset of a servant leader.

Ting’s approach is rooted in compassion, gratitude, integrity, commitment, open-mindedness, truth, and forgiveness. She encourages leaders not to be afraid to think big, to be seekers of truth and knowledge, and to maintain a growth mindset. Transparency and presence are also key. “The point of most power is always the present,” she recalls learning decades ago in a workshop.

Above all, Ting believes in loving what you do, caring about the people you work with, and leading with humanity. For her, leadership is not about authority—it’s about creating an environment where both the mission and the people can flourish.