Introducing the Ascend Fellows Advisory Circle - Ascend at the Aspen Institute

In 2025, Ascend at the Aspen Institute launched the Fellows Advisory Circle to strengthen the Fellowship’s long-term sustainability and reach. Comprised of representatives across Ascend Fellowship cohorts, the Fellows Advisory Circle provides strategic insight on the priorities, engagement practices, and resource development needed to ensure Ascend’s Fellowship continues to thrive – and drive change – for years to come.

Members of the inaugural Fellows Advisory Circle include leaders from across Fellowship cohorts who share a commitment to nurturing our uniting North Star: creating economic and social well-being for children and families. As thought partners and ambassadors, members bring valuable perspective outside of Ascend’s formal structure to guide our direction and act as a conduit for wider alumni – including their needs, wants, challenges, and wins.

Our aim is for this feedback to foster deeper trust and connection across the Ascend Fellowship and Network, especially as we galvanize our community around an agenda of solutions. Over the course of their two-year term, they will meet annually in person and virtually. We’re already underway – and their insight has been powerful in shaping our strategy and informing our agenda of solutions. Together, they will help ensure the Ascend Fellowship continues to be a catalyst for bold ideas, collaboration, leadership development, and lasting impact.

Members of the inaugural Fellows Advisory Circle:

Tonja Rucker ‘22

Daniel Williams ‘21

Gayatri Agnew ‘21

Atiya Weiss ‘21

Michelle Sarche ‘18

Laura Huerta-Migus ‘18

Kwame Anku ‘18

Verónica Figoli ‘17

John Annis ‘15

Kirsten Lodal ‘15

Meera Mani ‘12