Aspen VisionXChange 2025
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Aspen VisionXChange 2025

Aspen VisionXChange is more than a convening. It’s where we create an unstoppable force for change, united by one North Star: ensuring all children and families thrive.

Aspen VisionXChange is more than a convening. It’s a biennial moment where we create an unstoppable force for change, united by one North Star: ensuring all children and families thrive.

At a time when our country feels divided and budgets are shrinking, Ascend drives progress by going beyond partisanship. We welcome diverse perspectives and courageous dialogue, because advancing the well-being of children and families demands bolder thinking. With a long track record navigating complex environments, Ascend is building the connective tissue across sectors and parties to fuel real impact.

For three energizing days from July 27th – 30th, 2025, VisionXChange gathered Ascend Fellows and alumni, philanthropic leaders, artists, and community changemakers to reimagine what’s possible and forge relationships that live up to our theme of “Unstoppable!”

The ideas, solutions, and connections sparked at VisionXChange belong to the entire Ascend community. After the convening, we will be inviting our Network, Parent Advisors, and philanthropic partners across the country to build on the insights and inspiration that emerge VisionXChange — so that our momentum extend far beyond Aspen.

Day 1
Sunday, July 27
VisionXChange began with an evening of connection and inspiration, calling on leaders to meet this moment with courage, imagination, and urgency. Together, we explored what bold leadership looked like and how it could shape a future where all children and families thrive.
Day 2
Monday, July 28
We honored 75 years of leadership with a powerful blend of music, memory, and movement building. From an evocative live performance to a conversation with visionary changemakers, we explored how creativity, empathy, and radical collaboration could reimagine what leadership looked like, for that moment and for generations to come.
Day 3
Tuesday, July 29
On Day 3, we explored the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, giving leaders the tools, questions, and insights they needed to navigate emerging technologies with integrity, equity, and purpose. Together, we examined how AI is reshaping the way we live and lead, and how to ensure its future is built on fairness, accountability, and human-centered values.
Day 4
Wednesday, July 30
We closed VisionXChange with momentum and meaning. In the final session, South African musician, composer, and installation artist Neo Muyanga led Ascend’s chorus of champions in a powerful song to conclude the convening. The performance flowed into a reflective conversation on the lessons of VXC 2025 and the path forward, leaving participants inspired and ready for what’s next.
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