Sarah Armstrong is an accomplished nonprofit executive and philanthropic leader with over two decades of experience advancing health, education, equity and community empowerment through strategic grantmaking, organizational leadership, and global development. She is widely recognized for her ability to build mission-driven institutions, lead with purpose, and drive impact across complex international contexts.
As the Founding Executive Director of the Internet Society Foundation, Sarah launched and scaled a global philanthropic organization dedicated to expanding digital access and inclusion. Under her leadership, the Foundation awarded over $72 million in grants across 100+ countries, championing the belief that the Internet is a tool for education, economic development, and social transformation. She built and led a diverse international team, established robust governance structures, and positioned the Foundation as a key global player in the digital inclusion space.
Sarah is also the Founder and Chairperson of A Brighter Tomorrow for Africa Foundation, a nonprofit improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women and children in Sierra Leone. Since 2004, she has guided the organization’s strategy, fundraising, and partnerships, supporting grassroots solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges. Her leadership during humanitarian crises and commitment to long-term empowerment programs earned her the Humanitarian Leadership Award from the National Organization of Sierra Leoneans of North America.
Earlier in her career, Sarah held senior roles at Abt Associates, USAID in South Sudan, and top communications firms. From managing $16M+ in annual grant portfolios to directing large-scale communications teams and launching global outreach initiatives, she has consistently delivered results that align mission with measurable impact. Her consulting work through Mosaic Company also supported international development projects and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office and FEMA.
A skilled communicator, Sarah is a frequent public speaker and thought leader, having presented at conferences hosted by the Global Youth Alliance and World Data Lab, among others. She has taught as a guest professor at Georgetown and Marymount Universities and serves on several nonprofit boards.
Sarah holds a B.A. in French & Francophone Studies from Dickinson College and studied abroad in Montpellier, France. Fluent in collaboration, strategic foresight, and inclusive leadership, she continues to shape and elevate the field of international development and nonprofit governance.
LinkedIn: Sarah Armstrong