EDUCATION PHILANTHROPY DIVISION OF ASCENDIUM EDUCATION GROUP
As we step into 2024, Ascendium’s Education Philanthropy is pleased to announce the arrival of three accomplished professionals to our team. Each new member contributes unique skills and experiences to strengthen our commitment to driving impactful, systemic change that improves the lives of learners from low-income backgrounds.
Dr. Brittany Corde, our new senior program officer, brings a wealth of experience to Ascendium. Tasked with overseeing strategic grantmaking for our Support Rural Postsecondary Education and Workforce Training focus area, Brittany is dedicated to expanding postsecondary education and workforce training opportunities for rural learners.
Prior to joining Ascendium, Brittany supported efforts related to worker voice and power as a program manager for the National Fund for Workforce Solutions. Her commitment to empowering communities through education is also evidenced by her previous leadership roles with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Maysville Community and Technical College, and Gateway Community and Technical College. A Kentucky native, Brittany holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has a research background in employment barriers for returning citizens in rural areas.
Vinya Cherian Hershberger fills a vital position as a grants management associate. In this role, she coordinates grantmaking operations and works with key stakeholders to ensure a seamless grant lifecycle. With a background as a financial analyst at Blackstone Capital Management and various roles at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Purdue University, Vinya brings strong analytic and process management skills to our grants management team.
Rachel Rogahn, our new administrative coordinator, plays a crucial role in supporting the division and leadership team. In addition to supporting core logistical and administrative functions, Rachel will facilitate Ascendium's engagement in national conferences and convenings. With a background as a venue coordinator and experience in planning events for diverse audiences, Rachel brings a keen eye for detail to our team.
As we welcome Brittany, Vinya, and Rachel, we anticipate an exciting period of growth and collaboration within Ascendium’s Education Philanthropy team. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to educational equity align seamlessly with our mission, and we look forward to the positive impact they will bring.
Stay tuned for updates as we embark on a strategy refresh in the coming months, aided by the expertise and enthusiasm of our team members.
Ascendium’s education philanthropy grant program operates within Ascendium Education Solutions, Inc., a member company of Ascendium Education Group, Inc. & Affiliates. Ascendium Education Group has helped millions of learners pursue postsecondary education since 1967, when it was formed to help fulfill the promise of the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965. Over the years, Ascendium has grown to become not only the nation's largest federal student loan guarantor, but also one of the most active postsecondary education philanthropies.
About Ascendium Education Group
