Robyn Grable
Founder and The ASCEND Collective CEO
Founded by Robyn Grable, US Navy Veteran and Talent Acquisition Professional. Following nine years of service, Robyn was told her civilian career would have to start at the bottom because her skills from the military wouldn’t translate. The experience left her with the drive and determination to ensure the same thing did not continue to happen for veterans, military spouses, people with diverse-abilities and justice involved candidates. She created Veterans ASCEND in 2018 which expanded to Talents ASCEND in 2022. At that time, The ASCEND Collective was formed and Veterans ASCEND became part of the 501c(3).
The ASCEND Collective®
Empowering People. Transforming Communities. Building Futures.
Who We Are
The ASCEND Collective (TAC) is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming how people and businesses see potential — by replacing barriers with pathways. We provide skills-first career readiness, leadership development, and storytelling that uplifts veterans, military spouses, underserved talent, and small business founders.
Founded by U.S. Navy veteran and human capital expert Robyn J. Grable, TAC has already supported more than 15,000 candidates and 250 businesses, proving that skills-first hiring strengthens families, businesses, and communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple and powerful:
To empower every individual to turn their skills into purpose and their potential into progress.
We achieve this by connecting talent to opportunity through three pillars of impact:
- Advocacy for Skills-First Hiring: Shifting employers from degree-based filters to capability-based evaluation.
- Access to Opportunity: Giving veterans, spouses, and underserved individuals tools, resources, and pathways for meaningful employment.
- Community Building: Creating an ecosystem where talent, founders, employers, and partners support one another’s growth.
What We Do
TAC is evolving into a comprehensive ecosystem that bridges education, workforce, and entrepreneurship. Our major initiatives include:
Northern Compass Academy
Our flagship career readiness program provides:
- Skills-first career exploration
- Personalized coaching and mentorship
- Access to our AI-powered skills-translation and matching platform
- Workshops in communication, leadership, and workplace readiness
Through DOD SkillBridge status and partnerships with Boots2Bytes and L-EAF Lab, participants may earn certifications in Cybersecurity, AI/ML, or Agile Workflow — all at no cost to them.
H.O.P.E. for HR Leadership Course
Created for small business founders and nonprofit leaders, H.O.P.E. (Hiring, Onboarding, Performance, Engagement) provides the essential people-management skills needed to build equitable, resilient, skills-first organizations. Each enrollment helps fund free services for veterans and military spouses.
ASCENDing Beyond Barriers Podcast
A storytelling platform highlighting small business founders, veteran entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Sponsorships directly support TAC’s programs while sharing stories that inspire, educate, and shape stronger communities.
The ASCEND App (Launching 2026)
A digital home designed to scale our mission, offering:
- AI-driven skills translation
- Career matching
- Mentorship and peer networks
- Curated learning and sponsored resources
The app will generate revenue through subscriptions and employer advertising, helping sustain TAC long-term.
Why Our Work Matters
Traditional hiring practices exclude millions of capable people.
- 40% of U.S. workers report being underemployed.
- 1 in 3 veterans is underemployed within the first year after transition.
- Military spouse unemployment remains above 20% — one of the highest rates in the nation.
Meanwhile, employers and small businesses struggle to find dependable, skilled talent.
A skills-first model bridges this gap — increasing access, equity, and economic mobility.
Impact Goals for 2026
By the end of 2026, TAC will:
- Empower 1,500+ individuals through Northern Compass Academy and The ASCEND App
- Train 100+ small business founders through H.O.P.E. for HR
- Facilitate 200+ career placements for veterans and spouses
- Engage 50+ corporate and community partners
- Operate on a sustainable budget powered by diversified revenue
How Supporters Can Make an Impact
Your partnership helps us:
- Expand access to free career readiness programs
- Scale skills-first hiring solutions for employers
- Build technology that removes systemic barriers
- Elevate the voices of underserved talent
- Strengthen small business leadership and workforce inclusion
Every contribution — financial, strategic, or advisory — creates real, measurable change.
Together, We ASCEND
TAC is building more than careers — we’re building opportunity, equity, and community. As we move into our next phase of growth, we invite you to join us as a partner in transforming how people access, pursue, and sustain meaningful work.
Potential deserves a pathway. Together, we build it.