From Math to Impact: Brittany Christenson's Journey

Aug 19

In this conversation, Brittany Christenson shares her unique journey from studying math to becoming the CEO of AidKit, a technology platform that facilitates aid distribution. She discusses her experiences in organic farming, nonprofit work, and the importance of cash aid in empowering individuals. Brittany emphasizes the significance of data privacy and the need for accessible aid programs, highlighting the RX Kids initiative as a prime example of impactful work. She also reflects on her leadership role as a woman in tech and the balance between her professional and personal life.

Brittany Christenson is the CEO of AidKit, a Public BenefitsCorporation that helps government agencies and nonprofits administer aid programs efficiently and transparently. As CEO, she sets the company’sstrategic direction, drives technology innovation and cultivates partnerships to transform aid delivery into an empowering act of community care.

As the CEO of AidKit, Brittany is on a mission to make aid delivery simple and compassionate, something that alignsseamlessly with the themes you explore.

Brittany's approach is indeed innovative; she has over 90,000 success stories of recipients whose aid experience transformed from a cumbersome process to something accessible and dignified. AidKit, under her leadership, has distributed $270 million in aid, serving more than 200agencies and nonprofits. Imagine processing 67,637 applications in just one day during the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot, all while keeping data as secure as Fort Knox.

Appointed CEO in 2023, Brittany previously served as AidKit’s director of partnerships and program development, where she played a key role in expanding the company’s impact through collaborations with governments and nonprofits nationwide. Recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to a people-centered approach, she has created a high- trust, data-driven culture that strengthens AidKit’s ability to provide critical relief in response to public health emergencies, natural disasters and financial hardships. Since its founding in 2021, AidKit has helped over 200 agencies and nonprofits process over 500,000 applications and distribute more than $270 million in disaster relief, public benefits and cash assistance to more than 90,000 recipients.

Prior to joining AidKit, Brittany served as the executive director of AdkAction, a regional nonprofit focused on food security and community development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in launching one of the first pilots for the Supplemental Nutrition (SNAP) online payments, expanding access to essential resources for low-income families. This experience sparked her passion for leveraging technology to drive systemic change.