Newsletter: February 2026

A Message from Ascend NorCal Leadership

February set the tone for 2026. We did not simply celebrate—we convened leaders and invested in community.

Our 2026 theme, Forward with Purpose, calls on leaders to cut through the noise, act with integrity, and turn connection into collective impact.

In times of transformation, purpose grounds us and propels us forward. When we lead with purpose, we turn uncertainty into opportunity, innovation into impact, and connection into collective strength.

Together, we move Forward with Purpose.

2026 Lunar New Year Celebration

On February 5, Ascend NorCal welcomed a sold-out audience to celebrate the Lunar New Year and launch our 2026 journey together.

We were honored to host inspiring conversations with Vivian Young and Jia Jiang, along with a special surprise dialogue featuring Kristi Yamaguchi and Dion Lim. Their stories reinforced what leadership demands today:

• Courage to take risks
• Discipline to grow through rejection
• Responsibility to lift others
• Commitment to community

During the night’s celebration, we raised nearly $3,000 for Ascend Cares in support of:

• Financial literacy programming for underserved communities
• Essential school and family resources

A special thanks to the Ascend NorCal Chapter Leadership Team for personally donating the raffle and silent auction gifts that made this fundraising possible.

Celebration aligned with purpose. Community aligned with action. 

March IAG/AEN Conference

Join us for our next Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) + Ascend Executive Network (AEN) Conference on March 20, 2026 at Robert Half San Ramon!

Under the theme, Forward with Purpose: Turning Transformation into Impact, we will explore how transformation becomes lasting impact when leaders prioritize people, clarity, and execution.

This convening will bring together:

• Early career professionals
• Mid-career leaders
• Executives within three levels of the CEO

Register today to secure your spot! 

Supporting the Napa Valley Asian American Film Festival

Ascend NorCal was proud to support the Napa Valley Asian American Film Festival in its second year.

The festival continues to elevate AAPI storytelling across our region, expanding partnerships, growing visibility, and showcasing powerful narratives. We’re honored to stand alongside filmmakers, creatives, sponsors, and community leaders as this platform builds momentum into year three.

Leadership includes cultural stewardship.

Representation matters. Our stories matter.

Leadership in Action: Stay Engaged, Get Involved

Leadership gains meaning when it moves from intention to action. Through mentorship, community engagement, and shared learning, Ascend NorCal continues to invest in people and pathways that strengthen leadership influence across organizations and communities.

There are many ways to be part of this work, including:

• Volunteering and supporting community initiatives
• Speaking or facilitating future programs
• Participating in mentorship and student outreach
• Exploring corporate partnership and sponsorship opportunities

If you are interested in getting involved or would like to connect with our leadership team, please reach out to northerncalifornia@ascendleadership.org and let us know how you would like to engage.

Members in Career Transition (MIT)

Navigating a career transition, re-entering the workforce, or impacted by recent layoffs? Experience the power of the Ascend network with bi-weekly virtual office hours designed to support career insights, networking, and actionable support.

Our Partners