Christen Brandt started Align as an outlet for her work strengthening the impact sector. She is also the co-founder of She’s the First (STF), an international NGO dedicated to ensuring girls everywhere are educated, respected, and heard, as well as the co-author of Impact: A Step-by-Step Plan To Create the World You Want to Live In.
In her younger years, Christen experienced the powerlessness that too often accompanies girlhood, and started STF to ensure girls everywhere can determine their own futures. Later, Christen wrote Impact as a guidebook for readers to create sustainable change. The book builds on Christen’s expertise in guiding clients, friends, and women’s circles in their journey from intent to impact.
Over the past fifteen years, Christen has supported the efforts of grassroots organizations in 26 countries with the resources and training needed to support more than 140,000 girls. She has consulted for grassroots organizations and philanthropic individuals, as well as companies including Barbie and Aerie. She has provided impact coaching for students and employees of Syracuse University, Tiffin University, Publicis, the Clinton Foundation, and more. She currently serves as an Impact Committee Member of Charities Aid Foundation, where she oversees impact investments.
Christen was an Oxford-Intesa Sanpaolo MBA Scholar at Oxford University and a Newhouse Foundation Scholar at Syracuse University. She has been recognized for her work by the United Nations, the Obama White House, TODAY, CSIS, Ellevate, Glamour, and more.
She’s the First
Christen is the proud co-founder of She’s the First, an NGO that teams up with local organizations to ensure girls everywhere are educated, respected, and heard.
Impact
Impact: A Step-by-Step Plan to Create the World You Want to Live In, walks readers through creating an action plan and developing philosophies to leave a positive legacy in the world. Paperback now available.
Speaking
As a first-generation college student who created an award-winning organization from the ground up, Christen regularly keynotes and speaks on the importance of girls’ rights, ethical philanthropy, and finding your North Star to create your own impact in the world.