Glenda Roberts is the inaugural Director of Communications and Patient Engagement for the Mount Sinai Center for Kidney Innovation (MS-CKDi), co-led by Drs. Kirk Campbell and Jonathan Himmelfarb. Glenda brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Recognized for her remarkable work in kidney health research, Glenda has received several prestigious awards and has significantly elevated the patient voice in kidney research and dialysis innovation. Prior to Mount Sinai, Glenda dedicated 6.5 years to the University of Washington (UW), where she served as the Director of External Relations, Communications, and Patient Engagement for both the Kidney Research Institute (KRI) and the Center for Dialysis Innovation (CDI). Her advocacy for transformative collaboration among patient partners, researchers, and healthcare professionals has significantly enhanced research, innovation, and patient care. With over 35 years of experience as an Information Technology executive at global companies like Microsoft and General Electric, Glenda is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between technology, patient engagement, and medical research. As an inaugural member of the KRI Patient Advisory Committee (PAC), Glenda infused kidney research with patient priorities and purpose. The KRI PAC, along with the CDI Patient Advisory Board, has been at the forefront of advancing the patient perspective in research. Glenda?s influence extends beyond UW?she has authored or coauthored over 35 publications and contributed her insights and skills to national and international organizations, including the Kidney Health Initiative, KDIGO, ISN Global Kidney Trials, and the NKF-ASN Task Force Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Disease. Her commitment to diversity in kidney research and training led to a $1,000,000 philanthropic donation from the Mount Baker Foundation, fostering diversity in nephrology training through 2030. Glenda?s service has been widely recognized. She received the ?National Voice? Award from the American Association of Kidney Patients and Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from Presidents Donald J. Trump and Joseph R. Biden. Recently, she made history as the first patient to receive the ASN President?s Award and the NKF Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award. Her commitment to treating patients as equal research partners has fostered trust within the community. At Mount Sinai, Glenda will continue to advocate for greater inclusion of the patient voice in kidney research and innovation, promoting a patient-focused culture globally.