Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Williams-Sorensen.
Hi Lisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My professional journey began in communications and public relations. I worked in the entertainment industry starting at Arista Records and later at MTV Networks and finally opening my own Los Angeles based public relations firm (Lisa Sorensen Public Relations), supporting high-profile athletes, artists, major brands and events. That work taught me how to shape meaningful stories, build relationships and create experiences that connect with people.
Yoga became an important part of my personal life when I was a busy entrepreneur, pregnant with my first child, and my doctor recommended I practice prenatal yoga and meditation. Eventually, my professional experience and passion for well-being came together when I moved back to New Jersey (from Los Angeles). I met Newark Yoga Movement founder Debby Kaminsky in 2017 and served on the organization’s board for approximately seven years. During that time, I taught yoga in the community andgained a deep understanding of the organization (NYM) and the life\-changing value of bringing yoga and mindfulness within reach of anyone with a desire to practice, regardless of their circumstances, location, or socioeconomic status.
In January 2026, I stepped into the role of Executive Director of Newark Yoga Movement. The transition felt like a natural next step in my journey, while also marking an important new chapter for the organization, one that I am honored to help deepen its reach, strengthen its impact, and carry its mission forward. I now bring together my background in communications, relationship-building, wellness, and community engagement to help the organization grow thoughtfully and sustainably.
What inspires me most is seeing how something as simple as one intentional breath can change the way a person enters a classroom, handles stress, connects with themselves and others, or moves through the rest of their day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road. Moving from the entertainment and public-relations world into non-profit leadership required me to apply familiar skills in a completely different environment.
Nonprofit work demands vision, but it also requires constant attention to funding, staffing, systems and sustainability. There are many worthy ideas, but limited resources requires us to be strategic about where we invest our time and energy.
Another challenge has been stepping into leadership at an organization with a long and meaningful history. I want to honor the foundation that was built while also introducing new systems, partnerships and ideas that will help Newark Yoga Movement continue growing.
These challenges have taught me that leadership is not about having every answer, but about listening carefully, building trust, building a strong team I can rely on and delegate to, staying agile through change, and continuing to move forward with purpose.
We’ve been impressed with Newark Yoga Movement, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Newark Yoga Movement (NYM) delivers wellness through breathwork, movement, stillness, mindfulness, social-emotional awareness, and customized programming throughout Newark and beyond. We work in schools, community spaces, senior residences, corporations, cultural institutions, and other settings, bringing yoga and mindfulness to people who may not otherwise have access to these practices.
Breath and mindful awareness are at the foundation of our work. We teach simple, practical tools that people can use anywhere, whether preparing to learn, managing stress, navigating a difficult conversation, or simply trying to feel more grounded.
Our programs include yoga and mindfulness for children and educators, senior and chair yoga, corporate wellness, adaptive yoga, athlete programs, community classes and signature initiatives.
What distinguishes Newark Yoga Movement is that we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. We meet people where they are physically, mentally and emotionally. Our programs are inclusive, practical and designed around the needs of each community.
Since 2009, Newark Yoga Movement has served more than 50,000 students, 6,000 educators and thousands of additional participants in corporate, public and community spaces. I am proud that we are expanding access to wellness while helping people understand that yoga is not simply about flexibility. It is about having tools that support how we live, learn, work and connect.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by impact, consistency, and connection.
Success is a child remembering to breathe before reacting. It is an educator using one of our techniques during a stressful moment. It is a senior discovering movement that feels safe and joyful. It is also creating partnerships that allow these experiences to continue instead of disappearing after one session.
As a leader, success means building an organization that is financially sustainable, operationally strong and still deeply connected to the people it serves. Growth matters, but meaningful growth matters more.
Ultimately, success is knowing that something we shared continues helping someone long after the class or program has ended.
Pricing:
- Newark Yoga Movement creates customized programs based on the audience, location, frequency, duration and scope of services. Our goal is to offer free yoga in every community we serve, and our sponsors help to make this possible. Organizations and donors interested in partnering with us, or receiving a proposal for our services, are welcome to contact us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://newarkyogamovement.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newarkyoga_movement/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newarkyogamovement
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newark-yoga-movement/
- Other: Impact report: https://newarkyogamovement.org/community-impact-report/
