Leading the Way
Research & Thought Leadership
We leverage the power of research, thought leadership, and development to advance equity in the corporate sector and beyond.
Our Work
ATLAS
Ascend’s landmark study uncovers what truly motivates today’s workforce—and how organizations can act on these insights.
The ATLAS 2026 report is now available.
Ascend BoardView 2026
The Ascend BoardView 2026 Edition report continues our look at how boards are tapping into a wealth of Asian talent.
In a world marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting geopolitical landscapes, economic volatility, climate challenges, and evolving societal norms, the demand for inclusive and visionary leadership in America’s corporate boardrooms has never been greater.
Research Library
Barely a Crack in the Asian Glass Ceiling
Since we began quantitative analysis of the Asian glass ceiling seven years ago, Ascend finds that in 93% of the 124 companies we analyzed, Asians still have not broken through the glass ceiling to the executive level.
Elevating Asian-Black Allyship in Corporate America
This paper highlights the areas needing greater attention in the workplace to promote better relations between different multicultural groups, especially for AAPIs and Blacks in the United States (U.S.).
2021 Women CEOs in America Report
Ascend, C200, Catalyst, and Women Business Collaborative (WBC) released the second annual report highlighting Women CEOs in America. The number for women in leadership moved up to 8.2% in the Fortune 500 from 6.6% in 2019.
Model Minority Myth & The Double-Edged Sword
This paper addresses the narrative of Asian Americans being perceived as the "model minority" and how this stereotype masks the bias that Asian Americans face in the workplace, in schools, and in the communities.
Race, Gender & The Double Glass Ceiling: An Analysis of EEOC National Workforce Data
Analysis of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) data (2018) Executive Parity Index (EPI) highlights the causes that are limiting advancement for Asians, Blacks and Latinx into executive levels.
The Illusion of Asian Success: Scant Progress for Minorities in Cracking the Glass Ceiling from 2007-2015
Analysis of the aggregate EEOC tech workforce 2007-2015 data for Asians, Hispanics and Blacks in the San Francisco Bay Area finds scant progress in improving upward management mobility for minority men and women.