Ascend
Get started

The people behind Ascend

A small team building financial education that treats students as adults.

  • Chelsey Curtis, Chief Executive Officer

    Chelsey Curtis

    Chief Executive Officer

    After a decade in education philanthropy, Chelsey leads Ascend’s strategic vision and institutional partnerships.

  • Dr. Rachel Bi, Chief Academic Officer

    Dr. Rachel Bi

    Chief Academic Officer

    Founding director of a university FinTech center, Rachel anchors Ascend’s evidence-based curriculum.

  • Daniel Hu, Chief Strategy Officer

    Daniel Hu

    Chief Strategy Officer

    Nearly two decades in financial literacy and analytics, Daniel shapes the substance behind Ascend’s programs.

  • Steven Nielsen, Chief Technology Officer

    Steven Nielsen

    Chief Technology Officer

    A financial planner turned software developer, Steven builds the technology behind every Ascend program.