Editor’s note: Post From Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
By Rosa Aviña Zuñiga, Ascénto
After 25 years of connecting Latino students, professionals and leaders with opportunities across Wisconsin, the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM) has officially become ASCÉNTO.
The new name and brand were unveiled during the organization’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala on September 25 in Milwaukee, honoring HPGM’s legacy while introducing the organization’s future as ASCÉNTO.
Today, ASCÉNTO serves more than 6,300 professionals and students annually, collaborates with more than 100 partners across Wisconsin, and has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to Latino students since 2004. Its mission remains focused on increasing economic prosperity and growing Latino influence for a stronger Wisconsin.
“ASCÉNTO represents both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a bold declaration of where we’re headed. Thanks to the vision of our founders and the unwavering commitment of our board, members, partners, and supporters, we have built something extraordinary over the last 25 years. Our new name and identity honor that legacy while reflecting not only who we have become, but the limitless possibilities of where we are going. As we begin this exciting next chapter, we do so with immense gratitude, renewed purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of our comunidad to shape a stronger, more prosperous Wisconsin.” – Francesca Mayca, President & Chief Possibilities Officer
The transition to ASCÉNTO follows a multi-year process shaped by input from members, partners and community leaders. As the organization expanded beyond Greater Milwaukee, the new identity was developed to better reflect its statewide reach and continued commitment to advancing Latino leadership.
The name ASCÉNTO draws inspiration from both ascent and the accent mark, representing forward movement while recognizing the importance of voice, identity and culture.
More than 500 people attended the organization’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala, which raised approximately $430,000 to advance ASCÉNTO’s mission and programs.
As ASCÉNTO, the organization will continue connecting Latino students, professionals and leaders with opportunities through scholarships, professional development, mentorship, networking and strategic partnerships.
Learn more about ASCÉNTO, its programs, membership and upcoming initiatives at ascentowi.org.
Leadership representatives are available for interviews in English and Spanish. To schedule an interview, please contact Rosa Aviña Zuñiga at rosa.avinazuniga@ascentowi.org.
About ASCÉNTO
ASCÉNTO, formerly the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM), is a nonprofit membership organization connecting Latino students, professionals and leaders across Wisconsin. Building on 25 years of impact, ASCÉNTO advances Latino leadership through scholarships, professional development, networking and strategic partnerships.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
