Founder & CEO
Anne has been in your shoes and inside the federal government. A former Senate staffer and Senior Advisor to a federal grant portfolio of more than $2 billion, Anne founded Ascend Consulting DC to turn that insider knowledge into policy and funding wins for mission-driven businesses and non-profit organizations. Named a Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics, she has built an experienced team of government relations and grant professionals, developed numerous successful policy coalitions on behalf of clients, and also founded the Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking with lawmakers from more than 30 nations.
Read Anne’s full bioOur Team
A seasoned team of lobbyists, grant professionals, and development strategists with experience inside Congress, the Executive Branch, and leading organizations.
Over my career, I have worked with a lot of consultants, but before working with Ascend have never felt what was received was worth the cost. Perhaps more notably than financial value, they are truly vested in our success. They took the time to understand the program and its impact and genuinely want to help.
Abby FabiaschiCo-Founder, EmpowerHer Network
Ascend’s team is composed of highly skilled professionals who excel in navigating the complex landscape of government relations. Their ability to establish strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders is truly commendable.
Brynne KrispinCEO, Cause Fokus
Ascend strived to develop a deep and impactful message that highlights the essential elements of our work. We eagerly look forward to working with them next year on our first Spring Virtual Fundraising Campaign.
Andrea PenaExecutive Director, Project Suma
The blend of warm enthusiasm and laser focused attention to organizational goals kept us organized and positive about the process. Our organization’s vision feels attainable thanks to the coaching we have received.
Esther Nelson-GarrettExecutive Director, Safety Compass
I had the opportunity to work with Anne and her team to meet with U.S. officials on Capitol Hill regarding the trafficking of girls in Nigeria. We recommend them to any organization seeking a dedicated and skillful government relations consultant.
Dr. Gloria PulduExecutive Director, LEAH Foundation
Ascend was great to work with! They gave us excellent advice on strategy regarding which grants to pursue, and provided thoughtful, knowledgeable, and detailed feedback. I would absolutely recommend working with them.
Suzanne Baker BrownExecutive Director, Stepping Stones Network
Anne Basham is a phenomenal leader whose wisdom and insight has helped ensure our charity has seen significant impact. I would highly recommend and endorse Ascend to anyone needing their skills.
Tim NelsonCEO, Hope for Justice
They are strategic thinkers and their knowledge of political situations around the world and helpful insights have contributed greatly at Congressional meetings which have impacted policy change. Ascend has my highest recommendation.
Mariam IbraheemCo-Founder, Tahrir Alnisa Foundation
Working with Ascend on our grants was a great experience for our staff and organization. They are an excellent company with exceptional staff who provide high quality service.
Alfred LomasExecutive Director, Inner City Visions
Our Work
