Christa Mahlobo

Bio

Dr. Christa Mahlobo is a Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. Her research explores the factors that promote flourishing and the barriers that hinder it among Black Americans, with a focus on how cultural, social, and historical contexts shape pathways to well-being.

As part of the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project, Dr. Mahlobo examines the arts and humanities as powerful sources of healing and resilience. Her work highlights how Black Americans have long turned to artistic expression, storytelling, and cultural creativity to foster hope, recover from collective trauma, and experience joy and well-being.

In addition to her academic research, Dr. Mahlobo is a certified yoga instructor (RYT-200) who leads workshops on contemplative practices—such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga—that promote flourishing among members of the global majority. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges research, culture, and practice to deepen understanding of what it means to thrive individually and collectively.