Ascend Fellowship
Meaningful change starts with investing in leaders. Ascend Fellows work across sectors to reimagine the systems that shape opportunity for children and families.
Many of the leaders best positioned to drive change already have the authority, resources, and vision to act. What they often lack is the sustained space, trust, and cross-sector alignment required to translate that potential into long-lasting results. The Ascend Fellowship fills that gap and influences not just what leaders do, but how they lead and connect.
Over 18 months, Fellows have the support, community, and inspiration to strengthen their leadership, reflect and strategize with trusted peers, and turn bold ideas into action. In addition, Ascend leverages the Aspen Institute’s influence and reach to amplify Fellows’ leadership and vision.
During their 18-month Fellowship, Ascend Fellows participate in four Fellows Forums. Each week-long Forum is carefully designed to inspire Fellows as they make space for reflection, connect as a cohort, and develop high-impact strategies that address critical challenges communities face today.
Each Fellow designs and implements an action plan that turns their big idea into reality. Fellows collaborate with each other and Ascend staff during and in-between Forums to identify new opportunities to advance their work.
Outside of the Fellows Forums, the Ascend team provides individual and peer group leadership opportunities, coaching, and check-in calls to support Fellows. In addition, we leverage the Aspen Institute’s influence and reach to amplify Fellows’ leadership and bold ideas.
“The Ascend Fellowship was the single most transformational inflection point of my professional career. It opened doors, gave me credibility, and surrounded me with a peer group that challenged and inspired me to become a better version of myself.”
Kwame Anku
2018 Ascend Fellow, CEO & Chairman, Black Star Fund
“If it wasn’t for the Ascend Fellowship, I don’t think I would’ve had the courage and commitment and community to be able to continue to dream for much bigger and better things for our kids and families not just in Colorado, but around the country.”
Ron-Li Liaw, MD
2021 Ascend Fellow, Mental Health In-Chief, Children’s Hospital Colorado
“It’s the connections that are created in this community. We hold space for each other. We support one another. And I think that’s what makes it so special.”
Stephanie Parra
2023 Ascend Fellow, CEO, ALL In Education
