Meet Katrina High

From Projects to Powerhouse Rewriting the Rules of Legacy, Leadership, and Limitless Living

Raised in the Richard Allen project housing, surrounded by the harsh realities of drug epidemics, violence, and generational poverty, Katrina’s story could have easily been one of statistics. Instead, she chose to become a symbol of resilience, excellence, and purpose-driven leadership.

Today, Katrina High stands tall as an award-winning scientist, healthcare executive, and multi-passionate entrepreneur who is redefining what it means to lead with impact. She is living proof that no matter your beginnings, your destination can be limitless.

Photographer Credit : Nathan Pearcy

Katrina’s journey into the pharmaceutical and biotech industries wasn’t by accident—it was a calling birthed from personal pain. Watching her loved ones suffer and succumb to preventable illnesses lit a fire within her. Determined to challenge health disparities head-on, Katrina entered the pharmaceutical world to make a difference where it mattered most.

Her brilliance and relentless dedication quickly set her apart. Known for her ability to decode complex healthcare challenges and transform them into actionable solutions, Katrina became a respected leader in every room she entered. Her impact extended beyond titles—she became a force of nature, helping to close critical gaps in healthcare access while inspiring new leaders to rise.

Photographer Credit : Nathan Pearcy

In 2019, Katrina co-founded Artemis Factor, a consultancy that challenges outdated ideas of what leadership looks like. Through Artemis Factor, she proves daily that powerful leadership isn’t reserved for the privileged few—it belongs to those bold enough to claim it.through mentorship, she began to flourish both personally and professionally.

More than her professional accolades, what drives Katrina High is her deeply rooted mission to break generational curses. She is the first in her family to build wealth, and she is determined to ensure she is not the last. Her success isn’t just for herself—it’s for her community, for her lineage, and for every girl who grows up thinking her circumstances define her destiny.

Katrina serves on the Board of Directors for Heights Philadelphia, creating pathways for first-generation college students to access life-changing opportunities. As the former Board Secretary of Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP), she worked tirelessly to close leadership gaps and tackle health disparities that plague Black and brown communities.

Understanding the unique challenges women founders face in funding, Katrina stepped into the role of angel investor, deliberately backing women-owned businesses. Through her Taboo Talk series, she shares raw wisdom on transitioning from poverty to abundance, using transparency and actionable insights to uplift her community.

Photographer Credit : Nathan Pearcy

What makes Katrina High’s story so remarkable is her dedication to building not just success, but legacy. Every step of her journey is guided by an abundance mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning. She believes that health equity and wealth access should not be privileges—they should be a birthright.

Katrina uses her platforms to foster inclusive environments in both healthcare and entrepreneurship, boldly creating spaces where people of color, women, and first-generation leaders are not only included, but celebrated.

Through her service, mentorship, and unapologetic leadership, Katrina shows others what’s possible when you marry audacity with action. She teaches that abundance isn’t a far-fetched dream—it’s a decision.

When Katrina isn’t speaking on stages, advising Fortune 500 companies, or pouring into her community, she finds joy in life’s simpler pleasures. She loves exploring new places, cherishing moments with loved ones, and continuously feeding her curiosity for the world around her.

Every credential is a brick in the empire she is building, not just for herself, but for every person who looks at her and dares to dream bigger.

At Becoming Her Magazine, we believe in amplifying the voices of women who aren’t waiting for a seat at the table—they’re building the table. Katrina High is the embodiment of this spirit. Her life is a blueprint for breaking chains, building wealth, and leading with undeniable purpose.

She is not only becoming her—she is helping others become the best versions of themselves too. Katrina High proves that no matter where you start, you can finish strong, leave a legacy, and change the world while you’re at it.

And for Katrina? She’s only getting started.

Interview with Katrina High

Your journey from growing up in the Richard Allen housing projects to becoming an accomplished chemist, entrepreneur, and advocate is remarkable. What was the defining moment that shifted your perspective and fueled your determination to break the cycle of generational poverty?

The defining moment came when my family was evicted from the Richard Allen housing projects, forcing me to confront the instability of generational poverty. That hardship fueled my determination to change my trajectory, a resolve strengthened when I was accepted into Philadelphia Futures (now Heights Philadelphia). The program opened doors to mentorship and resources that expanded my vision of what was possible beyond my circumstances. For the first time, I saw education as a pathway to stability and success, motivating me to pursue a degree in chemistry. This opportunity taught me the power of resilience and the importance of community investment. It transformed my life and inspired me to break the cycle of poverty. Today, I strive to create opportunities for others to realize their potential, just as I did.

THEHAWC.org honors your father and tackles health and wealth equity. How has your personal journey shaped the vision and mission of your nonprofit, and what impact do you hope to achieve for the communities you serve?

THEHAWC.org is deeply personal to me, as it reflects my father’s legacy and the values he instilled in me—hard work, generosity, and community. Growing up in the Richard Allen housing projects, I experienced firsthand how a lack of access to health and wealth resources perpetuates cycles of struggle. Those experiences, combined with my journey from those beginnings to becoming a chemist and entrepreneur, inspired me to create a nonprofit that bridges those gaps. THEHAWC.org tackles inequities by providing tools, education, and opportunities to empower underrepresented communities. It honors my father’s commitment to family and community while addressing critical needs like financial assistance and mentorship. My vision is to create a ripple effect of change where families can achieve health, financial stability, and build legacies of strength and prosperity.

You’ve described yourself as a "catalyst for change." What does being a catalyst mean to you, and how do you use your diverse experiences to inspire and create opportunities for others?

Being a catalyst means igniting transformation and turning barriers into opportunities for growth and progress where others might see obstacles. It’s about using my journey—from growing up in the Richard Allen housing projects to becoming a chemist and entrepreneur—to show what’s possible with resilience, education, and support. I believe in leading by example, proving that cycles can be broken and doors can be opened. Through Artemis Factor, THEHAWC.org, and other initiatives, I’m committed to providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities that empower people to rise. Being a catalyst isn’t about personal success; it’s about igniting change that ripples through families and communities. It’s about building a legacy of equity, empowerment, and growth. My goal is to ensure others have what they need to thrive and create their own impact.

Your work on Gardasil was a bittersweet milestone, blending professional pride with personal loss. How did that experience influence your passion for addressing health disparities, and how does it inform the work you do today?

Working on Gardasil was a defining moment in my career—an achievement I’m incredibly proud of, yet deeply personal, as I lost my dear grandmother to cervical cancer while actively working on the vaccine designed to prevent it. That experience revealed the critical gap between trust in the medical system and accessibility, underscoring how health disparities can have devastating consequences. It fueled my determination to ensure life-saving advancements reach the communities that need them most. Today, this passion drives the mission of THEHAWC.org, where we work to address both health and wealth inequities. I’m committed to creating programs and opportunities that bridge these gaps, so families have the resources to thrive and no one is left behind. My work is a tribute to my grandmother and a promise to fight for equity in every space I touch. That bittersweet milestone continues to inspire the urgency and impact of my efforts.

Through your "Taboo Talk" series and angel investing, you focus on disrupting cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes. What lessons have you learned from these initiatives, and what advice would you give to others looking to make meaningful change in their communities?

Through the “Taboo Talk” series and my work as an angel investor, I’ve learned that open, honest conversations are the foundation of meaningful change. Addressing issues like poverty and health disparities requires breaking down stigmas and creating safe spaces where people feel empowered to share their struggles and seek solutions. I’ve also realized the importance of investing—not just financially, but emotionally and strategically—in people and ideas that have the potential to transform communities. My advice to others is to listen first, then act with intention. Engage deeply with the needs of your community, support initiatives that align with your values, and prioritize mentorship and education as tools for breaking cycles of poverty and poor health. Collaboration and consistency are essential—lasting change is built step by step. Above all, remember that even small, thoughtful actions can create ripples of impact that extend far beyond what you imagine.

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