About

Barbara Vacarr offers something truly exceptional: heart-centered leadership rooted in compassionate inquiry.

For over 30 years, she has developed a vision of success that champions human development alongside organizational transformation, spearheading bold strategic initiatives that empower individuals and organizations to look within so they can call forth their highest selves.

An ordained interspiritual minister with a PhD in psychology and human development, Barbara’s passion is exploring what creates meaningful change in the world—a passion that has opened the door to a remarkable career in higher education and mental health. Barbara has acted as CEO of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, president and CEO of Goddard College, and founding director of Lesley University’s PhD program in Adult Learning and Human Development. She’s served as an interviewer for the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education; was a project leader for the Cambodian Youth and Missing History Project; advises the board of the Findhorn Foundation; and sits on the board of the Berkshire Center for Social Justice. She is also the founder and senior leader of an intergenerational women's mentoring collective and has been a regular contributor to Thrive Global and Medium.

Barbara was named one of 50 “Influencers in Aging in America” by PBS’ Next Avenue in 2016, and was presented with the 2022 Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring individuals who have demonstrated leadership, excellence, and longevity within their respective industries and professions. She approaches all aspects of her life and work—whether it’s showing up for her family, running an organization, or mentoring entrepreneurs—from a deep commitment to leadership as a path of learning, growth, and creating new ways of being.

Barbara and her husband of 45 years are grandparents of five. Together they split their time between the Berkshires, in western Massachusetts, and Brooklyn, NY.

Barbara Vacarr

Barbara Vacarr

Her imagination is bountiful, as is her willingness to face what is difficult. Thanks to her courage, we are all motivated to step into ourselves in such a way that we come out feeling connected to something larger than just the demands of any one job.

Committed to a vision of leadership as a path of learning, growth, and creating new ways of being.

Barbara represents a unique combination of practical strategy, operational awareness, and respect for culture along with a willingness to name and tackle the big issues facing an organization and its market. Barbara’s clarity and vision make her a powerful change agent and ally for any leader.

Barbara Vacarr

Her imagination is bountiful, as is her willingness to face what is difficult. Thanks to her courage, we are all motivated to step into ourselves in such a way that we come out feeling connected to something larger than just the demands of any one job.

Committed to a vision of leadership as a path of learning, growth, and creating new ways of being.

Barbara represents a unique combination of practical strategy, operational awareness, and respect for culture along with a willingness to name and tackle the big issues facing an organization and its market. Barbara’s clarity and vision make her a powerful change agent and ally for any leader.

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