Meet Our Founder, Katya Karlova
Katya Karlova is a speaker, author, model and advocate whose journey with endometriosis and adenomyosis turned personal pain into global purpose. After building a decorated career as a Vice President in the corporate world, Katya redirected her path to raise awareness for the millions living with this misunderstood and often invisible illness.
Born in the Republic of Moldova and educated at UCLA, NYU, and University College London, Katya’s life has always been rooted in justice, healing, and amplifying unheard voices. Her award-winning leadership, powerful storytelling, and unshakable spirit have made her a force for change.
Today, she channels her vision into the Endo-Visible Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to breaking the silence around endometriosis. Through advocacy, education, and community care, Katya continues to empower others to be seen, heard, and believed—because every endo warrior deserves a voice, and every story deserves light.
Why I Founded The Endo-Visible Foundation
I never set out to write a book, produce a documentary, or launch a nonprofit—but I turned my pain into purpose because I had to.
After living with the debilitating effects of endometriosis for more than two decades without a diagnosis, I knew something had to change—not just for myself, but for the millions of others suffering in silence.
Endo Unfiltered with Katya
My Battle With Endometriosis
For 22 years, I was told I was “fine.”
I endured countless ER visits, hospital admissions, urgent care visits, doctor appointments, and specialist consultations—all while being gaslit, dismissed, and told it was “all in my head.”
But my pain was real, and it wasn’t going away. Eventually, I demanded answers. I asked for an exploratory surgery after learning about endometriosis—and what they found changed everything.
I was diagnosed with stage III endometriosis and adenomyosis, its often-overlooked sister disease where endometrial tissue grows within the uterus.
Did I feel validated? Briefly. But mostly, I was enraged—because the system had failed me for over 20 years.
The two years following my diagnosis were the hardest of my life.
I underwent multiple surgeries and procedures, yet even then, my doctors lacked the expertise to treat me properly.
That gap in knowledge cost me not only an ovary and my uterus—it cost me my fertility, and left me with chronic pelvic and centralized pain due to the trauma of inadequate treatment.
“Your story isn't over just because you’re in a chapter of pain. Every season has its purpose. Even the invisible ones.”
KATYA KARLOVA, FOUNDER OF THE ENDO-VISIBLE FOUNDATION
As difficult as my story is to tell, it’s not unique.
I’ve heard countless endo warriors share similar, if not worse, experiences. And I couldn't accept that all our pain would be for nothing.
Endometriosis is a common disease. It affects at least 1 in 10 women globally—likely closer to 30% due to the difficulty in diagnosing it without surgery. That’s over 190 million people.
And yet, there is no cure. The existing treatments are outdated, often ineffective, and in some cases, more damaging than the disease itself.
This is unacceptable.
IN THE PRESS
Katya’s voice is helping shift the conversation around women’s health, endometriosis, body image, the gaslighting of women’s pain, and the ongoing fight for visibility in healthcare and media. Explore featured articles, interviews, and media highlights.
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FORBES
Is Netflix Poised To Usher In A New Era Of Body Positivity Into Hollywood?
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GRAZIA
Curve Model and Corp Exec Katya Karlova Takes a Controversial Approach to Tackle Mental Health & Body Image Issues Through Sexy Boudoir Photography
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COSMOPOLITAN UAE
Katya Karlova, Curve Model and Influencer: Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone has Paved the Path for Curvy Model Creators
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MEN'S JOURNAL
Modeling Sensation, Katya Karlova, Expresses Concern Over Rising Incidence of Human Trafficking in Europe
