The Ascend Regional Program is a part of the Ascend Cities Program, a national network of training programs that is dedicated to creating market ready MWBE firms. Funded by JP Morgan Chase and managed by the University of Washington, Foster School of Business.
Sacks directed the Ascend Regional Program to help mid-tier diverse firms grow into larger capital markets. The initiative included executive advisory services, bonding and capital planning, governance, and procurement alignment, with institutional buyers integrated for real-world opportunities. Progress was tracked through structured protocols. With 35 MBEs participating, the program generated nearly $300 million in new contracts; several firms grew to annual revenues between $10–30 million, and one secured a $51 million public infrastructure contract thanks to increased bonding capacity.
Brand Positioning / Communications Strategy / Narrative Development / Stakeholder Partnerships / Research & Insights / Executive & Thought Leadership
Sacks developed a custom Learning Management System (LMS) and proprietary Digital Contract Tracker to support program delivery and firm growth. The platform delivers curriculum, tracks engagement, and captures market intelligence including bids, awards, and bonding activity. Insights from the system inform each firm’s Business Growth Plan while KPI dashboards and reporting protocols measure participant progress and overall program outcomes.
