Diondre Faulk is the Program Coordinator at Ascender, where he plans and executes community programming and outreach, collaborating closely with the Innovation Director. His focus is on supporting entrepreneurs and helping build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pittsburgh. Diondre is drawn to Ascender’s commitment to fostering local businesses, paired with its vast resources, which aligns with his own goal of making a tangible impact in his hometown.
A 2019 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Marketing, Diondre has always been interested in branding and entrepreneurship. His career journey is diverse, with experience ranging from banking, digital marketing, and sales, to managing a gym and coaching football in his local community. He has also spent significant time mentoring kids at local schools, giving back to the neighborhood that helped shape him.
Before joining Ascender, Diondre spent five years building his own photography business, starting with bike rides through Pittsburgh to capturing images of local scenes. Over time, he expanded his business to work with local businesses and even became a photographer for New York Fashion Week. His entrepreneurial journey has honed his skills in branding, marketing, and leadership, all of which he now uses to help support Pittsburgh’s startup community.