Born in New York City, and raised in France, Germany and South Korea, Kathi Diamant is an award-winning author, actress, TV producer/anchor and adjunct professor at San Diego State University. She is regularly seen on KPBS-TV in San Diego Treasures with Kathi Diamant, and as anchor of KPBS On-Air Fundraising. The founder/director of the Kafka Project at SDSU since 1998, Kathi has led the official search for a lost literary treasure, the missing papers of Franz Kafka confiscated by the Gestapo in Berlin in 1933. Her book, Kafka's Last Love: The Mystery of Dora Diamant was internationally and critically acclaimed for its original research and revelations into Dora and Kafka's lives, and has been published in the US, UK, Spain, France (2006) and China (2007). Kathi is a frequent emcee and speaker discussing the remarkable story of Dora Diamant, the mysterious woman who was the last love of literary genius Franz Kafka, and how her fascination for Dora led to a modern-day treasure hunt.

A frequent contributor to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Copley News Service and ZOONOOZ, Kathi has written hundreds of articles on travel, arts and culture. Her original goal was to be an actress, and she received a BA in Theatre from Florida State University in 1974. A member of Actors Equity since 1988, she continues to perform in benefit performances. She most recently created the lead role at the Fritz Blitz in "Munched," which won a Patte Award for "Best New Play of 2005."

Kathi has earned awards for her acting, writing and television work, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer. In May 2006, she received a Living Legacy Award from the Women's International Center. She is married to actor/writer Byron La Due and lives in San Diego, CA.