2x Emmy Awards | "Social Impact Expert" ~Forbes | Delegate: United Nations & Nobel Peace Summit
MEET SARAH
Leveraging two decades of Social Science Expertise &
two Emmy Awards, Sarah Hamilton has emerged at the
forefront of humanitarian & Nobel Peace Laureate-led initiatives.
DELEGATE
UNITED NATIONS
CSW65
DELEGATE
WORLD SUMMIT
OF NOBEL LAUREATES
FOR PEACE XIX
ADVISOR
NOBEL PEACE
LAUREATE-LED
INITIATIVES
U.S. PRESIDENT
CALL TO SERVICE
AWARD
U.S. DEPT STATE
FULBRIGHT SPECIALIST
ROSTER
CANNES FESTIVAL SELECTION
4 TELLY AWARDS
2 EMMY
AWARDS
1 ANTHEM AWARD
4 DAVEY
AWARD
40 + FILM
FESTIVAL HONORS
Biography
Sarah Hamilton, PhD Candidate, is a 2x Emmy Award winning Social Scientist specializing in communications, evaluation and research. For the last twenty years, she has united with changemakers—including nonprofits, universities, and Nobel Peace Laureates—to advance humanitarian causes.
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Notably, Sarah has served on Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu's nonprofit advisory board, served as a Delegate at the World Summit of Nobel Laureates for Peace (XIX) and as a Delegate for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65). Sarah was appointed to the U.S. Department of State's Fulbright Specialist Roster for her social impact expertise and have worked on educational content for Nobel Peace Laureates Dalai Lama and Shirin Ebadi.
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Her acclaimed social impact films have garnered critical recognition, winning two Emmy Awards along with multiple Telly, Davey, and Anthem Awards, accolades at Cannes film festival, and awards for Best Social Justice Film and critical praise from BAFTA winning filmmaker Ken Loach.
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As a Nobel Peace Studies instructor at Duke University, Sarah placed a strong emphasis on community involvement. She authored the Official Film Guides for Study and Discussion for Nobel Legacy Productions acclaimed documentaries on Nobel Laureates Dalai Lama and Shirin Ebadi. Recognized for her ability to distill complex themes into engaging, accessible formats garnered her two Davey Awards and reached a global audience, with more than two million Film Guides distributed worldwide.​
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Sarah is the recipient of "The President's Call to Service Award,"an American volunteerism honor from the President of the United States. This award recognizes individuals "who commit their time and talents to tackle some of the most challenging issues facing our country" and contributed 4,000 philanthropic hours to initiatives.
Sarah is currently a PhD Candidate in Social Science at the University of Sunderland (UK) researching the efficacy of films to advance humanitarian initiatives. Sarah earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Public Policy (summa cum laude), and her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (cum laude) from Drake University.
She has been featured as social impact expert on major media platforms, including NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, KTLA, Parents, Best Life, and recognized as a “Social Impact Hero” by Authority Magazine and a “Social Impact Expert” by Forbes.
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​PhD Research
I am a current PhD Candidate at the University of Sunderland, a public research institution in England.
My doctoral research focuses on the intersection of communications, short-form media content, and its effectiveness in driving social change, particularly within nonprofit and humanitarian organizations.
I approach this work through the lens of Community-Based Participatory Research, which emphasizes equitable partnerships between researchers and communities, rather than conducting research on communities.
My work is rooted in principles of service, partnership, and the approach that community members bring invaluable local knowledge and lived experiences from their respective communities.
Alexander Hamilton: Founding Father & first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (distant cousin; paternal lineage)
Dr. Charles Murray: Scientist & Dean of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (great-uncle; maternal lineage)
My Story
Bridging the Past and Our Future:
A Legacy of Social Impact in Action
Every family's history is woven from stories, reminding us we owe much to the generations that have come before us. Social science emphasizes that personal identity is deeply intertwined with collective experiences, and understanding our origins can enhance our appreciation for the legacy left by our ancestors.
My genealogical research traced my paternal lineage back to Alexander Hamilton, revealing that my 10x great-grandfather was his uncle. This connection to a pivotal figure in American history, along with the philanthropic efforts of his wife, Eliza, instilled in me instilled in me a lasting awareness of the critical role leadership serves in guiding societal progress.
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My family taught me that true leadership goes beyond individual accomplishments to create a positive influence for future generations.
My great-uncle and grandfather were scientists and academics - both served as college deans, my uncles were professors, and my mother passionately championed children’s education and literacy. The common threads of analytical thinking and advocacy were woven together with their intent to create an impact.
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This foundation has guided my personal and professional journey, formed my humanitarian values, and are the reason why as a social scientist, I partner with organizations that are committed to sustainable, actionable change within the communities they serve. ​