Overview
The Ascend Executive Network (AEN) brings together senior Pan-Asian executives focused on increasing diversity in the C-suite and on corporate boards. Whether you want support for your own career, a meaningful opportunity to give back and support others, or guidance for effectively advocating for your Pan-Asian employees, AEN is designed to help you make a difference.
Our Vision
Connect, inspire and prepare Pan-Asian leaders for executive leadership and board positions while advocating for Pan-Asian community
Our Goals
Build a world-class business network of Pan-Asian corporate leaders
Facilitate development, altruism and opportunities for giving-back
Advance the visibility and influence of Pan-Asians in the workplace and in the broader Asian community
Build Leaders
Build Pan-Asian business leaders into C-level executives
• Networking events & community
• Ascend mentorship program
• Career advancement opportunities
• Board opportunities & training
Build Influence
Build influence with corporations & organizations
• Fundraising & corporate sponsor recruitment
• Alliances with like-minded organizations
• Marketing Ascend proprietary research
• Support 10x25 initiative
Build Visibility
Build visibility of Ascend and its members
• Marketing & PR support
• Event strategy & planning
• Social media strategy & planning
• Influencer & KOL development
What We Offer
Executive Networking
Learning & Development
Advocacy & Thought
Giving Back
“I’ve been involved with AEN for over 3 years and have found it to be personally and professionally enriching. As a member of the NYC Chapter, I’ve come to know some of the most successful people in their fields. Moreover, those on the NYC Operating Committee are extraordinarily dedicated to fostering the strength and voice that the Pan-Asian community needs to help us attain our professional goals. When I first moved to NYC, I had no network of colleagues outside of work. Through Ascend and AEN, I not only found support through like-minded professionals but also life-long friendships.”
— Lesley Ma, VP, Chief Information and Continuous Improvement Officer NSF International
Program Offerings
AEN Talks
AEN Networking Series
Chief Experienced Officer (CXO) Series
Mentoring Sessions
“What is special about AEN is that it is inclusive of all Asians and allows for collaboration, the appreciation of culture, and the promotion of leadership skills. As a National member of AEN and a Corporate Executives Initiative (CEI) operating committee member, I have had the fortune of meeting Asian executives at AEN events, who have shared their career journey and helped me on my own path”
— Alpa Inamdar, BNY Mellon Head of Third Party Governance Advisory
Join Our Network
What makes Ascend unique is that we are the largest network of Pan-Asian business professionals. We have seasoned corporate executives and thought leaders from a broad range of industries in our exclusive and expanding Ascend Executive Network (AEN) and are collectively committed to advancing Pan-Asian leadership and causes for a more inclusive world.
“The Ascend Executive Network (AEN) advocates for Asian leadership across the highest levels of corporate America. It supports and advances my initiatives by creating tailored content for the AAPI community and by providing one-on-one access to some of the most successful AAPI executives in the country. I personally find the AEN functional verticals an excellent way to deepen my network with other leaders in my function. In addition, AEN provides a powerful platform for me to give back to the community by offering me opportunities to engage and mentor younger professionals. AEN is an invaluable initiative for all AAPI executives”
— Andrew Chin, CRO at AllianceBernstein
Our Leadership
Robert Chen
Partner, Exec-Comm
Winson Heng
Principal, Deloitte Consulting
Faye Sahai
Partner, Mirai Global
Ashok Shenoy
Senior Principal, BNY Mellon