ABOUT NADINE:
FOUNDER OF UNIVERSAL EMPRESS
Universal Empress was launched in 2010 as the brand representing Nadine McNeil, a yoga teacher, public speaker, transformational coach and humanitarian. Her mission involves igniting others to create and dwell in infinite possibility, and share the tenets of yoga within communities where it has been largely inaccessible.
Nadine coined two terms to encompass the main objectives of her work. First, her central message of Consciousness Rising – the act of stepping boldly into the fullest expression of self, thereby becoming a catalyst for collective change. And, her quest for the Democratization of Yoga – the removal of the illusion of elitism attached to the practice in modern times.
She presents at international conferences such as the BaliSpirit Festival and the Caribbean Yoga Conference, leads corporate workshops at companies such as the Caribbean’s largest money market brokerage, JMMB, and teaches at yoga studios across the globe. She also implements a variety of programs, classes and workshops for underserved populations, with past projects in the United States, Jamaica, Haiti and Africa, contributing, for example, to organizations such as the Africa Yoga Project.
From Bali to Jamaica: A Journey of Healing, Transformation, and Peace
Nadine’s yoga journey began in 2001, shortly after the world-changing events of 9/11, at a time when her life was at a crossroads. Initially skeptical, yoga soon became her greatest ally—helping her heal from the pressures of demanding global roles, including her work with UNICEF after the 2004 tsunami.
In 2008, she deepened her practice with a transformative teacher training at the Sivananda Ashram in South India. There, Nadine experienced yoga as a powerful tool for peace—not only within ourselves but in the way we connect with others. This moment solidified her lifelong dedication to yoga and holistic healing.
From the UN to Full-Time Yoga Teacher
After completing a two-year UN stint in the Central African Republic, Nadine chose to immerse herself fully in teaching yoga. She became a full-time faculty member at The Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali, where she developed her signature BadAsana Series: Yoga with Free Weights—a unique fusion of strength, balance, and flexibility training.
In late 2020, COVID-19 brought Nadine back to her roots in Jamaica. Now based in Montego Bay, she offers a diverse range of services focused on fostering wellness and personal transformation for individuals, groups, and corporate clients.
Beyond Jamaica, Nadine continues to share her expertise globally, leading retreats, delivering keynote talks, and facilitating workshops centered on personal development, holistic health, and wellness.