Leading the Way
We leverage the power of research, thought leadership, and development to advance equity in the corporate sector and beyond.
Our Work
ATLAS 2026
Ascend’s landmark study uncovers what truly motivates today’s workforce—and how organizations can act on these insights.
Latest Report
For over 20 years, Ascend has shaped the future, transforming talent, workplaces, and the communities we live in. With such a milestone, it felt fitting to take a moment to reflect on the impact we’ve had in those two decades.
To learn more about what we offer and what we’ve accomplished, we invite you to read our 2025 Impact Report.
Research Library
Hidden in Plain Sight: Asian American Leaders in Silicon Valley
Hidden in Plain Sight: Asian American Leaders in Silicon Valley analyzes the leadership pipeline using the 2013 employment data filed with the U.S. EEOC by five major Silicon Valley-based companies.
The Failure of Asian Success - Five Years Later
This 2014 report explores the lack of Asian American executives in Bay Area Fortune 500 companies. It identifies underdeveloped leadership skills as a key factor.
The Failure of Asian Success in the Bay Area: Asians as Corporate Executive Leaders
This report reveals the limited executive pipeline for Asians, exposing a leadership failure in the Asian executive community, known to the workforce but not to corporate management.
New York Metro Area Corporate Census: Asian American Executives
A collaborative survey by Ascend and the Asia Society evaluates the presence of Asian Americans in high-ranking executive positions among Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in the NY/NJ/CT region.
The Everest Project
This report explores women executives' role in corporate America and the impact of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, and sexual orientation on women's leadership in the global economy.