Dear Ascend Family,

In 2023, I traveled from South Africa to Alaska, from Chicago to Birmingham. My travels brought home two insights. First, how transformative it is to be in community with leaders who see intersections, not silos and a world of possibilities, not unscalable walls. Second, embracing a more global mindset reveals new perspectives, pathways, and partnerships. We have an abundance of amazing leaders with big ideas who can make an even bigger impact IF we rethink how we use all the capital we have – intellectual, social, human, and financial -- in service of the world we want. One where all children and families are valued.   

We have intellectual capital to leverage. This report shows leaders using collective power to take on the big systems and flip the script. We see Ascend Fellows banding together, like Nate Chomilo, Twylla Dillion, Emily Miller, Kimberly Seals Allers, and Leseliey Welch who are expanding healthy and respectful birth experiences for Black parents in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and beyond. In Anchorage, Alaska Native Network Partners and Ascend Fellows work together, tapping Indigenous teachings and community wisdom to build opportunities for children and young people.  

We know that growing social capital matters. Interactions and deepening bonds between people lead to trusted relationships, the essential foundation for transforming the systems that need to do better for our children and families. This is why Ascend hosts Fellowship and Network convenings. In 2023, we graduated two Fellow cohorts, and welcomed a new one. Leaders from 10 years of Fellowship classes joined philanthropic and community partners at this year’s VisionXChange. Seeing more than 200 leaders using all their knowledge, creativity, and curiosity to advance the well-being of children and families gave me goosebumps. 

We have human capital we are deploying in new ways. We know it is vital to respect the expertise of lived experience and have put Parent Advisors at the tables where decisions get made. In New Mexico, we launched a Parent Policy Council that advises Governor Lujan Grisham’s cabinet on issues such as transportation, mental health, and early childhood.   

All of this capital – intellectual, human, and social – unlocks financial capital to fund the big ideas. Since our founding Ascend and our  partners have unlocked more than $500 million for whole families from the public and private sector. Ascend has co-created new funding models including the Parent Powered Solutions Fund where Parent Advisors lead the grantmaking process. We have celebrated the success of Ascend Fellows like Leseliey Welch, who has raised a record-setting $4 million to open the first free-standing birth center in Detroit that delivers a joyful and safe pregnancy journey for Black women.   

When we leverage all the capital we have to work with, we unlock the resources that result in big, positive shifts.   

As I look ahead to 2024, I am filled with gratitude and deep conviction that it is time to double down on our purpose and passion. It’s time for the Ascend Network to flex its muscles on what the world is calling for us to do and get right.  

Enjoy this look back from Ascend. I hope it offers you wisdom and inspiration to ensure all children and families can achieve their dreams in 2024.