Ascend North Texas
Inspiring Across Generations
Leading with Resilience: From Disruption to Distinction
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Event Details
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM CT follows with Happy Hour
Venue: TIAA Headquarters, 3965 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034​
Admission:
• Ascend Members: $125
• Non-Ascend Members: $140
• Registration + Annual Membership Combo: $175
Attire: Business Casual
Description
The Ascend North Texas Chapter is excited to host our annual Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) Conference at the TIAA HQ in Frisco! We invite you to connect with industry leaders, participate in impactful workshops and network with like-minded professionals. Please join us to lead with resilience!
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Professional Headshots by Shoott will be graciously sponsored by KPMG.
Agenda
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Welcome Breakfast, Networking, Registration
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Opening Remarks & Event Kickoff
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Connect & Cultivate – Luncheon
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Wellness Moment: Mindful Movement & Recharge
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Appreciation & Recognition
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Conference Reflections
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Engage & Connect: Networking at TIAA
Speakers
Panel #1: Leadership Equation: Disruption + Vision = Distinction
A session designed to inspire and challenge how we think about leadership in today’s dynamic world. Leadership is no longer just about guiding teams or achieving goals—it’s about embracing disruption as a catalyst for change, crafting a bold vision, and transforming challenges into opportunities that create lasting impact. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, fostering collaboration, or driving transformation, this equation provides a valuable framework for evolving your leadership approach and standing out in a rapidly changing environment. Let’s redefine what it means to lead with purpose, resilience, and clarity in a world of constant change.
Speaker

Abid Abedi
CEO
iCode
Moderator

Chintan Thakkar
Managing Director
R&C -Regulatory
Speaker

Caren K. Lock
Managing Director
TIAA
Speaker

Jenna Liao
Partner
Crowe
Speaker

Neena Newberry
Chief Executive Officer
Newberry Solutions
Panel #2: Evolving Technology & Future Growth Strategies
Technology is reshaping the way we live, work and grow businesses. From AI and automation to new waves of digital transformation, organizations face a unique challenge: how to embrace innovation while staying grounded in stability, ethics, and people.
This panel brings together leaders from across industries to share how they are navigating these shifts. Expect real-world examples, lessons learned and candid insights about what’s hype, what’s here to stay and what’s next.
Speaker

Bhaskar Lokanathan
Global Startup Development Lead
Microsoft
Speaker

Shanthi Rajaram
CEO & President
Amazech Solutions
Speaker

Nick Russell
Managing Director
Protiviti
Moderator

Zain Ali
Associate Professor
TCU
BRG Leadership Forum - Impact Luncheon
The BRG Leaders Impact Luncheon at Ascend North Texas’ Inspiring Across Generations conference is a dynamic gathering of inclusion champions from across the Metroplex. Featuring a panel of seasoned BRG leaders from Sixth Street, KPMG, and TIAA, this interactive session will spotlight cross-company collaboration, best practices, and the power of community-driven leadership. This is an ideal opportunity to connect with counterparts, share and build out joint plan for combined impact.
Speaker

Burton Chen
Vice President
Sixth Street
Speaker

Vishal Goel
Senior Manager
KPMG
Speaker

Rohitha Vaddi
Director
TIAA
Moderator

Lumia Zaman
Senior Director
CBRE
Panel #3: Multi-generational Workforce – Future Forward
Today’s workforce spans multiple generations, each bringing unique perspectives, strengths, and expectations to the table. This engaging panel features diverse voices—from early career professionals to experienced leaders—who will share practical strategies for onboarding, building high-performing teams, and turning generational differences into collaborative advantages. Through real-world insights and candid conversation, panelists will explore how to foster inclusive environments where every generation feels valued and empowered. Whether you're leading a team or just starting out, this session will equip you with tools to navigate generational dynamics and lead with a future-forward mindset.
Speaker

Ramesh Avula
Partner
AlixPartners
Moderator

Rachel McKenna
Senior Associate
PwC
Speaker

Sonali Pahuja
Senior Analyst
Goldman Sachs
Moderator
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Jim Tam
Client Executive
Gartner
Speaker

Jenny Qin
Director
RSM US LLP
Program Partners
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors



Bronze Sponsors



IAG Sponsors



BRG Leadership Forum Sponsors



Safety of our guests is paramount to Ascend. Attendees are responsible for monitoring their own condition and agree to comply with the safety, hygiene and CDC identified pandemic level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19) guidelines established by relevant health authorities. We request that attendees not attend an event should they test positive or if they experience COVID symptoms prior to the event.
