Barbara C. Unell

The devoted mother of two adult children, Barbara has been an entrepreneur, author, and parent educator since 1978, promoting social justice and healthy living through developing community-based programs and national publications and books.

For more than 30 years, she has been committed to finding cooperative solutions to the challenges of living in health and harmony by bringing together the three foundations of communities of good character: parents who model positive behaviors and prioritize their family’s well-being; schools devoted to educating for character; and corporate and media support for causes that celebrate life and foster the greater good for all.

In 1997, Barbara opened the Daniel L. Brenner Family Education Center, to honor the legacy of her uncle and mentor, the distinguished judge and lawyer Daniel L. Brenner, her role model of philanthropy, family support, and lifelong learning. The Center networks with local and national organizations to create parenting, character and health-related educational programs and publications. The book, Uncle Dan’s Report Card, was inspired by the discovery of her uncle’s 5th grade report card from 1914.

Her most recent book, The Back in the Swing Cookbook: Recipes for Eating and Living Well Every Day After Breast Cancer, brings back the energy and joy Barbara experienced in her first baking entrepreneurial venture, Bunny’s Lovin Ovens, in 1976.