Sarah Ellison

Sarah Ellison is a seasoned facilitator, strategist, and organization development leader with more than 18 years of experience working in 18 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and South Asia, the Middle East, and North America, bringing a deep cross-cultural perspective to her work.

With a BA in history from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MA in international development from American University, Sarah has designed and led hundreds of strategic planning sessions, leadership retreats, network convenings, and high-impact learning events for community-based organizations, national NGOs, social enterprises, global philanthropy, and the United States Government.

Sarah’s facilitation style is grounded in evidence-based approaches and adult learning principles and shaped by her passion for community-led development, network weaving, and capacity sharing. She has a proven track record in guiding complex, multi-stakeholder processes, fostering collaboration, and helping teams align around shared goals.

Her commitment to building stronger, more connected communities extends beyond her professional work. She co-founded Local Pivot, which mobilizes pro-bono expertise to support local nonprofits, and contributes actively to the Local Systems Community. In her own neighborhood in Maryland, she continues her lifelong practice of service through volunteering and community engagement.