![](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kathy_Lugo_Headshot-1-aspect-ratio-500-500.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kathy_Lugo_Headshot-1-aspect-ratio-500-500.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Kathy Lugo (she/her) is a communications officer at Ascend at the Aspen Institute. In her role, Kathy supports the Postsecondary Success for Parents (PSP) Initiative and executes strategic communications campaigns that center student parents’ lived experiences.
Throughout her career, Kathy has worked with individuals and coalitions to harness the power of communications as a means of advocating for systemic change. Prior to joining Ascend in 2023, Kathy served as senior communications manager at Children’s Law Center, advancing DC policy changes that focused on child well-being. Kathy also previously served as communications specialist at the DC Bar Pro Bono Center, where she managed strategic communications and marketing for the largest pro bono legal services provider in the District.
Originally from Florida, Kathy earned her BA in Government from Harvard College and now lives in Washington, DC. She serves as a board member for the DC-based legal nonprofit, DC Refers.
Favorite Part of my Role
I love learning about student parents’ experiences and dreams for their families’ futures.Stories featuring Kathy Lugo
![Graphic with text that says "Announcing the 2023-24 Parent-Powered Solutions Fund Partners" and features Ascend's 2023 Parent Advisors against a blue backdrop.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Website_Blog_Banner_PSP_Phase3-800-x-400-px-768x384.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Graphic showing a student's hand holding a graduation cap against a blue background.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1in5_BonusEp1_Header_Graphic-2-768x280.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Graphic showing a student's hand holding a graduation cap against a blue background.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1in5_BonusEp1_Header_Graphic-2-768x280.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Group photo of Ascend Parent Advisors standing outside in Aspen, Colorado with their arms outstretched upward.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pando_Convening_Blog_Cover-768x512.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Group photo of Ascend Parent Advisors standing outside in Aspen, Colorado with their arms outstretched upward.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pando_Convening_Blog_Cover-768x512.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Website_Blog_Banner_PSP_Phase3-1-768x432.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Website_Blog_Banner_PSP_Phase3-1-768x432.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![A collection of different photos featuring Christian Ortiz, his daughter, and his mother](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-15-at-1.34.59-AM-768x367.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![A collection of different photos featuring Christian Ortiz, his daughter, and his mother](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screenshot-2023-06-15-at-1.34.59-AM-768x367.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Cover of the digital chartbook, "We Are Here Too: Who Are the 1 Million Fathers in College?". A student father in a graduation cap and gown is seated with his son and daughter, smiling.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cover-768x432.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Cover of the digital chartbook, "We Are Here Too: Who Are the 1 Million Fathers in College?". A student father in a graduation cap and gown is seated with his son and daughter, smiling.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cover-768x432.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Cover of the digital chartbook, "We Are Here Too: Who Are the 1 Million Fathers in College?". A student father in a graduation cap and gown is seated with his son and daughter, smiling.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cover-768x432.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Cover of the digital chartbook, "We Are Here Too: Who Are the 1 Million Fathers in College?". A student father in a graduation cap and gown is seated with his son and daughter, smiling.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cover-768x432.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Cover of the digital chartbook, "We Are Here Too: Who Are the 1 Million Fathers in College?". A student father in a graduation cap and gown is seated with his son and daughter, smiling.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cover-768x432.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Cover of the digital chartbook, "We Are Here Too: Who Are the 1 Million Fathers in College?". A student father in a graduation cap and gown is seated with his son and daughter, smiling.](https://b3625454.smushcdn.com/3625454/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cover-768x432.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)