Katya Armistead is a seasoned educator, mentor, and community leader with over 35 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit service. She currently serves as the Co-Executive Director of Programs at Leading From Within, where she co-leads the organization, focusing on leadership development, program strategy, and supporting changemakers across the region. Katya spent 35 years at UC Santa Barbara, where she most recently served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Life. In that role, she led the Student Life Cluster, taught in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, and advanced initiatives related to campus climate, equity, and student well-being. She is a certified trainer for The Leadership Challenge® Workshop and is recognized for her inclusive leadership, community-centered values, and commitment to developing individuals and systems that foster lasting change.