Catalyst for Change and Empowerment
Kristen Picot is a dynamic leader and change-maker, currently serving as the Senior Vice President for North American Special Programs and President of CJF America, a branch of the globally influential Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF). With a career dedicated to driving social impact, economic development, and empowering marginalized communities, Kristen is at the forefront of innovative programs that are reshaping both rural America and parts of Africa.
A Visionary Leader at CJF America
Kristen’s leadership journey began when she was handpicked by billionaire entrepreneur Courtney Jordan to spearhead CJF’s expansion efforts in the U.S. The foundation, established over a decade ago by Mr. Jordan, has focused on supporting entrepreneurship in developing regions of Southeast Asia and Western Africa. However, with a major restructuring of both CJF and its parent company, Neyius, Inc., Kristen’s appointment came at a pivotal moment to bring CJF’s impactful work back to American soil.
As the head of CJF America, Kristen has been entrusted with overseeing the foundation’s multimillion-dollar StartUP initiative, aimed at revitalizing rural communities and supporting local entrepreneurs. Kristen’s leadership has already made a mark in Siler City, North Carolina, where she introduced a STEM program to inspire young girls and expanded access to seed funding for local entrepreneurs. Under her guidance, StartUP Siler has transformed into a powerful force for community development.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond Borders
Kristen’s role extends far beyond local initiatives in the U.S. In early 2025, she spearheaded the foundation’s expansion into Accra, Ghana, by establishing CJF Ghana as a registered NGO. Her decision to invest in Accra was driven by its position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, abundant in opportunities for entrepreneurship in technology, agriculture, and renewable energy. Kristen’s vision for the city is to empower local entrepreneurs, drive innovation, and contribute to sustainable economic growth, offering investors a chance to impact a region ripe for transformation.
A Lifelong Advocate for Marginalized Communities
Kristen’s passion for service and social impact is deeply personal. As a survivor of domestic violence, she is an advocate for raising awareness about familial abuse. She currently serves on the board of BESHE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and supporting victims. Kristen’s journey has been one of resilience in the face of adversity, with her own experiences motivating her to work tirelessly to support others facing similar challenges.
Her leadership is not just about securing funds or expanding programs—it is about giving voice to the voiceless and creating systems that enable lasting, generational change. Despite enduring both physical and emotional challenges during her time in Siler City, Kristen remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering underserved communities.
A Diverse Skill Set and Education
Kristen holds multiple degrees, including a Master’s in Mathematics and Physiology, which have equipped her with the analytical and strategic thinking skills needed to drive the initiatives under her leadership. Her background in mathematics has been pivotal in shaping her approach to problem-solving, while her passion for STEM has led her to inspire young girls, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Her work goes beyond academia and extends into real-world solutions for rural development, particularly through technology, workforce development, and creative arts. Kristen is a strong proponent of integrating music programming into community centers, believing that creativity plays a crucial role in personal development and career growth.
Overcoming Obstacles and Inspiring Change
Kristen’s resilience has been tested time and again, especially during her work in Siler City, where she faced harassment and threats due to her ties to the community and the controversial nature of her work. Despite the difficulties, including repeated instances of vandalism and personal attacks, Kristen’s determination to bring change to rural communities never wavered. Her ability to adapt and overcome these challenges is a testament to her character and commitment to her mission.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Kristen Picot’s work with CJF America, the StartUP initiative, and her advocacy for survivors of domestic violence is just the beginning of what promises to be a lasting legacy. As a leader, advocate, and visionary, Kristen is not only changing the landscape of rural America and West Africa but also inspiring a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs to make a difference in their communities.
Through her role at CJF America and her board membership at BESHE, Kristen continues to uplift those in need, empower women and children, and support the growth of communities around the world. With her unwavering commitment to innovation, social justice, and empowerment, Kristen Picot is a catalyst for a better future—one where every person has the opportunity to succeed.
