Sara Yahia

HR CAREER:
Sara Yahia is an award-winning HR leader and DEI advocate with over 12 years of international experience. She has held leadership roles at DoubleTree by Hilton (Spain), Jade Associates (New York), and FIFA Qatar/Mall of Qatar, where she led HR strategies for large-scale operations. She now consults for U.S. companies, optimizing HR strategies and fostering inclusive workplaces.

AWARDS & COLLABORATIONS:
Twice recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree and recipient of a Global Recognition Award for her contributions to diversity and inclusion, Sara shared her expertise in The HR Observer, People First HR Magazine, and HR Gazette. Her introvert-centered leadership approach has inspired innovative initiatives like Hi-Five Welcoming, inclusive workplace technologies, and remote team-building strategies. These efforts led to her selection as a CUNY Alumni Spotlight in April 2024.

EDUCATION:
As a polyglot fluent in four languages, Sara holds a Master’s in Business Management and Leadership, along with various HR certifications such as the HR Strategic Management from Stanford University.

COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Sara is an active member of the Swiss Society of New York, United Women in Business Foundation, and the CUNY Alumni Engagement Council. She is also deeply involved in philanthropy, regularly preparing and distributing meals to those in need during the holiday season. Her charitable work supports causes such as children's welfare.

FROM HR TO LITERATURE:
Sara began her literary journey with Quietly Sparks, which celebrates the strengths of introverts. She continued exploring themes of inclusion and awareness with Unheard Voices and Quiet Diversity. Her poetry collection, Timeless Heartbeat, delves into love, resilience, and self-discovery.

Sara is currently working on romance novels, set to be released by the end of 2025, with emotionally intelligent narratives and complex characters that reflect her deep understanding of human dynamics.