Her Story
About Barbara
Barbara Bartolome is a Near-Death Experience (NDE) speaker, advocate, and the Founder and Director of International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) Santa Barbara (IANDSSB). Through her powerful personal journey, including two near-death experiences, Barbara has dedicated her life to sharing insights about consciousness, life after death, and the transformative effects of NDEs. Her experiences have led her to become a sought-after speaker featured in podcasts, documentaries, television, radio programs, and print publications, where she educates audiences about the lessons of love, acceptance, and global unity that emerge from these profound events.
Since founding IANDS Santa Barbara in 2011, Barbara has built a supportive community for individuals interested in exploring near-death experiences and related topics. She organizes monthly educational meetings featuring guest speakers, manages outreach efforts, maintains communications for a growing community of members, and helps provide resources for those seeking understanding after experiencing loss or life-changing events. Her work focuses on creating a compassionate environment where people can explore questions surrounding death, consciousness, spirituality, and the meaning of life.
Beyond her advocacy work, Barbara has a long history of community service and volunteerism, including her role as a volunteer with the Santa Barbara Police Department, where she became known as “Officer Barbie.” She has also been recognized for her entrepreneurial achievements, including being named Businesswoman of the Year in Santa Barbara after building a successful business. Combining her personal experiences, leadership skills, and commitment to helping others, Barbara continues to inspire people worldwide by sharing her message of hope, connection, and the enduring impact of love and kindness.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Barbara
01What do you attribute your success to?
To life experiences guided by a higher power and learning from various opportunities. The other side, God, Creator guided my path with experiences planted to learn and grow.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Following one's heart and choosing work that brings joy, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and caring about customers. To choose what your heart leads you to do.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Time constraints as a primary obstacle in pursuing personal and professional goals, though expressed satisfaction with their current achievements and path.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being kind to others. Focusing on giving your best in everything that you do and treating others the way that you want to be treated.
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