Newsletter: April 2026

A New Chapter for Ascend NorCal

April is a transition point for Ascend NorCal.

We’re taking time to align, strengthen our leadership structure, and focus on what matters most for the next phase of our growth.

Our priorities remain clear: elevating leadership at every level, fostering meaningful community connections, and delivering high-impact programming with consistency and purpose.

As part of this evolution, we are strengthening our leadership team and Executive Chapter Advisor bench in welcoming the following:

• Jackie Mak will step into the role of Co-President, bringing strong leadership across programming and community engagement.
  
  

• Priscilla Tan will transition from Co-President to Executive Chapter Advisor, continuing to provide strategic guidance and leadership support.
  
  

• Arlene Chan will move from EVP to Executive Chapter Advisor, bringing continued experience and perspective to the chapter.
  
  

• Darcy Beauchemin will be stepping down from the Executive Chapter Advisor role, and we thank her for her leadership and contributions.

Kats Furuyama will continue to serve as Co-President through 2026 to ensure continuity and support during this transition.

Together, this next chapter positions Ascend NorCal to grow with intention, lead with impact, and better serve our community.

AAPI Heritage Month Networking Mixer

Join us as we kick off AAPI Heritage Month with an intentional, high-impact networking experience.

Event Details

• Date: May 14, 2026

• Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT

• Venue: Chan Zuckerberg Community Space | Redwood City, CA

Designed to bring together professionals across industries for meaningful connection and conversation, you can expect:

• Curated networking with leaders and professionals across levels

• An intimate setting designed for real connection

• A strong sense of community and shared experience

Register today to secure your spot early!

What's Ahead

Across our conversations with members, executives, and partners, a few consistent themes continue to surface.

What We’re Hearing from Leaders

• Clarity of Impact and Recognition
  • Professionals are looking for a clearer connection between their work, business outcomes, and advancement.
• Career Growth and Sponsorship
  • Mentorship is expected. Sponsorship is what drives career movement through access, visibility, and advocacy.
• Consistency and Access
  • Experiences can vary across teams, making it harder for professionals to navigate opportunities and progression.

How We’re Responding

Ascend NorCal is focused on creating environments that help close these gaps by:

• Building visibility and connection across levels and industries.
• Expanding access to leaders through Ascend Executive Network (AEN) and Inspiring Across Generations (IAG).
• Creating opportunities that support sponsorship and career growth. 

Join us in supporting leadership growth, career advancement, and community impact.

Upcoming Events

• May 14: AAPI Heritage Month Networking Mixer
• June: Networking Mixer
• July 20–22: Ascend Engage (Las Vegas, NV)
• August: Post-Engage Meet & Greet
• September: IAG & AEN Conference

Stay Engaged, Get Involved

There are multiple ways to stay engaged with Ascend NorCal:

• Attend upcoming events

• Volunteer with the chapter

• Explore speaking opportunities

• Connect us with potential partners

• Join our mailing list

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

Help empower the next generation of leaders—

your gift expands opportunity.