Kat Bryant Knudson
Founder @The Speak Foundation
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WORK HISTORY
Founder @The Speak Foundation
Tbilisi, GE
The mission of the Speak Foundation is to improve the lives of those living with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). As an individual who was diagnosed with LGMD 2i, I realized that life was precious, and even more, after I survived a life threatening heart tumor in 2006. As a Christian, I gave everything once again to the Lord asking Him to direct my path. In 2008, by a miraculous turn of events, I was awarded with the Speak Foundation through Pantene to help individuals with neuromuscular diseases. It has been a driving force to improve the lives for all those who are dealing with incurable diseases. Through my studies at the University of Virginia and in graduate school at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, I learned the valuable principle of making a difference in the life of just one person. Helping to change just one life can change the future.
EDUCATION
University of Virginia
Bachelor’s Degree
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Dual Master's in Christian Education and Marriage/Family Therapy
ABOUT KAT BRYANT KNUDSON
I’m a biotech and rare disease strategy thought leader working at the intersection of patient-centered innovation, advocacy, drug development, and health policy. I also live with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), which gives me a dual perspective that is both lived and systems-level.I’m the Founder & CEO of The Speak Foundation, where I lead patient-driven initiatives focused on programs such as the International LGMD Conference, convened the LGMD Scientific Workshop which catalyzed the Scientific Expert Act the LGMD News Magazine, LGMD Day on the Hill, clinical trial readiness, and ethical, patient-governed data infrastructure. My work brings together biotech, regulators, lawmakers, clinicians, and patients to challenge outdated drug development models and accelerate more efficient, relevant trials in rare disease. I’m frequently asked to advise on trial design, patient engagement, real-world data strategy, and ever changing risk/benefit structures - particularly in neuromuscular disease, small molecule, and gene therapy. I focus on aligning stakeholders around models that reduce trial failure, shorten development timelines, and reflect what actually matters to patients. I also work as an independent consultant in rare disease as well.I believe patients are not endpoints; they are strategic partners. Without patient consent, trust, and governance, innovation stalls.
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