Sara Armstrong was born in Chicago, Illinois where she attended public schools and obtained BS in Microbiology from Roosevelt University. Sara joined the Peace Corps in 1966 for two years of adventure and self-discovery. But after marrying a Ugandan in 1968, and deciding to live in East Africa, she was launched on a fascinating journey through the terror and chaos of Idi Amin Dada. Because she is a black American, Sara blended in and moved freely around the country witnessing many things that journalists and diplomats were not permitted to see. She traveled in taxis and buses, she shopped in the local markets, and she lived as ordinary Ugandans lived. This gave her a unique insight into the destruction of a prosperous and thriving nation.
After returning from Uganda, she was widowed and threw her energies into raising her two children, taking care of her aging parents and participating in local politics. She helped to incorporate and served as the first Mayor of the Town of Shorter, Alabama when developers threatened her community. As the mayor of a new municipality that became the center of a public controversy, Sara gave numerous TV and newspaper interviews as well as chairing the city council and committee meetings.
Her first book entitled The Shattered Pearl, which is an account of her ten years in Africa, was published in December 2001. Writing the book was a rewarding experience because it is her story and hers alone. Sara feels that her book entertains as well as educates readers. Sara has a Masters Degree in Religious Education. She is a much sought after motivational speaker and has been featured at a variety of events for business, religious, community and volunteer organizations across the nation.
In 1992 Sara married Bob Armstrong. Their blended family consists of nine children, sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob passed away in 2006 after a brave fight against cancer. Sara is the founder and CEO of Sara L Armstrong Enterprises and its subsidiary Women of Authority that provide training and consulting services. Sara’s passion is to help women embrace each other without reservation, enable each other by sharing skills and experiences, and empower each other to set positive goals and take action.
Sara Speaks on Diversity Topics, Business Topics, Life Skills Topics and Self-care Topics.