KEYNOTE: Marsha D. Banks-Harold

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Trailblazing Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: A Social Ecology Framework for Inclusion, Belonging, and Success in Yoga Therapy

Presenter bio: Marsha D. Banks-Harold, C-IAYT

Marsha D. Banks-Harold presents “trailblazing leadership,” a concept she developed to describe bold, values-driven leadership that challenges norms, occupies uncharted spaces, and catalyzes systemic change. While applicable across disciplines, this session examines trailblazing leadership as a critical strategy for cultivating inclusion and belonging in wellness and yoga therapy.

Integrating emotional intelligence with a social ecology framework, Marsha invites attendees to move beyond an individual-centered model of care and consider the communal layers that shape practice. This session explores how fostering inclusion and belonging strengthens confidence, engagement, and collective care—key drivers of personal and professional success. We’ll examine how ethical abundance and access to resources support resilient practitioners, thriving businesses, and empowered communities. Attendees will leave with a framework for cultivating success in yoga therapy rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and collective well-being.