Featured Alumni Bold founders. Strategic growth. Sustainable success.

Architecture & Community Planning | Brooklyn, NY

Marisol launched her boutique architecture firm after 12 years working in municipal planning. While her portfolio was strong, navigating public procurement, MWBE certification, and relationship-building with agencies felt overwhelming as a solo founder.

“Ascend Long Island helped me move from being technically capable to strategically positioned. I understood design — but I didn’t understand how to navigate contracting systems or advocate for my firm in procurement spaces. Through the program, I refined my capability statement, clarified my growth targets, and built relationships that directly led to my first city subcontract. The accountability and community built me up just as much as the curriculum.”

Commercial Maintenance & Janitorial Services | Long Island, NY

Darius started his company with one truck and two employees. Within three years, demand grew faster than his systems. Cash flow management and scaling operations became urgent challenges.

“Before Ascend LI, I was hustling nonstop but not scaling intentionally. The financial strategy workshops changed how I price contracts and manage payroll cycles. I stopped underbidding just to win work. I now understand my margins — and I negotiate from strength. We’ve grown from 3 employees to 11 in 18 months, and for the first time, growth feels sustainable.”

IT Consulting & Cybersecurity | Queens, NY

Aisha founded her firm after a decade in corporate cybersecurity. She had technical expertise but struggled to break into government and institutional contracts despite being certified.

“Certification alone didn’t open doors. Ascend LI helped me understand how to leverage my MWBE status strategically instead of passively. The mock pitch sessions were transformative — I learned how to clearly articulate our differentiators and past performance. Within six months of completing the program, we secured our first prime contract. The confidence shift was just as important as the contract itself.“

Food Manufacturing & Distribution | Suffolk County, NY

Elena built a regional food brand supplying local markets and catering businesses. She wanted to expand into institutional buyers but needed operational restructuring and supplier alignment.

“Ascend Long Island forced me to step out of day-to-day survival mode and think like a CEO. The strategic planning sessions helped me map out a three-year growth plan, and the peer network became an unexpected source of referrals and vendor partnerships. I no longer feel like I’m navigating this ecosystem alone. The program gave me clarity, language, and leverage.”