Meet Kat
Kat Atwell is a storyteller, mental health advocate, and keynote speaker who brings heart, humor, and humanity to every stage she steps on. With a background that spans sales, tech, event production, and lived mental health experience, Kat bridges the analytical and the emotional-helping organizations build workplace cultures where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Her signature keynote, Turning Scars into Stories, offers practical tools for fostering psychological safety through presence, empathy, and actual listening (not just nodding politely while waiting for your turn to talk).
From packed Ignite stages to corporate ballrooms to intimate virtual panels, Kat knows how to connect with an audience, and more importantly, how to make them connect with each other.
She's equal parts insightful and approachable, with a knack for naming the hard stuff without making it heavy. When she's not speaking, you'll likely find Kat lifting others up, watching birds lift themselves (because metaphor is everywhere), or telling true tales at a Moth StorySLAM.
What other people say about Kat
During my nine years as producer of The Narrators, I've seen hundreds of storytellers, but very few stand out like Kat. She has what Italian artists call "sprezzatura", a level of mastery that makes her storytelling seem casual and effortless. No matter the subject or the size of the audience, Kat makes every listener feel like a confidant and a friend.
R. Doyle, Event Producer
Not only is Kat one of the most caring, passionate and fun speakers, but she is also a devout and skilled mental health advocate. Within any setting, anyone can watch her work come straight from her heart. Her ability to captivate an audience comes from her natural charisma and her extensive knowledge around mental health. Kat has a unique set of skills around mental health at the individual experience, group/employment setting, and she has extensive systemic knowledge base.
J Villemonte, MSSW, LCSW, LAC
Handing her that mic was one of the best decisions I ever made for the Ignite Denver Committee. Not only for the elegance and prowess she brings to the stage as the face of our organization at every show, but for the uplifting and inspiring energy she brings to our team and our presenters at every meeting. Only those of us who know Kat can attest to the wonder that the rest of you are missing out on. I implore you to meet her, work with her, and know her. Your life will be better having done so!
D. Stones, CMP, DDS
Working with Kat is the kind of thing that more people need to experience. Not only because she's hilarious, creative and compassionate, but mostly due to her ability to inspire those around her.
J. Ewy, Video Journalist
Kat is a fantastic presenter with a stage presence that's hard to beat. As an emcee, she rolls with the punches and keeps the event moving with a fun and engaging style that keeps the audience where she needs them. I love working with her!
J. Wilker, Event Strategist
