writer · HUMANITARIAN · SPEAKER

Sarah Dawn Petrin brings people and resources together to advance nonprofits and public policy that leads to change.

Born in an African village during a season of drought, she has helped refugees since she was 15 years old. From responding to an active shooter in the Capitol of Washington, DC to being held hostage by a warlord in the Sahara Desert, she has borne witness to the radical acts of ordinary heroism that lead to global change.

Sarah is the author of Bring Rain: Helping Humanity in Crisis. In Bring Rain, Sarah invites readers on a journey through 20 countries over 20 years of humanitarian service with the United Nations and Red Cross and as the founder of the consulting group Protect the People. She shares stories of the extraordinary people who taught her the rich rewards that come from helping others. Sarah offers us a front row seat to the incredible action moments from her life then invites us to venture out into our own neighborhoods with fresh energy to change and be changed by people in our world.

Sarah has held senior positions with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Truman National Security Project, International Committee of the Red Cross, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and the United Nations Foundation. She has taught courses on the Protection of Civilians and Human Security at the U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute and served as a Senior Advisor to NATO. She is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and serves on the board of the World Affairs Council of Maine.

Sarah is available for consulting, writing projects, and speaking engagements. Contact her about supporting your organization. Her services include advising on public policy, philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and operational support.