2022 Fellow Focus: Cait Kennedy + unBail
Advocate, researcher, and social impact entrepreneur…2022 Fellow Cait Kennedy of unBail shares more about her #RuthlessForGood journey.
What propelled you into the entrepreneurial space? And what do you enjoy most about being a founder?
unBail has an unconventional origin story. Our founding team were six strangers who attended the Hack CLE FIX216: Criminal Justice Reform Hack-a-thon in October 2018, an event born out of the pain of Tamir Rice’s murder. Attendees were assigned into groups by event organizers based on diverse skill sets and perspectives. Our team successfully pitched the unBail concept at the event and were awarded first prize, along with a seed grant from Cleveland Foundation, and support from Microsoft and Civic User Testing Group.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
I enjoy using my diverse skills and experiences to push our project forward, especially my background in government relations and communications. I also enjoy the independence entrepreneurship affords and love continually recruiting champions for our organization.
What is one piece of advice that has been the most impactful to your journey as an entrepreneur so far?
Never burn a bridge! You never know when you may need it in the future.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
Constant Learner: In 2019, unBail created a summer practicum at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law dedicated to creating a matrix of possible outcomes for defendants in Cleveland. We co-taught this class with Erika Cunliffe, veteran attorney from the Cuyahoga County Office of the Public Defender. You can check out the video profile on the course here.
As a social innovator, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations?
I hope to democratize information about the criminal legal system and contribute to increasing transparency and accountability.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to telepathically communicate with animals, although sometimes I'm convinced I can already do that!
You can learn more about ➡ Cait Kennedy of unBail.
To stay in the loop about the good trouble Camelback Fellows are getting into - sign up for our newsletter!
Get to know more of the 2022 Camelback Fellows👇🏽