Dr. Jennifer Kai Lynne

Dr. Jennifer Kai Lynne is a specialist in human adaptive capacity, identity, and systems transformation, and the founder of YOULAB (formerly The Contact Project). She holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership with specializations in Identity and Trauma, and a PhD in Peace and Conflict specializing in human adaptive capacity.

Professional Background & Leadership

• YOULAB (formerly The Contact Project)

  As the founder of YOULAB, she leads advisory initiatives, immersive leadership experiences, and strategic thinking partnerships designed for social impact founders, global agencies, and executive leaders navigating rapid systemic shifts.

• Global Advisor

  Over the last two decades, her work and research have reached individuals, leaders, communities, and organizations across more than 110 countries—including the United States, Argentina, Mexico, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Laos, Thailand, Nepal and Pakistan.

• Transdisciplinary Practice

  Her cross-sector advisory spans work with government bodies, security forces, national corporations, foundations, universities, civil-society networks, and international institutions.

Contemporary Focus: Human Adaptive Capacity, Identity & Systems

• The HAC Model™ & Architecture for Human Adaptive Capacity™

  Starting in 2007 with her pioneering Engaged Identity™ theory, her 15+ years of global research evolved into the Architecture for Human Adaptive Capacity™ and the HAC Model™, serving as transdisciplinary frameworks for human adaptability and structural transformation. She explores the intersections of inner development, meaning, identity, and systems.

• Senior Policy & Academic Fellowships

  She served as Senior Advisor for the United States Institute of Peace’s groundbreaking Peace ReWire initiative on neuroscience, spirituality, and peacebuilding. She was honored as a Visiting Scholar at the Mind & Life Institute and served as the Professional Peacebuilding Practice Research Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

• Global Board & Academic Engagements

  Dr. Lynne serves on the Global Advisory Board for the Chetanalaya Institute for Spirituality and Peace in Kathmandu, Nepal, and as an Advisory Board Member for SheForumAfrica. She regularly contributes to international convenings, including the International Peace Research Association, the Human Dignity & Humiliation Studies consortium at Columbia University, the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation, and the Asia-Pacific Peace Research Association.