Introducing the Horizons 2026 Ascend Fellowship Program Cohort

We at Making Space are honored and excited to welcome the Horizons 2026 early career cohort to the Ascend Fellowship Program, running from June through November 2026.

Our Ascenders were selected from a highly competitive applicant pool, and we recognize the achievements, perspective, and unique lived experience of Disabled professionals that they bring to this program.

The Ascend Fellowship is Making Space's six-month career development program designed by and for Disabled professionals. Built around three core pillars of career confidence, clarity, and community, Ascend gives fellows the professional development tools, peer connections, and real social capital to grow their careers on their own terms. This cohort will also engage with AI literacy as a professional skill, with structured, supported opportunities to build familiarity with tools that are reshaping the workplace.

Within the Ascend Fellowship, we believe in showing up for each other, sharing openly, and leaning into the work together.

Without further ado, meet the 60* Ascend Fellows within our Horizons 2026 Cohort.

Aidan Brown

Alex Reifel

Alisa Simonel-Keegan

Alyssa Avila

Andrea Edoria

Anna Kate

Ash Coltellino

Ashira Greenberg

Ashley Hinckson

Aya Crier

Aylin Villalobos

Daph Faleafaga

Daryl Tyler

Delaina Parrish

Deyondra Stanciel

Elaina Murphy

Esther Klang

Felix Moreno

G Ryan

Gwen Hawkins

Harley Grace Eldred

Ibrahima Bah

Jade Kolbo

Jaewoo Park

Jason Harris

Jennifer Rhodes

Jesse Pressman-Tohl

Jessica Lopez

Jordan Wainwright

Julien Reddick

Kajal Ramrup

Katie Ferrell Woods

Kay Gonzalez

Krysstal Randolph

Laurie Crosby

Marilyn Moy

Marisa Conners

Megan Braun

Megan Lermanda

Mira Gaitanis

Mireya Hernandez

Paul Meyer

Rachael Fischer

Rocío Díaz

Rowan Durante

Saffron-Avelline Baptiste

Sarvesh Chandran

Sean Canavan

Shakira Idlett

Shendel Friedman

Solara Hamm

Sophia León Raney

Stephen Nolly

Vicki Peterson

Victorina Andrade

Wheeler Mann

*names included of only the Ascenders who consented to having their names published.

A huge congratulations to each of our Horizons 2026 Ascenders. This community exists because of you. You were selected because of who you are, what you bring, and the perspective your lived experience gives you. We are honored to have you and build the Ascend community with you. This is just the beginning!

"Together, we open doors and create an impact that none of us could achieve alone."

‍-- Keely Cat-Wells, Founder and CEO, Making Space

And we are not stopping here! This fall, look out for Summit 2026, our next Ascend cohort designed specifically for self-identified mid-career Disabled professionals ready to take the next step in their careers. More details are coming soon and we cannot wait to share what we have been building.

‍Are you interested in joining a future Ascend cohort? Fill out our interest form to stay connected and be the first to know when applications open.

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