Carolina Isakson de Barco (born Mary Caroline Isakson,[a] January 6, 1930 – January 14, 2012) was an American and Colombian artist and philanthropist who served as first lady of Colombia from 1986 to 1990 and previously as first lady of Bogotá from 1966 to 1969 as wife of Virgilio Barco Vargas.

[1][2][3] Mary Caroline Isakson was born in York, Pennsylvania, her family moved to Cúcuta, Norte de Santander when she was 7 years old.

While serving as First Lady of Colombia, she helped to create "Bienestar," an anti-poverty program focused on improving the quality of life for Colombian children.

By March 1988, 120,000 children were receiving food via the program with planners hoping to increase that number to one million by 1990.

[12][13] During her husband's administration, she helped to create, and then directed, a national anti-poverty program, "Bienestar," which was established in February 1987 to provide food and day care for Colombian's poorest children.