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About Us

Ascender is a vibrant community of innovators that helps entrepreneurs start and build their companies by offering free educational programming, mentorship, expert coaching, incubation, and a collaborative coworking space.

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From fledgling tech companies, healthcare innovators, and nonprofits to makers, creators, services and shops, Ascender is for Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurs.

Our Values

Value - Invest in others.

Invest in
each other.

A collaborative community gives before it gets.
Value - Dream Big

Dream
big.

Explore what
is possible.
Value - Strive for Excellence

Strive for excellence.

Leverage the tools we provide and add your own value.
Value - Embody Inclusion and Respect

Embody inclusion and respect.

Build a culture that
celebrates others.

Resources for Entrepreneurs

Programs.

Open to All Entrepreneurs
Free Monthly Workshops
Yearlong Startup Incubator
Curated Newsletter

Connectivity.

1:1 Connections
Network of Experts
Innovative Community
Socials & Learning Groups

Space.

Modern Coworking Hub
Variety of Plans & Amenities
Exclusive Perks
Free Parking

Our Team

NADYLI NUNEZ - 2022

Nadyli Nuñez

Executive Director

Annia Aleman

Annia Aleman

Innovation Director

Christina Bard

Christina Bard

Operations Manager

Sam Bender

Sam Bender

Community Operations Coordinator

Maureen Agbagba

Maureen Agbagba

Executive Assistant

Craig Markovitz

Senior Advisor

Tammy Szijarto

Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR)

Our Board

Yvonne Campos

Interim Chair, Ascender &
President, Next Act Fund

Tiffany Castagno

Founder & CEO, CEPHR, LLC

Jim Gibbs

Founder & CEO, Meter Feeder

Allison Howard

Founder & CEO, Nollapelli

Gabriela Isturiz

General Partner, The Fund XX

Fed Olivares

Federico Olivares

North American Ventures, Covestro LLC

Aster Teclay

VP - Relationship Manager II Community Development Banking, PNC

Jeanette Thomas, Govenda CTO

Jeanette Thomas

CTO, Govenda

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