About Fast Forward

Kevin Barenblat loves a good challenge. After studying engineering at Stanford and earning an MBA from Harvard Business School, he spent time in startups and Big Tech before realizing where he could make the most impact: tech nonprofits.

In 2014, Kevin co-founded Fast Forward, which was the first and only accelerator exclusively for tech nonprofits at the time. Under his leadership, Fast Forward has supported over 100 organizations that leverage technology to tackle pressing social issues, from education to climate change. When he’s not championing AI-powered nonprofits or writing for publications like Stanford Social Innovation Review, Kevin shares his insights at events like TEDAI. Offstage, he pens his newsletter, AI for Humanity, exploring AI’s societal impact. Outside work, Kevin enjoys hiking, spending time with his teenage sons, and trying all the new Trader Joe’s snacks.

Shannon Farley keeps Fast Forward running at full speed. As co-founder and Executive Director, she leads the charge in supporting entrepreneurs who are tackling some of the world’s toughest problems. Each day brings new challenges, but the focus is always on empowering innovators with bold ideas and unmatched resilience.

Before Fast Forward, Shannon led Spark, a community of Millennial philanthropists funding grassroots women’s organizations. She also helped start the W. Haywood Burns Institute, where she worked on racial equity in juvenile justice systems. Shannon studied at Georgetown University and the London School of Economics, where her passion for social change took shape. When she’s not immersed in Fast Forward’s mission, you’ll find Shannon exploring public art, catching a film, and checking out every Bay Area public pool with her toddler.

Addie Achan is Fast Forward's AI alchemist, turning complex algorithms into tools for social change. Before joining Fast Forward, she started her career as a software engineer at Google and completed a transformative Google.org fellowship with The Trevor Project, where she helped develop AI models to support LGBTQ+ youth — her first taste of tech’s potential for social good. Addie also dipped her toes in the entertainment industry, working at BuzzFeed and The Springhill Company.

With a Computer Science degree from UW and an MBA from Stanford, she's got both the technical chops and the business savvy to make AI work for good. When she's not teaching nonprofits to speak robot, you'll catch her on the dance floor (hip-hop is her favorite!), deep-diving into reality TV drama (Survivor!), and learning to cook (determined to master apple fritters).

Gaby Andrada is Fast Forward's digital equity expert, connecting tech nonprofits with corporate partners to amplify social impact. Before joining the team, she managed digital skills training and capacity-building programs across the Bay Area and nationally, working to bridge technological gaps in communities.

As a UC Berkeley sociology graduate (go Bears!), Gaby brings a deep understanding of social dynamics to her work in tech partnerships. Her passion lies in digital equity, criminal justice reform, and reproductive health — always seeking ways to create meaningful change. When she's not fostering collaborations that empower nonprofits, you'll find her running through San Francisco, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or catching the latest reality TV drama.

Kendall Arthur is Fast Forward’s bridge builder. She connects mission-driven tech nonprofits with the partners who champion their work. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, Kendall secures funding, fosters collaborations, and ensures that nonprofits get the support they need to scale their impact. Her favorite part? Sharing the news of unrestricted pass-through funding with tech nonprofits. AKA her “Oprah moment.”

Before joining Fast Forward, Kendall worked in strategy and management consulting in Washington, DC. A Psychology graduate from Middlebury College in Vermont, she brings curiosity and empathy to every connection she makes. On her time off, you’ll find Kendall lost in a great book, baking cookies, or singing along to Taylor Swift.

Akshay Chandran is Fast Forward's alumni whisperer. He makes sure our graduate founders have everything they need, from fundraising consultations to pro-bono technical support. As a program manager, he coordinates partner programs, oversees internal support for Accelerator grads, and ensures alumni have the resources required to keep growing. With a Neuroscience degree from Duke and experience as a Business Operations Manager at Verily, he’s no stranger to streamlining complex processes. Akshay also coached underserved youth at Oakland Genesis, proving that not all heroes wear capes — some wear cleats.

When he's not connecting founders to game-changing resources, you’ll find Akshay skiing, cooking, and out on the soccer field.

Catherine Downes is Fast Forward’s go-to storyteller. As Senior Copywriter, she crafts narratives that spotlight the mission-driven work of tech-for-good innovators. Before joining Fast Forward, Catherine built her career as a journalist, photographer, magazine editor, and lead copywriter at a creative agency, where she shaped content for national brands and publications. She earned her B.A. in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Simon Fraser University.

Outside of work, Catherine is always seeking new inspiration. Whether browsing estate sales, searching for the best sandwich in San Francisco, hiking the Pacific coast, or freaking herself out with paranormal podcasts, she finds joy in exploring the world around her.

Nicole Dunn is on a mission to make the world know and love tech nonprofits. As Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Fast Forward, she leads the strategy and team that shines a spotlight on transformative tech and AI-powered nonprofits.

Nicole brings a unique perspective to connecting technology and social impact. Before joining Fast Forward, she helped fundraisers amplify their impact at GoFundMe. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found a small startup, while her love of the outdoors took her to Joshua Tree and Yosemite, where she guided backpacking expeditions. Nicole earned a degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz. On her days off, you'll find her breaking her PR in cold plunges, strumming guitar, and crafting a cozy cup of chai.

Jess Galen is Fast Forward's master connector. She crafts partnerships that make tech-for-good dreams come true. Think of her as a relationship architect, building bridges between top corporations and world-changing innovators. As Partnerships and Fundraising Coordinator, she’s on the pulse of new opportunities, finding alignment with Fast Forward’s mission and alumni network.

With a Sociology and Marketing degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Jess previously worked at Acumen, managing projects in public policy research. She’s also led TEDx events and trained peer counselors on a mental health hotline. On her days off, Jess loves being outside. On weekends, you’ll find her playing tennis, practicing yoga, or playing with a new recipe in the kitchen.

Hanna Harrison is Fast Forward’s go-to for all things marketing. She crafts partner content, leads social media strategy, and manages event and partnership marketing — all with a dose of heart in every message. Hanna is a seasoned nonprofit marketer who previously worked with Room to Read, tackling literacy and gender inequality globally, and at KIPP Public Schools Northern California, where she led campaigns across 22 schools in under-resourced communities.

Hanna holds a B.A. in Political Science from McGill University with minors in Communication Studies and Social Entrepreneurship. Her ideal day includes spending time with her dog Bailey and cat Mango, reading, catching live music, and enjoying San Francisco’s lush parks.

Summer Kennedy is the strategic visionary behind Fast Forward’s programs. Summer’s journey from teaching first grade in Oakland to leading tech-for-good initiatives proves that the best career paths rarely follow a straight line. She earned her History degree from Brown and an M.A. in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount, because why choose just one way to change the world?

When she’s not masterminding the next big program launch, you’ll still find Summer organizing events (she has been the COO of more than one bridal party), hitting presidio trails with her dog Sprout, or rollerblading around Chrissy Field.

Annelise Kinney is Fast Forward's foundation partnership coordinator, turning spreadsheets into storytelling and follow-ups into meaningful support for nonprofits. Her driving force? Creating the perfect match between funders and founders who are building tomorrow's solutions. She’s the go-to for follow-ups, system tweaks, and every pitch deck that lands on funders’ desks. Annelise holds a degree in History and Sociology from Lafayette College, and previously led a capital campaign at a private school.

Annelise spends her free time hiking, taste-testing her way through local restaurants, and coaching the next generation of lacrosse stars.

Karly Nelson has a knack for making tech nonprofits sound like the coolest thing since Pop-Tarts — because to her, they are. She turns complex impact stories into newsletters, videos, and emails that make people actually want to read their inbox. She also guides brand identity and design direction. Karly graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communication (and a minor in Italian - che figata!), and previously honed her marketing skills at leading real estate and physical therapy companies.

When she's not working, Karly's probably testing a new twist on a recipe, making art, or catching a live show with friends.

Sophie Owens is Fast Forward's philanthropic matchmaker, connecting mission-driven funders with tech nonprofits that make their hearts skip a beat. Her career pivot is nothing short of impressive — from managing institutional clients at BlackRock to steering foreign aid initiatives at the Millennium Challenge Corporation in DC, before finding her sweet spot in the tech-for-good world.

The Lewis & Clark College grad double-majored in International Affairs and French Literature (because pourquoi pas?), then earned a Master’s in International Development from GW with a focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. On her days off, you’ll find Sophie leading fitness classes, conquering hiking trails, or diving into Architectural Digest in search of the perfect room layout.

Anna Pickren is the force behind Fast Forward’s partnerships and fundraising. She keeps the mission moving by managing more than 30 corporate partnerships and securing Fast Forward's budget. Her passion? Bridging the gap between tech and nonprofits to empower game-changing founders.

Before Fast Forward, Anna was in social impact startup mode — launching social enterprises like a venture democratizing entrepreneurship and multiple buy-one-give-one consumer brands. She’s also helped organizations like Black Women Talk Tech grow their impact and spent time working across Southeast Asia. Anna holds a B.A. in International Relations and Spanish from the University of Georgia. Outside the office, you’ll find her hiking with her dog Lady, cooking veggie-packed recipes, or nurturing her thriving plant collection.

Marcus Thompson is laser-focused on the tech nonprofit experience. He recruits for the Accelerator program, runs Pitch Camp, and writes the Funding Forward newsletter. As a Dickinson College environmental science graduate, he built his foundation in impact work. He started as an AmeriCorps Fellow, mapping wildfire resilience in California. Later, he rallied elected officials to take climate action through EOPA, a network of over 1,000 state and local leaders.

Off-duty? You’ll catch him surfing, cheering on the Giants, and hiking Bay Area trails. With his mix of environmental know-how and startup savvy, Marcus helps founders turn world-changing ideas into reality.

Caroline Wolber orchestrates Fast Forward’s Accelerator, guiding founders from their first "hello" to their Demo Day triumph. With a decade in social impact, they've done everything from igniting young voters' civic spirit to amplifying women's voices on the global stage.

Caroline holds degrees in International Relations and Public Policy from Oakland University, but their community spirit doesn't clock out at 5 PM — they run a monthly open mic that channels creativity into local mutual aid initiatives. Between curating the perfect playlist and experimenting in their kitchen (making fun plant-based dishes), Caroline finds joy in supporting founders who are coding a more inclusive future.

Ime Archibong is currently a Meta VP & Head of Product, responsible for the Messenger and Instagram Direct product management teams. Previously, he was VP & Head of New Product Experimentation, a Meta product R&D unit. Prior to that, he was the VP of Product Partnerships, and led a global team responsible for product and platform integrations. Ime began his career at IBM where he was a software engineer, corporate strategist and advanced technology business development professional.

Ime holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from Yale University, where he also captained the men’s basketball team. He received his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he also served as the class president. Ime is a listed inventor on more than a dozen technical patents and serves as a board director for Capital One.

Oliver is the CTO and Head of Product at DonorsChoose.org. Prior to joining the organization in 2006, he managed product engineering projects for Microsoft's Bing search engine. Oliver joined Microsoft when the Windows division acquired EQuill, a venture-backed startup that he co-founded. Oliver is the Co-Chair of CTOs For Good and Co-Chair of the San Francisco CTO Club. He has a Computer Science degree from Brown University.

Aston was the first engineer at Dropbox, where he helped build out the website and the API. More recently, he works on music related projects like Merchbar, a mobile app for merch from your favorite artists. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors at /dev/color. Aston has a patent for a tagged content inference system and method. Aston holds a BS in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT.

Rekha Pai Kamath is an angel investor and Managing Partner at Kamath Family Foundation, as well as Vice President at Stanford Angels and Entrepreneurs. She has 20+ years of experience at companies such as Symantec Corp, Applied Materials, Sun Microsystems, and Procket Networks (acquired by Cisco). She holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business.

James Slavet is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He is a former Co-Managing Partner of Greylock, a leading VC firm, and he currently serves on the Boards of GoFundMe, Lyra Health, and Redfin. James is the Founder of The Solid Foundation, an organization that supports nonprofits, startups, and VC firms that help people reach their potential. Solid backs entrepreneurs who apply technology to foster kids’ well-being and unlock economic mobility for people facing barriers to employment. He graduated from Brown University and Harvard Business School.