Our Team
Ascender’s team is comprised of individuals with a collective passion for establishing and maintaining a diverse and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pittsburgh.
atiya jones
Operations Coordinatoratiya’s contributions as Ascender’s Operations Coordinator includes system development and maintenance, newsletter & website communications, and team engagements & culture.
atiya, the entrepreneur: She’s the founder of TWELVE TWENTY STUDIO LLC., an interdisciplinary fine art & design studio.
Christina Miller
Operations DirectorChristina brings 15 years of local nonprofit experience to Ascender, with expertise in fundraising, communications, operations, finance and event planning. She oversees processes and procedures that support the Ascender team & our members.
Christina, the entrepreneur: In a former life Christina was a jewelry designer.
Ellen Mcdevitt
Programs DirectorEllen’s innovative approach to branding, marketing, communications and entrepreneurial experience has placed her at the forefront of a diverse range of industries. From Colgate Palmolive to aviation and healthcare, her passion for helping teams find their spark is truly what thrills her.
Ellen, the entrepreneur: Ellen is the former CEO and co-founder of Go Jane Go, an app that connects women travelers while they’re on the road.
Sam Bender
Community Operations CoordinatorSam oversees the co-working space’s daily operations and is the immediate on-site resource for our members as they go about their workdays. He loves the conversations he gets to have with our members, both about their work and their lives, and getting to see them succeed and evolve—both as people and as entrepreneurs—throughout their time with us.
Sam, the entrepreneur: Sam spends his time out of the office reading and has dreams of opening a bookstore.
Ummey Karim
Programs ManagerUmmey plans and executes community programming for our members, entrepreneurs, and alumni. In collaboration with the Programs Director, she uses data to create inventive storytelling and success metrics for the Bootcamp/Incubator cohorts & members.
Ummey the entrepreneur: Outside of Ascender, Ummey is a a yoga instructor and manages an Air BnB with her husband.
Craig Markovitz
Senior Advisor
Maureen Agbagba
Executive Assistant
Tammy Szijarto
Entrepreneur-in-Residence