From Lost Princess to Purpose-Driven Leader: Princess Sarah Culberson on Identity, Service, and Owning Your Story

mgraziano45
Jun 27
2 min read

Princess Sarah Culberson is more than royalty. She’s a speaker, educator, and humanitarian with a story that has inspired people around the world. Born in the U.S. and adopted as an infant, Sarah grew up in West Virginia before embarking on a life-changing journey in her twenties to find her birth family—and discovered she was part of a royal lineage in Sierra Leone.

That discovery became the beginning of her mission: to use her platform for good. Today, she works to uplift communities through her foundation, her speaking engagements, and her passion for identity, education, and equity.

The Journey to Reclaim Identity

Princess Sarah shares how growing up as a biracial adoptee in a predominantly white community shaped her early experiences. Her story of seeking belonging is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Finding Her Birth Family

In her twenties, Sarah made the courageous decision to search for her biological parents. What she found was unexpected: her father was alive and well—and part of a ruling family in Sierra Leone.

She describes the emotional complexity of that discovery: the joy of finding her father, the sorrow of learning her birth mother had passed, and the surreal experience of being welcomed into her ancestral home as a princess.

From Individual Story to Shared Impact

Rather than keeping her journey private, Sarah chose to share it. That vulnerability became a catalyst for broader conversations around identity, race, adoption, and purpose.

Using Storytelling as a Catalyst for Change

Princess Sarah believes in the power of story to build bridges, spark empathy, and inspire action. She emphasizes that storytelling isn’t just a branding tool—it’s a vehicle for healing and human connection.

Authenticity Over Perfection

Sarah encourages entrepreneurs and creatives to share the messy middle—not just the highlight reel. “People want real,” she says. It’s in the honest moments that others see themselves and feel empowered to keep going.

The Courage to Own Your Narrative

Too often, we let fear or shame silence our stories. Princess Sarah challenges listeners to embrace their full selves—even the hard chapters—because you never know who needs to hear it.

Living a Purpose-Driven Life

Today, Princess Sarah channels her influence into work that uplifts others. Whether she’s speaking on global stages or mentoring students, her goal is clear: to inspire people to lead with purpose and compassion.

Service as a Way of Life

From rebuilding schools in Sierra Leone to creating equity-focused curriculum, Sarah lives her values. She reminds us that impact doesn’t require a title—it requires intention.

Empowering the Next Generation

She speaks directly to young people, especially girls of color, about owning their worth and finding their voice. “You are enough, exactly as you are,” she says. Her message is one of hope, action, and possibility.