Accelerate Social Change

AidKit brings human-centered design and software expertise to the task of empowering, not replacing, the efforts of nonprofits and government agency staff.

Why we built AidKit

creating lasting change

AidKit spun out of the Left Behind Workers Fund, a pandemic relief program that delivered millions in direct aid to workers without documentation in Colorado.

Our cofounders built features and automations to accelerate impact and efficiency in the program and soon began receiving inquiries from other organizations looking to overcome the many challenges programs face when trying to deliver cash assistance. In 2021, AidKit launched to enable emerging direct cash and guaranteed income programs across the country at scale.

Our mission is to provide an innovative infrastructure and playbook in partnership with organizations to efficiently manage cash assistance at scale for those in need.

Meet our Team

People power

Getting cash to people who need it is not rocket science, but we have a couple of aerospace engineers on staff, just in case.

Brittany Christenson

Brittany Christenson

Chief Executive Officer

Brittany is a former nonprofit leader seasoned in driving positive outcomes for marginalized communities. She is motivated by a deep sense of accountability to her team and passion for AidKit's mission to revolutionize aid delivery at scale.

Katrina Van Gasse

Katrina Van Gasse

Co-Founder, Chief Impact Officer

Katrina is a former Fulbright Scholar and previous Vice President at Silicon Valley Bank. She is motivated to accelerate social impact and deliver programs that uphold the dignity of those in need.

Ben Newhouse

Ben Newhouse

Co-Founder, Chief Technology Officer

Ben is an entrepreneur, Stanford-educated developer, and former Head of Sync at Dropbox. He is motivated to bring the tech superpowers of Silicon Valley to the social sector.

Andrew Marshall

Andrew Marshall

Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer

Andy Marshall is an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and engaged philanthropist. He is motivated by gratitude for the opportunities he’s had and the desire to give back.

Mark Newhouse

Mark Newhouse

Co-founder, Chief Strategy Officer

Mark is a philanthropist, innovator, and a former Corporate Officer of Corning Incorporated. He is motivated to drive real change and bring new models to philanthropy.

Rob Walls

Rob Walls

Software Engineer

Rob is a software engineer with over a decade of experience coding. His formal education is in aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering.

Erin Coltrera

Erin Coltrera

Senior Program Manager

Erin brings a decade of experience contributing to the development of complex, people-oriented policies and programs, including extensive work with guaranteed income pilots across the country. She holds dual master degrees in Social Work and Social Policy.

Hector Zaragoza Tejas

Hector Zaragoza Tejas

Software Engineer

Hector is a software engineer with a background in nonprofits and public policy. He is motivated to support the development of equitable and healthy communities. He holds degrees in International Development and Public Policy.

Ruthie Tesfaye

Ruthie Tesfaye

Senior Program Manager

Ruthie is an experienced program manager with a background in education and community development. She holds bachelors degrees in Political Science and Islamic Civilizations & Societies, and a masters in Education Policy & Social Analysis.

Theresa Gonzales

Theresa Gonzales

Software Engineer

Theresa is a software engineer with a degree in chemical engineering and experience helping startups grow. She is motivated to leverage technology as a force for equity and inclusion.

Riley Bauer

Riley Bauer

Software Engineer

Riley is an experienced software engineer joining us after four years at Google. He is motivated by software's potential to amplify programs that support community health and development. He holds degrees in mathematics and computer science.

Cassie Russell

Cassie Russell

Senior Program Manger

Cassie is an experienced program manager with a background in housing, financial assistance, and training and technical assistance. She holds a Master of Social Work.

Rui Wu

Rui Wu

Senior Program Manager

Rui is a seasoned technical program manager in geospatial and fintech spaces. She is motivated to make social impacts with technology. She holds degrees of civil engineering and economics.

Jamie Shadid

Jamie Shadid

Applicant Support Manager

Jamie leads AidKit's applicant support team, bringing her experience working with diverse populations and a belief in the transformative power of cash transfers to the role. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Humanities with a focus in Spanish.

Zeitun Tifow

Zeitun Tifow

Senior Program Manager

Zeitun is a program manager with extensive experience leading & implementing humanitarian assistance & development programs. She is motivated by tech’s potential to more efficiently deliver aid to communities in need. She holds a masters degree in Peacebuilding.

Our objectives

What we strive to do

Support those left behind

We believe it’s important to empower our partners to serve everyone who needs help; particularly those often left behind due to a lack of digital access.

Work with the community

Community based organizations (CBOs) know their communities best. We help networks of CBOs deliver community-wide programs on one unified platform.

Meet users where they are

Technology is powerful but there is no replacement for human interaction. We design tools to help organizations meet their community where they are.

Keep data private and secure

Protecting the data of end users is of the utmost importance and we take that seriously. We insulate nonprofits from the legal challenges of handling sensitive data.

Let's Work Together

partnership and career opportunities

Whether you are looking for technology solutions for a direct cash program or looking for a great career opportunity, we are excited to hear from you.