#United States #New York City #Business Leaders #Ascend Foundation #A-List Awards

2026 Ascend A-List Awards: Honoring Leaders Shaping the Future

In an extraordinary upcoming event, the Ascend Foundation will host its annual A-List Awards on April 28, 2026, at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. This celebrated gala highlights the achievements of exceptional global executives, acknowledging their unparalleled contributions to various industries and communities. The event serves not only as an honor for these leaders but also as a significant fundraiser that directly supports the Ascend Foundation's mission to promote inclusivity and leadership development conducive to economic mobility.

The Ascend Foundation’s commitment is clear: inspiring future leaders while ensuring equitable access and opportunities across societal lines. Every award presented signifies a broader vision for a future where diversity, equitable opportunity, and meaningful leadership intersect. As Sandeep Gupta, a board member of the Ascend Foundation, noted, “The A-List Awards celebrate individuals who are setting a new standard for leadership and impact far beyond their organizations.” With luminaries from various sectors recognized, this night epitomizes progress.

The 2026 honorees are a distinguished group that includes:

• - Kamran Ansari from Pfizer Inc.
• - Christina Collins from The Walt Disney Company
• - Manisha Desai from Bristol Myers Squibb
• - Li Fan from Circle
• - Lan Guan from Accenture
• - Ashim Gupta from UiPath
• - Linda Hill from Harvard Business School
• - Tim Hird from Robert Half Protiviti
• - Jim Hsu from Ernst & Young LLP
• - Jo Jagedish from TD Bank U.S.
• - Shivani Kak from Moody’s
• - Soyoung Kang from eos Products
• - Mai Lan Nguyen from Schneider Electric
• - Jim Lee from Target Corporation
• - Ann Li from JPMorgan Chase
• - Manish Madhavani from KPMG LLP
• - Navin Mahajan from Chevron
• - Tim O’Neal from Dow
• - Tom Scrivener from Bank of America
• - Harmit Singh from Levi's
• - Curtis Tao from HSBC
• - Hema Widhani from Edward Jones
• - Vicki Walia from Prudential Financial
• - Han Wen from L'Oréal USA
• - Angela Ying from Nvidia Corporation.

This year’s awards illustrate the foundation's focus on spotlighting leaders who actively drive innovation and inclusivity across sectors. Anna Mok, the President and Executive Board Chair of the Ascend Foundation, emphasized the importance of events such as the A-List Awards, stating, “It’s a powerful reminder of what's possible when a community comes together to champion progress and support one another.”

The significance of the evening extends beyond individual accolades; it aims to foster dialogues about creating a more inclusive future, underscoring the essential role that these leaders play in economic and social advancements. As the foundation gathers influential figures and partners, the night will serve as a catalyst for inspiration and change.

About the Ascend Foundation

Founded with a mission to drive positive change, the Ascend Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that collaborates with major corporations, particularly those in the Fortune 1000 list. Through impactful programs and initiatives, the foundation not only provides scholarships to deserving students but also leads research that underscores the emerging trends in the workplace. By pushing for social impact initiatives, it contributes significantly to shaping the business landscape through enhanced access to resources and opportunities.

For those interested in attending this prestigious gala or seeking more information on their work, media inquiries can be directed to [email protected] As the Ascend Foundation rolls out yet another year of inspiring change, the A-List Awards stands as a hallmark of commitment towards a brighter, inclusive future where leadership knows no boundaries.