As Senior Program Manager for Convening Design & Experience at Ascend at the Aspen Institute, Tiana McCoy curates the moments that matter within gatherings — when something shifts in the room and leaders leave seeing their work, and one another, a little differently. She designs experiences that bring leaders together to connect, reflect, and collaborate in service of families.
With a deep respect for community and culture, Tiana approaches convening as both an art and a discipline, shaping environments where meaningful dialogue and forward-thinking collaboration can unfold. She works to ensure Ascend’s signature convening approach continues to evolve as the organization advances its Forward With Families initiative, helping scale the ideas, relationships, and momentum that emerge from these spaces.
Prior to joining Ascend in 2021, Tiana was an operations coordinator for the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program. Earlier in her career, she led efforts at the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria as assistant director, broadening pathways to higher education for students at her former high school, Alexandria City High School, through college advising and scholarships designed to expand access. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to advancing the health and economic well-being of young people and families by removing barriers to opportunity and broadening access to education.
Tiana holds a B.S. in justice studies with a minor in political science and a Master of Public Administration from James Madison University. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and mini goldendoodle and enjoys exploring coffee shops, restaurants, museums, and art galleries across the city.
