Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics

?? Join Us May 10th for the third annual Hike for Her at Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, Virginia (just outside DC)! Lace up your boots and hit the trails for Ascend’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Every step you take helps empower young women in Afghanistan and Pakistan through leadership and health programs. SIGN UP TODAY: https://lnkd.in/gt4hRJZH This isn’t just a hike—it’s a movement. Together, we can break barriers and create opportunities for women. ???? #HikeForHer #AscendLeadership #EmpowerWomen?

??? Ascend is honored to be speaking at the 2025 GWU Sports Philanthropy Summit - the alma mater of our founder Marina LeGree and where one of our incredible Afghan evacuee scholars is currently studying. Our board chairperson Stephanie Biery and our 2020 Afghanistan alum, Sughra Yazdani will speak during the event about the critical impact sports can make on the life trajectory of girls and women. This gathering reinforces why education—especially in the context of sports—is so critical to opening doors and creating opportunities, particularly in places where girls are undervalued. Thank you, Lisa Delpy Neirotti, Ph.D., Director of Sports Philanthropy at @GWSportsPhil The George Washington University for having us. We’re excited to connect with leading experts in the sports philanthropy world, including:? Kevin Martinez Alex White Alexandra Chalat Marycate Walsh ? Carl Ehrlich Lauren Lee McCarthy Paul Caccamo, Up2Us Sports Joanne Pasternack Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (Laureus USA) ?? #SportsPhilanthropy #EducationForAll #Networking #ImpactfulConnections #sps2025

?? Exciting Announcement: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan ?? We are thrilled to launch the Ascending Entrepreneurs Training Program in Kabul, a transformative initiative designed to support and empower Afghan women in building sustainable businesses and achieving economic independence. We're partnering with the University of Central Asia to provide participants with:? ? Comprehensive training in entrepreneurship and business management? ? Access to mentorship from experienced professionals? ? Networking opportunities to build a strong support system? ? Resources to bring innovative ideas to life Our mission is to create a platform where women can thrive as leaders, innovators, and changemakers, contributing to the growth and resilience of their communities. We are inspired by the incredible potential and determination of Afghan women and are committed to walking alongside them on their entrepreneurial journey. ?? Get Involved:? If you're passionate about women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, or Afghanistan's development, we’d love to hear from you!? ?? Reach out to us for partnership opportunities, mentorship, or to learn more about the program. Together, we can foster a brighter, more inclusive future. ?? #WomenEntrepreneurs #Afghanistan #Empowerment #Leadership #Entrepreneurship?#AscendAthletics #TogetherWomenRise

?? Gear Up for Good This Winter! ?? This winter, stay warm while making a difference! ??? Shop our exclusive Ascend apparel on Bonfire and help us empower young women through leadership and athletics. Every purchase supports our mission to provide life-changing opportunities for girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan. ??? ?? Shop now: Bonfire Store - Ascend Leadership Through Athletics https://lnkd.in/e_YSxwrN Wear your support. Share the mission. Change lives. #ShopForACause #EmpowerWomen #AscendLeadership #10YearsOfAscend

We are thrilled to welcome Azra Maqsood as our new Country Director for Pakistan at Ascend! With a strong background in gender advocacy, social justice, and development, Azra brings a wealth of experience and passion to our mission of advancing gender equality. Azra has dedicated her career to unlocking the potential of girls and women. She champions women's rights at the systemic level while giving hands-on coaching to her mentees. We are confident that her vision and leadership will amplify our impact and further strengthen our efforts in Pakistan. We look forward to working together to create a more just and equitable world. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Azra as she embarks on this journey with us!

A New Chapter Begins in Afghanistan! We are thrilled to announce the kickoff of our first cohort of the year in Afghanistan! In a country where opportunities for girls are scarce, these brave participants are charting a new course for themselves and their communities. ?? Let’s celebrate their courage and determination as they embark on this life-changing experience. Together, we can continue to empower the next generation of Afghan women to lead and thrive. #WomenWhoRise #LeadershipInAction #Afghanistan #10YearsOfAscend

Save the date! Join us for the 3rd Annual Ascend Hike for Her on May 10 at 9 AM at the stunning Sky Meadow State Park. Enjoy a scenic hike followed by a catered lunch and celebration from 12 PM to 5 PM. Proceeds will support Ascend's leadership, health, and mountaineering programs in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Can’t make it? You can still contribute by donating or supporting a participant or team. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gPKfbT2Q. Don’t miss out on this incredible event! #HikeForHer #AscendLeadership #SupportTheCause

These words echo the unbreakable spirit of countless young women who refuse to give up on their dreams, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. At Ascend, we stand with these brave girls, nurturing their resilience, amplifying their voices, and paving pathways to brighter futures. ?? Join us in supporting their journey to rise above the odds. #HopeForAfghanistan #GirlsWhoRise #10YearsOfAscend #EducationForAll

?? Redefining Futures, One Step at a Time ?? At Ascend, we’re not just climbing mountains; we’re reshaping what’s possible for young women around the world—in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where opportunities for girls are often limited. ?? Did you know? - In Afghanistan, over 80% of school-age girls are out of school due to restrictive policies. - In Pakistan, only 25% of women are part of the workforce, and many face barriers to education and leadership opportunities. - Both countries have some of the highest rates of child marriage globally, cutting short the futures of countless young girls. Through leadership, resilience, and the power of community, Ascend is helping girls transform their lives—and their futures. Every training, every summit, and every act of service is a step toward a brighter tomorrow. These young women aren’t just participants; they’re leaders, changemakers, and catalysts for a better world. ?? With your support, we can continue to rewrite these statistics and redefine what’s possible. Make your first gift of the new year today and a gift of opportunity today -- www.ascendathletics.org #RedefineFutures #WomenEmpoweringWomen #10YearsOfAscend

Celebrating 10 Years of Ascend! ?? As we welcome 2025, we’re thrilled to kick off a milestone year—Ascend’s 10th Anniversary! Over the past decade, we’ve been dedicated to empowering young women through leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of sports. From our first steps in 2015 to becoming a global movement today, this journey has been fueled by courage, community, and the unwavering belief that when women rise, the world rises with them. ???? This year, we’re reflecting on the thousands of lives impacted, celebrating the communities built, and looking ahead to an even brighter future. Join us as we mark this incredible milestone with stories, events, and initiatives to continue the climb together. ??Stay tuned for ways to celebrate, give back, and support our mission in 2025! Here’s to 10 years of resilience, growth, and leadership—and to the next chapter for thousands of women. #10YearsOfAscend #WomenRise #Afghanistan #Pakistan