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

A Celebration of Innovation, Influence, and Impact Across Industries

NEW YORK, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ascend Foundation proudly hosts its annual A-List Awards, recognizing a distinguished group of global executives whose leadership is shaping industries, uplifting communities, and advancing opportunity at scale. More than a celebration, this annual benefit gala is the organization's most important night of the year—an exclusive gathering of influential leaders, partners, and supporters committed to building a more inclusive future.

Set against the iconic backdrop of The Plaza Hotel in New York City, the A-List Awards will take place on April 28, 2026. Proceeds from the evening directly fuel Ascend Foundation's mission—supporting scholarships, research, and leadership programs that expand access, accelerate economic mobility, and create lasting pathways for the next generation of leaders.

2026 A-List Honorees:

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

"Designed to recognize excellence across Ascend's vibrant community, the A-List Awards celebrate individuals who are setting a new standard for leadership and impact far beyond their organizations," said Sandeep Gupta, Ascend Foundation Board member and Chair of the 2026 A-List Benefit Committee. "By honoring their achievements, we not only elevate their contributions, but also strengthen our collective commitment to advancing leadership and expanding opportunity."

"This evening is a powerful reminder of what's possible when a community comes together to champion progress and support one another," said Anna Mok, President and Executive Board Chair of Ascend. "We see Ascend's impact grow through moments like this. As we celebrate today's leaders, the A-List Awards reflect our commitment to shaping a future where more leaders can rise and succeed. It's a privilege to honor these individuals, who exemplify the very best of what we can achieve together."

About Ascend Foundation

The Ascend Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to driving positive change in the workplace and fostering business growth. In partnership with leading business organizations across the Fortune 1000, the Foundation launches cross-industry thought leadership programming, builds community through social impact initiatives, provides student scholarships, and publishes noteworthy reports on the state of the working world.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE Ascend Foundation