Krystal Barter is an internationally recognised advocate, thought leader and social entrepreneur with over two decades of experience transforming the healthcare landscape through the power of lived experience and bold conversations.

At just 22, Krystal discovered she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. By 25, she had undergone a preventative double mastectomy—becoming one of the first women in Australia to publicly share her story. Her openness ignited a national conversation around hereditary cancer, and her continued advocacy, including a preventative oophorectomy, positioned her as a pioneering voice for proactive, personalised healthcare.

Krystal went on to found one of Australia’s leading not-for-profits focused on hereditary cancer awareness and support. The organisation became a national force—shaping genomics policy, education, and funding while supporting thousands of families navigating cancer risk.

Today, Krystal is the founder of Humanise Health, a consultancy that drives advocacy, strategy and storytelling across the healthcare ecosystem. From government to grassroots, she delivers bold, human-centred campaigns that shift systems and spark meaningful change.

A sought-after panellist, media commentator and strategic advisor, Krystal has shared her insights across national media, medical congresses and global health forums. She’s known for reframing healthcare through a person-first lens, always grounding policy in real-world experience.

Krystal also co-created The Advocacy Masterclass with journalist Shelly Horton—a first-of-its-kind program equipping advocates with the tools to shape policy, media and community dialogue. For Krystal, training the next wave of change-makers is some of her most powerful work.

Her impact is driven by lived experience and a fierce belief in the power of storytelling to create lasting, person-led change.

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