Ascend Midwest Inspiring Across Generations
Shaping Tomorrow, Together
.png)
Event Details
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM CT / 10:30 AM ET - 2:30 PM CT / 3:30 PM ET
(Registration/check-in begins at 9:00 AM CT/10:00 AM ET)
Post-IAG Networking event: 2:30 PM CT/ 3:30 PM ET - 4:30 PM CT/ 5:30 PM ET
Venue:
-
Chicago (In-person): Accenture, 500 W. Madison, Chicago, IL 60661
-
Columbus (In-person): KPMG, 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH, 43215
-
Virtual
Admission: Chicago (In-person): Member: $100 | Non-Member: $200 | Student: $25
Columbus (In-person): Member: $50 | Non-Member: $100 | Student: $25
Virtual: Member: $25 | Non-Member: $50
Attire: Business Casual
Description
​Join us for Ascend Midwest's 2025 Inspiring Across Generations event, "Shaping Tomorrow, Together," focusing on developing the skills you’ll need to lead for our future. Engage with industry leaders and expand your professional network!​
Agenda
(start time below)
9:00 AM CT / 10:00 AM ET:
Morning Registration and Networking
9:30 AM CT / 10:30 AM ET:
9:45 AM CT / 10:45 AM ET:
10:40 AM CT / 11:40 AM ET:
11:25 AM CT / 12:25 PM ET:
12:15 PM CT / 1:15 PM ET:
1:10 PM CT - 2:10 PM ET:
​1:55 PM CT / 2:55 PM ET:
Sessions
Breaking the Silence: Navigating mental health in the workplace
Presented by Huron
This candid conversation will explore the importance of mental health while recognizing the unique needs of our community. We will discuss challenges including stigmas, balancing career pressures and the impact of traditional values to gain valuable insights on how to create supportive work and home environments.
Andrew Chang, MD
Founder, CEO
Nunchi Health
Speaker
Sana Mohammad
National Director
Field Marketing, Dairy Queen
Moderator
Panel Discussion 1
Stop Using AI, Start Choosing AI
This discussion will explore the balance between authenticity and efficiency in AI-assisted communication, the growing importance of AI literacy for career development and business innovation, and the ethical responsibility of using AI tools thoughtfully. We will also examine the impact of AI on individuals, businesses, and society—emphasizing the shift from passive use to empowered, context-driven application that places users in control rather than in fear.
Arjun Kaarat
Title
Company
Panelist
Nan Li
Founder
Nanalytics AI
Panelist
Payal Thakur
Senior Director Enterprise Analytics and AI/CDO
JobsOhio
Panelist
Sophia Shen
Associate Vice President,
Staff Administration
​Nationwide
Moderator
The Story of You: Crafting Your Personal Brand
The Story of You is an empowering workshop dedicated to helping professionals craft and define their personal brand. This session will help you discover the art of storytelling and learn how to effectively communicate your unique journey and values.
What to expect:
-
Interactive workshop on storytelling techniques
-
Insights into aligning your personal values with your professional image
-
Practical tips for enhancing your personal brand
Matthew Fong
Managing Director,
Commercial Banking Payment Sales Executive
JPMorgan Chase
Speaker
Catherine Chung
Executive Director, International Banking
JPMorgan Chase
Speaker
Panel Discussion 2​
​Speaking Up, Standing Out:The Power of Self-Advocacy
This discussion will explore the power of self-advocacy and leveraging your personal brand in shaping the professional journeys of the panelists. Learn how to confidently communicate your value, navigate cultural expectations, and leverage opportunities for growth, while staying authentic to your identity.
CHICAGO
Mia Rahn
Director
Accenture
Panelist
Marisa Mann
Founder & CEO
UpLift All, LLC
Panelist
Omar Refaqat
Consulting, Managing Director
Crowe
Panelist
Shelly Kalladanthyil
Managing Director
Protiviti
Moderator
COLUMBUS
Hope Yin
Founder & Owner
Blueprint Coaching
Panelist
Program Partners
.png){kind=small}
Safety of our guests is paramount to Ascend. Attendees are responsible for monitoring their own condition and agree to comply with the safety, hygiene and CDC identified pandemic level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19) guidelines established by relevant health authorities. We request that attendees not attend an event should they test positive or if they experience COVID symptoms prior to the event.