Dr. Arlene Siller has always had a deep-rooted passion for research and impact. After years of navigating male-dominated industries, she recognized the need for a new path, one that aligned with her values and empowered others along the way. That journey led her to the world of grant writing and funding strategy, where she discovered an opportunity to merge her research expertise with her heart for community impact.
Today, Arlene is the founder and CEO of Ascend Nonprofit & Business Solutions (Ascend NBS), a nationally recognized, Latina-owned consulting firm. Ascend NBS specializes in grant writing, grant research, and strategic planning to support minority-led nonprofits, women-owned businesses, and mission-driven organizations in securing the funding they need to grow and thrive.
Arlene and her team have helped secure over $175 million in federal, state, corporate, and foundation funding since 2019, turning visions into viable, funded programs across the country.
In this episode, Aggie and Cristy talk with Arlene about:
- How to leverage your background and past experiences to build a meaningful business
- The importance of creating a values-driven workplace culture
- How AI tools are transforming the grant writing and nonprofit consulting space
Whether you’re a small business owner, nonprofit leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, Arlene’s story shows how purposeful change, paired with the right strategy, can unlock powerful results.
