by Nila Thompson | Aug 25, 2025 | Blog
By Nila Thompson “Military spouses have an entitlement issue.” I read this comment and instantly felt the heat rise through my body. Not only had I served as a civilian Family Readiness Officer with battalions of my own Marines, Sailors, and their families,...
by Nila Thompson | Aug 14, 2025 | Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Greenville, SC — The ASCEND Collective®, a nonprofit championing career readiness and inclusive hiring practices for underserved talent, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with L-EAF Lab, a national leader in Experienced-Based...
by Nila Thompson | Aug 14, 2025 | Blog
Prison sentences in America aren’t driven by science—they’re driven by politics, public pressure, and headlines. We like to believe there’s rhyme and reason to sentencing, but there isn’t. There’s no formula proving that a certain number of years yields a better...
by Nila Thompson | Aug 14, 2025 | Blog
In the United States, over 33 million people live with a disability—many of them hidden or non-visible. They represent one of the largest untapped talent pools in the country, with skills, perspectives, and resilience that can transform workplaces. Yet, far too often,...
by robyn@theascendcollective.org | Aug 6, 2025 | Blog
Every August 7, we pause to recognize Purple Heart Day—a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those wounded or killed in service to our nation. It’s more than a day of remembrance; it’s a moment to honor resilience, courage, and the ongoing strength of those who...
