Kristen Picot, Chairwoman of Prosperity North Carolina

Kristen Picot, a business leader and passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and STEM initiatives in rural North Carolina. In addition to her work at the Courtney Jordan Foundation, Chairwoman Picot is also the Chairwoman of Prosperity North Carolina Inc., an organization dedicated to building a more equitable and inclusive North Carolina through lobbying, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, coalition building, and electoral involvement.

Chairwoman Picot grew up in eastern North Carolina and always had a love for animals and a desire to make a difference in her community. She attended North Carolina State University, where she earned degrees in Mathematics and Science, Technology & Society. After graduation, she worked for a few years in the tech industry and graduated with her Masters in Physiology, before pursuing her passion for giving back to her community.

In her role as Senior Vice President of North American Special Programs for the Courtney Jordan Foundation, a nonprofit organization, Chairwoman Picot works to support and cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and STEM professionals in rural North Carolina. She leads a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who are committed to providing resources and opportunities to young people in underrepresented communities.

Internationally, Chairwoman Picot has led an entrepreneurship initiative in Ghana: StartUP Accra. Where entrepreneurs can receive development, education, mentorship and any other tools needed to become successful businesses that will provide growth and opportunities in Ghana.

In addition to her work with Rural Entrepreneurship, STEM and international initiatives, Chairwoman Picot is involved in the work of Prosperity North Carolina Inc., where she serves as the Chairwoman.

As the Head of Prosperity North Carolina, Chairwoman Picot states, “true change occurs when we push aside our biases and open ourselves to a conversation.” She is known for her dedication to advancing, achieving, and protecting civil rights, and she is a strong advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion for all people.