Combining interests in social good and technology, Lizarondo leads 412 Food Rescue, an app-based food recovery organization in Pittsburgh. The app links volunteers, known as Food Rescue Heroes, donors, and nonprofits with the goal of preventing food waste and hunger and promoting sustainability. Before 412, Lizarondo spent 15 years in leadership positions with global corporations and nonprofits.

Nixon is an innovation and design strategist who, through Figure 8 Thinking, advises leaders on ways to leverage creativity and sustain innovation to achieve business goals. Nixon, who holds a doctorate degree in design management, has a background in cultural anthropology, fashion, and dance. She applies her diverse background to the creation of ideas in her current role.

Pemberton, who describes his traumatic start to life in his 2012 memoir A Chance in the World, was previously vice president and chief diversity officer at Monster Worldwide and vice president of diversity and inclusion at Walgreens.

In addition to her book, Applewhite is the voice of the Yo, Is This Ageist? blog and she helped developed Old School, a clearinghouse “for all things” anti-ageism.

Unmistakable Media creates content across various platforms that inspires creative professionals to lead more courageous, productive, and meaningful lives. Rao hosts the Unmistakable Creative podcast and is also the author of three Wall Street Journal bestselling books: An Audience of One: Reclaiming Creativity for Its Own Sake, Unmistakable: Why Only Is Better Than Best, and The Art of Being Unmistakable.

David Jefferys transformed an underground network of LGBT meeting professionals into a thriving organization. Learn how he did it in the latest Ascent Luminaries video, made possible by VisitDallas.

Women Who Tech is working to close the funding gap and draw global attention to gender bias in venture-capital funding. One key method is hosting Women Startup Challenges, which identify female-owned early-stage startups and invite them to compete for funding.

Okamoto is a social activist currently on sabbatical from Harvard University to spearhead PERIOD: The Menstrual Movement, a global, youth-run nonprofit focused on menstrual equity. She’s a keynote speaker on topics of gender equality, homelessness, and activism — drawing directly from her own personal experiences.

Rania H. Anderson, author of “WE: Men, Women, and the Decisive Formula for Winning at Work,” says everyone has a responsibility to call out discriminatory behaviors.

As events strive to welcome all kinds of attendees, host destinations play a crucial role. Learn how Richards, profiled in an Ascent Luminary video, and VisitDallas, the video series sponsor, have been pioneers in the process.

World Summit for Accessible Tourism — Destinations for All session puts focus on how public transportation can be improved.

Steve Pemberton, author and Convening Leaders Main Stage speaker, shares insights on transcending circumstances.