WiSH – Hart District Education Foundation Brings Back “ASCEND” Symposium to Empower Young Women

WiSH is proud to present ASCEND on Thursday, October 15, 2026 – a powerful and inspiring symposium designed to uplift and empower young women (and the boys that support them!).
“Made me realize that women can make it anywhere!”
“I feel like I came out with something new and valuable I’ll use forever.”
“It was really inspiring and gave me more to think about for my future.”
Taking place at Valencia High School Performing Arts Center from 6-8:30pm, ASCEND will spotlight five accomplished women leaders from diverse roles who will share their jour-neys, challenges, and triumphs on their pathway to success. The event aims to foster self-confidence, leadership, and ambition in the next generation of female changemakers.
“ASCEND is about showing young women what’s possible,” says event Chair Christy Alben, Vice Chairman of WiSH – Hart District Education Foundation. “We’re honored to bring these amazing speakers together to inspire and encourage girls in our community to pursue their dreams with courage and confidence.”
ASCEND is powered by Boston Scientific, whose strong commitment to youth education and empowerment through their corporate programs is making a difference for our Hart District students. WiSH is proud to call them a WiSH annual partner, making a significant impact on the over 20,000 students we serve.
Featured highlights include inspiring talks from five prominent women leaders; Networking Opportunities for students, educators, and mentors; and Interactive Q&A sessions with the speakers.
Online registration is FREE. Educators, mentors, and community members are also en-couraged to attend in support of the young women rising through the Hart District.
Register now at wisheducationfoundation.org under events or contact wish@hartdistrict.org for more information or sponsorship opportunities.
The WiSH Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting the over 20,000 students in the Hart District. WiSH funds critical programs in student wellness, STEAM, career readiness, special education, literacy and more—filling gaps not met by pub-lic funding and creating access to opportunity for all students, 34% of which are socioeco-nomically disadvantaged, and we have SEVEN Title I schools. WiSH’s funding focus is STEAM with an emphasis on Student Wellness, and funds programs beyond our wellness centers, such as STEM, music, physical, digital and visual arts, literacy, special education, academic pathways and more. Learn more about programs and events and sign up for newsletters at wisheducationfoundation.org.
We need your help. To support and enrich student programs through WiSH, please visit wisheducationfoundation.org to make your tax-deductible, impactful difference. WiSH is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit.