Katy Knight '06

Katy Knight is president and executive director of Siegel Family Endowment, a foundation focused on the nexus of technology and society. Under her leadership, equity, flexibility in grantmaking and systems-level thinking have been key touchstones for the organization. Since joining as deputy executive director in 2017 she has pioneered an inquiry-driven approach to philanthropy, grounded in the scientific method and centered on reframing big questions and learning alongside grantees. She previously led community engagement at Two Sigma and held positions on Google’s communications and public affairs teams, in addition to prior experience in nonprofit and real estate.

Growing up in New York City, Katy developed a curiosity about the way things worked, from the subway to local government, which bloomed into an interest in infrastructure, a key investment area for Siegel. Giving back to her community has always been paramount. In high school, Katy worked as a literacy tutor with READ Alliance, where she now sits on the board. She also holds board seats at Center for an Urban Future, CSforALL, Pursuit, the Regional Plan Association, and Teaching Lab. Katy is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania and was recently recognized for her leadership in Crain's Notable Black Leaders in 2022. She and her husband currently split their time between Brooklyn, NY, and northeast Pennsylvania.