Speaker - Dr. Barbara Vacarr.jpgSpeaker - Barbara Vacarr, PhD
CEO 
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

Dr. Barbara Vacarr is the CEO of Kripalu, North America’s premier center for yoga and health. Trained as a psychologist and adult educator, Barbara served as president and CEO of Goddard College in Vermont, where she helped reconnect Goddard to its history and surrounding community. At Lesley University, Barbara founded and directed the university’s Adult Learning Doctoral program, among many degree programs in adult education, human development/mental health counseling, and organizational leadership -- fruits of nearly three decades’ dedication to adult and non-traditional students, forging strong connections between education, work and daily life. Her distinguished academic career honed the skills and wisdom needed to advance Kripalu’s leadership position, as a respected source of yoga education and a global vehicle for positive social impact.

Barbara’s commitment to conscious, empathic leadership underscores her dedication to amplifying diverse voices and human experiences that enrich the organization and its offerings. Barbara holds a PhD in Psychology and speaks often on mindfulness, diversity, and community collaboration and engagement. She publishes regularly on HuffPo’s Thrive Global platform; is a platinum member of the Women Presidents’ Association, a peer advisory organization for women leaders of privately-held, multimillion-dollar companies; and was recognized in 2015 as an Influencer in Aging in America by PBS/Next Avenue. A lifelong meditator and avid runner, she is happiest spending time with her family.

Learn More about Kripalu

kripalu.org