From Math to Impact: Brittany Christenson's Journey (Episode 183)

From Math to Impact: Brittany Christenson's Journey (Episode 183)

Author: Marcylle Combs August 20, 2025 Duration: 31:05

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 assecure as Fort Knox.

Appointed CEO in 2023, Brittany previously served asAidKit’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 hashelped 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 executivedirector 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 AssistanceProgram’s (SNAP) online payments, expanding access to essential resources for low-income families. This experience sparked her passion for leveraging technology to drive systemic change.

Get In Touch With Brittany:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-christenson-62889120a/ 

 https://www.aidkit.com/For Brittany's list of Book and Podcast Recommendations, visit www.marcyllecombs.com


Hosted by Marcylle Combs, 50% with Marcylle Combs is built on the belief that women's voices and leadership are essential to every conversation. This podcast moves beyond surface-level interviews to explore the full spectrum of a leader's life. In each episode, Marcylle sits down with a woman who is actively shaping her field and community, delving into the real texture of her journey. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that defined her path, the obstacles that reshaped her direction, and the hard-won insights gathered along the way. These are not just success stories; they are honest accounts of professional and personal evolution, offering tangible advice for anyone looking to lead. By focusing on this depth, the podcast creates a platform where the diverse and inspiring narratives of women from various backgrounds, industries, and sectors take center stage. Tuning into this podcast means gaining access to a repository of experience, a source of solidarity, and a clearer understanding of what it means to build a meaningful career and life. It’s where ambition meets reflection, and where listening feels like joining a candid, necessary dialogue about progress and purpose.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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