December 3 - 5, 2025 | Austin, TX
February 26 - 28, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
Join women executives and rising leaders for three days of strategies, mentorship, and connection designed to accelerate your influence and impact.
The Ascend Summit is a three-day leadership experience designed to propel women executives and rising leaders beyond barriers and into their next level of influence. Built on the promise of Breaking Barriers, Shaping Tomorrow, Ascend delivers executive strategies, actionable tools, and curated mentorship that open access to senior networks and decision-making spaces.
Ascend takes place in two cities — Austin and Los Angeles — offering two opportunities to experience the same transformative programming, powerful community, and executive mentorship.
LEAD BOLDLY. BREAK BARRIERS. SHAPE TOMORROW AT ASCEND: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
From executive strategy to personal resilience, the Ascend Women’s Leadership Summit 2025 equips ambitious women leaders with the tools, mentorship, and networks to break barriers and lead boldly. The three-day agenda is identical in both cities — Austin, TX (December 3–5, 2025) and Los Angeles, CA (February 26 - 28, 2026) — giving you two opportunities to experience transformative programming, executive coaching, and high-impact community.
This session guides you through defining your unique professional story and showcasing your expertise to amplify your influence. Learn to intentionally shape your personal brand, ensuring it authentically reflects your leadership vision and career aspirations.
Leading with Authenticity: Leveraging Your Unique Strengths as a Woman Leader
Embrace and amplify your distinct leadership style, recognizing how your unique perspectives and strengths as a woman can drive innovation and foster a more inclusive, effective workplace. This session empowers you to lead genuinely while maximizing your impact.
Leading teams within your organization: Systems and Structures for effective team engagement and management
Examine the essential systems and structures needed to lead and manage teams effectively. Learn to implement frameworks that enhance engagement, streamline collaboration, and drive your teams toward success.
Navigating the "Double Bind": Assertiveness, Likability, and Executive Presence for Women Leaders
This session unpacks the unique challenge women leaders face in balancing assertiveness with likability. Learn how to project strong executive presence and command respect while fostering positive relationships.
Learn powerful strategies to confidently articulate your value and secure the compensation and career advancement you deserve, turning daunting discussions into opportunities for growth. This session will equip you with tactical approaches for successful salary and promotion negotiations.
Leading Through Change and Disruption: Resilience and Adaptability
Navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving business landscape by developing the crucial skills of resilience and adaptability. Equip yourself with practical frameworks to guide your teams through uncertainty, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Sponsorship vs. Mentorship: Accelerating Your Career Through Strategic Advocacy
Understand the critical distinction between mentorship and sponsorship and its profound impact on your career trajectory. Discover how to identify and cultivate powerful advocates who will champion your advancement in the executive ranks.
Combating Imposter Syndrome and Cultivating Unwavering Confidence in the C-Suite and Boardroom
Tackle the pervasive challenge of imposter syndrome head-on with practical strategies to own your achievements and silence self-doubt. This session empowers you to cultivate unwavering confidence and assert your rightful place in the C-suite and boardroom.
Cultivate the commanding presence essential for executive leadership by honing your communication style, body language, and strategic messaging. Discover how to project authority and influence in every interaction, from board meetings to team presentations.
Discover actionable strategies to reconcile high-level ambition with personal well-being, ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling leadership journey. This session offers practical tools to manage stress, prevent burnout, and thrive both professionally and personally.
Master the essential skills of influence and coalition building to expand your impact and navigate organizational dynamics effectively. This session provides actionable strategies for women to strategically grow their professional networks and spheres of power.
Designing a Leadership Framework: Define Your Why, Guide Your Way
Discover how to build a personal leadership framework that aligns with your values and vision. This session will help you define your "why," providing a clear roadmap to guide your decisions and empower you to lead with authenticity and purpose.
The Leadership Lab is Ascend’s most exclusive experience — designed for leaders ready to accelerate into the C-suite. Limited to just 32 participants, this half-day intensive combines insider coaching, small-group mastery, and personalized feedback to sharpen the skills that matter most at the executive level.
The experience includes a dedicated one-on-one coaching session with one of our Featured Executives.
CEO, The Innovation Project
Transformational CEO who led a 10,000+ employee organization and now drives a statewide collaborative, uniting leadership, innovation, and fundraising to scale impact.
CEO, Pecan Street
A nonprofit CEO driving climate innovation and social impact with a $750M track record in resource development.
Executive Leader and Coach
A nationally recognized reformer and Time 100 honoree known for advancing courageous leadership and system-wide change.
CEO, Baltimore City Public Schools
The longest-serving CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools in 80 years, driving academic gains, equity, and historic school modernization.
Business Affairs Executive, Apple
A media leader shaping Apple TV+ and Apple Vision Pro content, behind acclaimed series like Severance and Silo.
Founder & CEO, Shelbayah Consulting
A former CNN journalist and award-winning strategist recognized for amplifying voices, shaping global brands, and driving multi-million-dollar growth.
Ambitious. Resilient. Ready to lead.
Ascend unites women who are ready to step into their power, expand their influence, and claim their seat at the decision-making table. This is the space for those advancing into leadership despite barriers — and determined to shape tomorrow on their own terms.
Executive Leaders
VPs, Directors, and Senior Managers driving strategy today, yet often excluded from the highest decision-making tables. At Ascend, you’ll gain the visibility, tools, and network to change that.
Rising Talent
High-potential women preparing to accelerate into the C-suite, but facing barriers in mentorship, access, and visibility. Here, you’ll find the advocates and insights to accelerate your journey.
Trailblazers Across Industries
Female leaders bringing diverse voices, lived experiences, and perspectives that fuel innovation, while navigating environments that haven’t always embraced inclusion. Ascend amplifies your perspective and builds pathways forward.
Together, we are building a community that transforms ambition into action and leadership into lasting impact.
Secure the best value by registering early.
Rates apply to both Austin (Dec 3–5, 2025) and Los Angeles (Feb 26 - 28, 2026).
Register by October 31 for Austin or December 31 for LA to save $300. Lock in your spot early and secure the best value.
Available until sold out. Seats are limited, and demand is high.
Half day add-on
Your Registration Includes:
Three days of immersive programming, keynotes, and workshopsSpace is capped at 100 women leaders per city to ensure an intimate high-impact experience — secure your seat early.
Summit attendees receive discounted rates at the JW Marriott Hotel, the Ascend summit venue. Rooms are limited and expected to sell out quickly — book now to ensure you’re staying onsite for easy access to all sessions, networking, and events.
AUSTIN
LOS ANGELES
Registering for Ascend is simple. Click any of the buttons on this page to begin the process (“Join The Movement” or “Register Here”). You will be guided through a short registration form and secure payment portal. Once complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your registration details and next steps to prepare for the Summit. You can also click here to register.
What does the registration fee include?
Your registration covers the full Ascend Summit, including keynote presentations from nationally recognized leaders, interactive panels, breakout sessions, and mentorship opportunities. It also includes curated networking events, conference materials, meals during the program, and exclusive access to post-event resources through the Ascend Alumni Circle.
We recommend arriving on the first day by early afternoon so you can join the Welcome Reception and Panel at 5:30 PM. The Summit concludes on the final day at approximately 12:00 PM. (The Leadership Lab will then run from Noon - 5:00pm.) For a more relaxed travel experience, some participants may wish to depart the following morning - or stay the weekend to explore the host city.
What is the recommended dress code for Ascend?
The suggested dress code is business casual attire. We encourage participants to wear what makes them feel confident and professional while remaining comfortable for full days of programming, networking, and evening receptions.
Yes. Registered attendees can access a discounted room rate at the JW Marriott Austin, our host venue. Early booking is encouraged as the room block is limited. Click the link above to book.
Can men attend?
Ascend is intentionally designed as a women-centered space, focused on advancing women in leadership and addressing barriers unique to their experiences. While the Summit itself is exclusive to women participants, we encourage allyship and invite men to engage through future partner programming and upcoming initiatives.
Yes. Attendance is capped at 100 participants to ensure an intimate, high-impact experience. Every seat offers direct access to mentors, networking, and tailored leadership development. We encourage early registration, as seats will sell out.
Why should I attend Ascend over other leadership events?
Ascend is intentionally designed for women leaders navigating the leadership gap. Every keynote, mentorship session, and networking opportunity addresses the barriers women face in advancing to the C-suite. Unlike traditional conferences, Ascend equips you with both actionable strategies and an enduring community to support long-term growth.
Yes. The Ascend Leadership Lab is an exclusive add-on experience limited to 32 participants. You can select this option during registration to secure your place. Once all seats are filled, no additional slots will be opened.
What should I bring to the event?
Bring a notebook or device for taking notes, your business cards for networking, and an open mind ready to connect and learn. We also recommend comfortable attire and a reusable water bottle to stay refreshed throughout the day. Most importantly, bring your goals — whether it’s advancing into the C-suite, expanding your professional network, or gaining clarity in your leadership journey.
Yes. Ascend continues beyond the event itself. Participants will be invited into the Ascend Alumni Circle, which offers exclusive updates, insights, and opportunities to stay connected with the community. You’ll also be among the first to receive details about the next Ascend gathering, ensuring you remain part of the movement shaping tomorrow’s leadership.
How will I receive updates leading up to the event?
All registered attendees will receive email communications with important updates, reminders, and speaker announcements. Be sure to check your inbox regularly and add our email address to your safe sender list so you don’t miss any key information.
Breaking Barriers. Shaping Tomorrow at Ascend: Women’s Leadership Summit
Ascend is a three-day leadership experience where women come together to unlock clarity, build confidence, and expand their influence. Through transformative sessions, mentorship, and authentic community, you’ll gain the strategies and support to rise boldly and shape the future of leadership.
Your moment to lead with purpose and power starts here — whether you join us in Austin or Los Angeles.
Stay Connected with Ascend