Kathy Lugo

Communications Officer

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.
Today, Ascend is excited to announce our 2023-24 Parent-Powered Solutions Fund Partners, six organizations and institutions from across the country wh...
Press ReleasesJanuary 23, 2024
Graphic showing a student's hand holding a graduation cap against a blue background.
Today, Ascend at the Aspen Institute announced that four community colleges from across the United States have been selected as partners to its Postse...
Press ReleasesOctober 3, 2023
Group photo of Ascend Parent Advisors standing outside in Aspen, Colorado with their arms outstretched upward.
Snapshots from the 2023 Ascend Parent Advisor Convening in Aspen, Colorado.
Aspen Postsecondary Success for ParentsOctober 2, 2023
Ascend at the Aspen Institute is excited to announce the launch of the 2023 Parent-Powered Solutions Fund, which will provide financial resources and...
Aspen Postsecondary Success for ParentsJuly 20, 2023
A collection of different photos featuring Christian Ortiz, his daughter, and his mother
Reflections on the experiences, challenges, and joys that shape the life of student father and Ascend PSP Parent Advisor Christian Ortiz.
Aspen Postsecondary Success for ParentsJune 16, 2023
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.
Among the one in five postsecondary students who are parents, there are close to 1.1 million student fathers. This chartbook synthesizes the available...
Aspen Postsecondary Success for ParentsJune 16, 2023
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.
Today, Ascend at the Aspen Institute (Ascend) released the second season of “1 in 5,” its highly rated podcast that explores the multifaceted live...
Press ReleasesJune 16, 2023