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

prnewswire.com
PFE Kamran Ansari from Pfizer Inc. is honored at the Ascend A-List Awards for leadership, which is a neutral recognition of an individual's contribution. DIS Christina Collins from The Walt Disney Company is recognized at the Ascend A-List Awards for leadership, indicating a neutral acknowledgment of her role. BMY Manisha Desai from Bristol Myers Squibb is an honoree at the Ascend A-List Awards, which is a neutral recognition of her leadership contributions. RHI Tim Hird from Robert Half is an honoree at the Ascend A-List Awards, a neutral recognition of his leadership and impact. TD Jo Jagedish from TD Bank U.S. is recognized at the Ascend A-List Awards for leadership, a neutral acknowledgment of her contributions. MCO Shivani Kak from Moody's is an honoree at the Ascend A-List Awards, a neutral recognition of her leadership and influence. TGT Jim Lee from Target Corporation is recognized at the Ascend A-List Awards for leadership, a neutral acknowledgment of his impact. JPM Ann Li from JPMorganChase is an honoree at the Ascend A-List Awards, a neutral recognition of her leadership and contributions. DOW Tim O'Neal from Dow is an honoree at the Ascend A-List Awards, a neutral recognition of his leadership and impact. BAC Tom Scrivener from Bank of America is recognized at the Ascend A-List Awards for leadership, a neutral acknowledgment of his contributions. ED Hema Widhani from Edward Jones is recognized at the Ascend A-List Awards for leadership, a neutral acknowledgment of her impact. PRU Vicki Walia from Prudential Financial is an honoree at the Ascend A-List Awards, a neutral recognition of her leadership and contributions.

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