Working at the intersection of business, finance and social impact
Ascenda is an impact consulting firm committed to advancing solutions that tackle Latin America’s most pressing problems.
About
Ascenda is an advisory firm committed to collaborating with both for-profit and nonprofit mission-driven organizations in tackling the most urgent global issues of our time. With a focus on making a positive impact, Ascenda leverages its expertise to drive meaningful change and sustainable solutions for a better future.
Approach
Our work is firmly rooted in the belief that cultivating partnerships plays a pivotal role in driving results with increased effectiveness. At Ascenda, we specialize in guiding organizations to cultivate valuable alliances, enhance their capacity, and strategically leverage a diverse array of financial and non-financial resources.
Network
Our extensive network comprises a diverse array of stakeholders from various sectors such as private enterprises, governmental organizations, non-profit entities, individual investors, philanthropic organizations, innovative social entrepreneurs, academic institutions, and essential service providers.
Ascenda is an impact advisory firm dedicated to strengthening organizations that successfully contribute to a better future.
A Latin America in which all people have equal access to opportunities and healthy living conditions so they may live with dignity and realize their full potential.
Vision
To leverage an array of financial and non-financial resources to advance impactful and scalable solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable Latin America.
Mission
About
Diana de Castro, Founder
Diana de Castro is an executive, board member and advisor in the impact investment and social enterprise management industries.
She brings broad experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors including social finance, consulting, nonprofit management and banking in Latin America.
Diana served as the Chief Alliance Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Pro Mujer, a leading women’s development organization that delivers transformative services to low-income women in Latin America. Prior to Pro Mujer, she served as Principal of FIRST, a Brazilian impact investment fund. Additionally, she spent several years as an international private banker at Royal Bank of Canada and Barclays Bank. Learn More →
Approach
We believe in the power of collaboration, leveraging both in-house expertise and that of an extensive range of stakeholders, including consultants, investors, grantors, ecosystem builders and social entrepreneurs to achieve your business and impact goals.
Advisory Services:
Strategic Partnerships
Gender Lens Investing & Women’s Economic Empowerment
Business Development
Organizational Strengthening
Blended Finance
Fundraising
Strategic Planning
Ecosystem Mapping & Landscape Analysis
Impact Measurement
Clients
Investments
Ascenda is building a values-aligned portfolio that leverages financial and non-financial resources across the continuum of capital including investments, philanthropy, technical assistance, mentorship and social capital.
This includes board and investment committee membership and advisory services for organizations delivering deep impact.
Network
Our network includes multiple stakeholders across the private, public and civil society sectors including institutional and individual investors, philanthropists, ecosystem builders, government agencies, social entrepreneurs, service providers and academia.
Affiliations
Our network includes multiple stakeholders across the private, public and civil society sectors including institutional and individual investors, philanthropists, ecosystem builders, government agencies, social entrepreneurs, service providers and academia.
Partnerships & Alliances
Guatemala Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (GEDI)
A public - private sector partnership led by USAID and The Aspen Institute of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), GEDI supports entrepreneurs and businesses that provide basic services and improve livelihoods in regions with high levels of out-migration.
Economic Empowerment for the Latin Diaspora
A partnership to provide business training, access to finance and other resources for Latin entrepreneurs living in New York looking to start or grow their business.
