Kenny Shelton

associate director at UW foster CBDC- Ascend, Strategic advisor for Denkyem coop

Kenny is an economic development professional with a focus on social impact and racial equity. Currently, Kenny is the Associate Director for UW Foster consulting and business development center running Ascend, a national network of 15 ecosystems joining forces to best support global majority entrepreneurs grow their enterprises beyond $1M through B2B contract procurement. Prior to his current roles, Kenny led a loan readiness training program at Business Impact NW and was also the co-founder and Director of Business development for Hack nation, an early stage incubator that provides black entrepreneurs with coaching and resources to turn ideas into flourishing businesses. There he assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped to launch over 20 companies, one of which led to a seven figure acquisition by Amazon.

Kenny is also a Strategic Advisor for Denkyem Coop, an emerging fund for black entrepreneurs in Seattle, Washington.

Studied Economics and Sociology at the University of Oregon.