Ascend Long Island at the Ascend National Conference 2026! ✨

From August 4–6, our team joined Ascend leaders and partners from across the country in New York City for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. Hosted by the University of Washington Foster School of Business, the conference celebrated Ascend’s first 10 years of impact and looked ahead to its next chapter.

Topics included supply-chain opportunities with Regina Andrea of EY and Robin Strom of Mortenson; construction and community impact with John Rooney of Gilbane Building Company; Ascend Cities 2027–2030 with Michelle Chenault of Newhouse Project Consulting; financing with An Phan of the Business Consortium Fund; and cybersecurity with Kareem Sykes of Project Spectrum.

We also explored AI and program innovation with Ascend LA, heard an inspiring story of resilience and strategic growth, and strengthened relationships through team-building activities.

We left energized by the insights shared and our collective commitment to helping small businesses grow and create lasting community impact.