Our Team

Ascender’s team is comprised of individuals with a collective passion for establishing and maintaining a diverse and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pittsburgh.

atiya jones

Operations Coordinator

atiya’s contributions as Ascender’s Operations Coordinator include system development and maintenance; data management; newsletter & website communications, and team culture & engagement.

She is a project manager, problem identifier & solution seeker.

atiya, the entrepreneur: She’s the founder of TWELVE TWENTY STUDIO LLC., an interdisciplinary fine art & design studio.

Brooke keane

Marketing Coordinator

With her phone in one hand and her coffee in the other, Brooke is creating and capturing content that highlights our founders, engages with our community, and draws new energy into our workspaces.

Brooke, the entrepreneur:As a freelancer, Brooke offers her social media and marketing eye to a variety of industries in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Christina Miller

Operations Director

Christina brings 15 years of local nonprofit experience to Ascender, with expertise in fundraising, communications, operations, finance and event planning. She oversees processes and procedures that support the Ascender team & our members.

Christina, the entrepreneur:‍ ‍In a former life Christina was an independent jewelry designer & a freelance architectural photography assistant.

Ellen Mcdevitt

Programs Director

Ellen’s innovative approach to branding, marketing, communications and entrepreneurial experience has placed her at the forefront of a diverse range of industries. From Colgate Palmolive to aviation and healthcare, her passion for helping teams find their spark is truly what thrills her.

Ellen, the entrepreneur: Ellen is the former CEO and co-founder of Go Jane Go, an app that connects women travelers while they’re on the road.

Sam Bender

Community Operations Coordinator

Sam oversees the co-working space’s daily operations and is the immediate on-site resource for our members as they go about their workdays. He loves the conversations he gets to have with our members, both about their work and their lives, and getting to see them succeed and evolve—both as people and as entrepreneurs—throughout their time with us.

Sam, the entrepreneur: Sam spends his time out of the office reading and has dreams of opening a bookstore.

Ummey Karim

Programs Manager

Ummey plans and executes community programming for our members, entrepreneurs, and alumni. In collaboration with the Programs Director, she uses data to create inventive storytelling and success metrics for Ascender’s Program cohorts & members.

Ummey the entrepreneur: Outside of Ascender, Ummey manages an Airbnb property in the South Hills.