.webp)
Sarah Acer is a proven social impact leader on a mission to drive community and social outcomes through storytelling, advocacy campaigns, systems improvement and grassroots partnerships. With over two decades of expertise in cause campaigns, philanthropy, corporate policy and communications, Sarah serves as CEO at Align Social Impact, where she works with some of the world’s most influential individuals, causes, campaigns and companies to develop innovative programs and initiatives that drive impact in ways that can be felt and measured.
Prior to Align, Sarah designed, launched and led the social impact division and consulting practice at the Lede Company, one of the world’s most influential talent, brand and entertainment public relations firms. During her time at Lede, she built a global team and client roster that included individuals like Will Smith and Kevin Hart, brands like WhatsApp and Essence Ventures, nonprofits like Planned Parenthood and the Global Fund, philanthropies like the Starlight Children’s Foundation and many others.
Before joining Lede, Sarah served on the leadership team at Global Citizen—the world’s largest advocacy organization focused on achieving the 17 sustainable development goals—where she oversaw global philanthropy, corporate policy, partnerships, innovation and campaign design. During her tenure, she played a critical role in bringing the organization’s most historic, record-breaking campaigns, including One World Together At Home, Global Citizen Live and Just Vote.
Throughout her career as a nonprofit executive, consultant and corporate leader, Sarah has advised and worked alongside hundreds of industry-leading organizations and individuals on social impact strategy and cause campaigns ranging from Lady Gaga, Duane “The Rock” Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens, Live Nation, Coldplay, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anonymous Content, Ariana DeBose, Kerry Washington, Karlie Kloss, Fossil, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Delta Airlines, P&G, Coca Cola, SAP, TIME, Forbes and Google among others.
Sarah serves on the WHO Foundation US board of directors and holds a BS in sports medicine and health science, an MEd in organizational change, impact and systems improvement, and is completing a Ph.D. focused on responsible leadership, climate policy and social impact. She thrives most when she is convening and connecting diverse stakeholders to creatively build purpose- and insight-driven initiatives and organizations that advance causes, promote social progress, and solve systemic, human-centered problems. She is a lover of live music, a fan of collecting passport stamps and is based outside of Amsterdam with her husband and family.
