In a world where true inspiration is often hard to find, Sara Weller CBE stands out as a shining example of resilience, determination, and compassion.
Recently awarded the Inspirational Woman Award at The Pipeline Summer Party, Sara’s remarkable journey and her commitment to making a difference have captured the hearts and minds of many. Let’s delve into Sara’s story, her accomplishments, and the impact she continues to make in the realm of disability inclusion and empowerment.
A Life of Purpose and Achievement
Sara Weller’s journey towards becoming the Chair of the MaPS Board in March 2023 has been marked by a diverse and illustrious career. With extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, Sara has served in various high-level roles, leaving an indelible mark on organisations such as Lloyds Banking Group, United Utilities, BT, and Virgin Money. Beyond her professional achievements, Sara is deeply passionate about promoting disability inclusion in the workplace. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since 2009, she knows firsthand the challenges individuals with disabilities face and the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Her tireless efforts have raised over £250,000 for MS research, culminating in her awe inspiring completion of the London Marathon in a wheelchair.
Inspiration in Overcoming Challenges
During her acceptance speech, Sara shared her perspective on inspiration, emphasising that it lies in the eyes of the beholder. She acknowledged the debt she owes to those who have carved paths before her, highlighting the enduring influence of influential figures like Margaret. Sara believes that being open and prepared to be inspired is key to finding purpose in life. By choosing how to use the cards she’s been dealt, Sara has transformed her own challenges into a driving force for making a positive impact.
Sara’s London Marathon experience further exemplifies her inspirational journey. While participating in a session on disability at BT, she met Harriet Keeling (Customer Service Advisor, BT), who had recently completed the London Landmarks half marathon with only the crowd to guide her. Harriet’s determination and resilience struck a chord with Sara, reinforcing her belief that inspiration comes from witnessing individuals overcome challenges to make a meaningful difference. Motivated by her own experiences with progressive MS and her desire to support future generations, Sara’s focus on funding research and raising awareness has garnered admiration and support.
The Power of a Supportive Team
In her speech, Sara expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards the team that supported her throughout her endeavours. From seasoned professionals to enthusiastic youngsters, each person played a pivotal role in her success. This experience affirmed Sara’s belief in the power of diversity within teams, as people from various backgrounds and expertise came together to create a harmonious and impactful unit.
A Call for Greater Disability Inclusion
Sara’s inspiring journey continues to fuel her passion for promoting disability inclusion in the corporate world. While grateful for her own achievements, she highlights the lack of representation of individuals with disabilities on corporate boards. Sara challenges society’s perception and urges a collective effort to address this disparity. She draws attention to the fact that if the FTSE 100 had only one woman or one person of color on a board, there would be widespread outcry, yet the lack of disability representation goes largely unnoticed. With a new mission at hand, Sara seeks to change this narrative and invites others to join her in creating a more inclusive future.
Final Thoughts
Sara Weller CBE‘s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and a desire to make a difference. Through her exemplary career and advocacy for disability inclusion, Sara has become an inspiration to many. Her recent recognition as the recipient of the Inspirational Woman Award at The Pipeline Summer Party is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her remarkable achievements. As we celebrate her accomplishments, let us also reflect on the importance of fostering diversity and inclusivity in our workplaces.
Sara’s dedication to raising awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis research showcases her commitment to helping others and creating a positive impact. Her passion for making a difference has not only benefited individuals facing multiple disadvantages but also paved the way for a more inclusive society.
In a world where diversity is celebrated, it is disheartening to see the lack of representation of individuals with disabilities on corporate boards. Sara’s mission to address this disparity highlights the need for change and prompts us to question why such barriers persist.
As we conclude this blog article, let us commend Sara Weller for her unwavering determination, her ability to overcome challenges, and her commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible world. May her story continue to inspire us to push boundaries, challenge norms, and strive for greater equality.
Remember, inspiration lies not only in the achievements of others but also in our willingness to be open-minded and create positive change.
Pargavi is the Marketing Coordinator at The Pipeline. She is extremely passionate about Diversity and Inclusion and believes that people from different backgrounds should be allowed equal opportunities to better their lives and careers.
