Tri-State Student IAG

On behalf of the Ascend team, welcome to the 2026 Ascend NY Metro Chapter’s Inspiring Across Generations (“IAG”) Conference for Students. Your support, participation, and commitment continue to make this event a powerful platform for connection, growth and inspiration. We are delighted to have you join us as we come together to learn, share, and shape new connections and insights this year will bring.

This year’s theme, Motion Forward – Unlocking Your Next Chapter, speaks to a new reality of our time: change is constant, and progress belongs to those who embrace it with courage and purpose. As Mahatma Gandhi once said “The future depends on what you do today”.

Throughout this year’s IAG conversations, we will explore what it means to move forward intentionally by adapting to uncertainty, evolving through challenges, and disrupting conventional thinking. Unlocking the next chapter requires more than just resilience. It necessitates a willingness to reinvent ourselves, reimagine possibilities, and redefine leadership in a rapidly changing world.

We believe that progress is fueled by community, inclusion, and the collective exchange of ideas across generations. By learning from one another, challenging assumptions, and supporting future leaders, Ascend creates new pathways for innovation, opportunity, and impact. We hope today's discussions inspire you to take bold steps toward your own next chapter while helping others do the same.

We are extremely grateful to PwC for graciously hosting us in their outstanding facilities. Their partnership exemplifies the power of organizations working together to intentionally advance leadership, inclusion and professional growth.

We are also sincerely grateful to our esteemed speakers for sharing their expertise, experiences and insights across industries and disciplines. Their stories of leadership, adaptability and transformation embody the spirit of advancement and remind us that growth often begins when we embrace new possibilities. We encourage you to engage in these conversations, network with peers, and take away insights that will help you grow both personally and professionally.

This conference would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors and the dedication of our volunteers, whose countless hours of planning and preparation bring this event to life each year. We are truly thankful for their commitment and contributions.

On behalf of the entire Ascend NY Metro Chapter team and our student chapter leaders, thank you for being part of this journey and for allowing us to be a part of your journey. We hope you leave today energized by new ideas, strengthened by meaningful connections, and empowered to move forward with confidence as you unlock the next chapter of leadership and impact.

With gratitude,