Sariah Toze

Program Associate

Sariah Toze is the program associate for the Ascend Network and outreach at Ascend at the Aspen Institute. The Aspen Institute’s mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. Ascend is a policy program of the Institute and a hub for breakthrough ideas and collaborations that move children and their parents toward educational success and economic security.

At Ascend Sariah supports engagement of Ascend’s national network, the Aspen Family Prosperity Innovation Community, and various 2Gen convenings.

Prior to working at Ascend, Sariah was the program assistant and consultant in the Africa department at the Center for International Private Enterprise where she oversaw management of grants with partners on the African continent. Sariah also spent two years as a consular assistant at the US Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. Sariah holds a BA in Political Science from Brigham Young University, and an MA in Social Development and Sustainable Livelihoods from the University of Reading.

Stories featuring Sariah Toze

Mental illness affects 1 in every 5 Americans, however, inefficiencies, siloes, and disparities among systems make it challenging for families with low-incomes to access the health supports that are essential for them to live their healthiest lives. Health and well-being is foundational to individuals’ and families’ ability to reach their full potential, which is why it’s one …

The Family Partnership’s 2Gen Approach to Mental Health Read More »

Ascend NetworkOctober 11, 2022
To help families cope with loss, trauma, and isolation, community leaders and practitioners are using the two-generation (2Gen) approach that honors their experiences and builds off their strengths as a whole family.
Ascend NetworkJune 28, 2022
Ascend is pleased to announce the six winning organizations of the 2Gen Level Up Competition & Prize. In October, as part of 2Gen Level Up Week, we announced the 2Gen Level Up Competition & Prize that challenged organizations to use the resources released during 2Gen Level Up Week to advance two-generation work. About the 2Gen Level Up …

The 2Gen Level Up Prize Winners Read More »

BlogJanuary 25, 2021
What a week it has been! From live parent conversations, to story slams, to Twitter chats, we have learned so much from the Ascend Network on how you’re all navigating these times – and more importantly, leveling up your work in such amazing ways. We’ve also been thrilled to release our new resources for the …

2Gen Level Up Week: Recap and highlights Read More »

BlogOctober 30, 2020
After a dynamic week of engaging conversations with our Network Partners, Fellows, field, and families, one thing is clear: The #2Gen field is strong. We’re redesigning policy, shifting culture, and adapting to the times in the most skillful, collaborative ways. But can we “Go Big?” Over 8 million families have become poor during 2020, according …

Advice from Four 2Gen Leaders on Scaling Up Read More »

BlogOctober 30, 2020
We are so excited that you are joining us throughout the week for 2Gen Level Up, a time of connecting and inspiring our boldest thinking yet on how to serve families in this time of acute crisis and opportunity. As you know, Ascend is publishing a new 2Gen resource every day (check out today’s resources, case …

Announcing: The 2Gen Level Up Prizes + Happy Hour Read More »

BlogOctober 27, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the 2Gen field. The economic impact has dramatically increased demand on all family-supportive programs, while they are simultaneously grappling with the challenge of providing services remotely. The times are calling on us to do more for our families, but we believe we can use this as an opportunity to lean …

2Gen Level Up Week Kicks Off! Join the conversation  Read More »

BlogOctober 25, 2020
While the COVID-19 pandemic may restrict us from convening together in person, that shouldn’t stop us from holding powerful conversations about the future of 2Gen work. Next week, Ascend will bring together some of our field’s boldest and brightest leaders for 2Gen Level Up Week, a series of dynamic online conversations on how we can …

Join us next week to level up your work with families  Read More »

BlogOctober 23, 2020
Aspen Autumn
Dear Ascend Community: Ascend is committed to the work of anti-racism. Seeing and experiencing week after week what Black people and families go through, and the threat of violence they are subjected to on a daily basis, is completely unacceptable and must end. We stand against this ongoing oppression and the white supremacy that breeds …

Statement and Call to Action: Condemn Police Violence and Structural Racism Read More »

BlogJune 3, 2020