Washington, D.C., September 10, 2025 — The Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality (GCPI) is proud to announce that Executive Director Lelaine Bigelow has been selected as a 2025 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow.
The Aspen Ascend Fellowship brings together a diverse, cross-sector cohort of leaders who are reimagining and reshaping systems to improve well-being for children, families, and communities. Since its founding in 2012, the Fellowship has built a network of more than 180 changemakers nationwide who are advancing bold solutions to foster intergenerational mobility and opportunity.
As an Ascend Fellow, Lelaine will focus on advancing a policy agenda that centers women of color in efforts to combat poverty—not as an afterthought, but as a powerful and strategic pathway to lasting economic well-being for all families. This focus builds on her leadership at GCPI, where she has championed research-driven solutions to address poverty and inequality.
“I’m honored to bring both my lived experience and advocacy background to this community of changemakers working together to secure well-being for all children and families,” said Bigelow. “Real progress happens when we recognize the contributions and strengths of women of color as essential to creating pathways to economic security and opportunity. Through this fellowship, I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the country to weave together ideas, relationships, and resolve so that together we can shape an economy that truly works for families and communities. Now is the time for progress that puts people first.”
The Aspen Ascend Fellowship provides Fellows with resources, networks, and platforms to influence policy, strengthen systems, and scale innovative solutions. Through this fellowship, Lelaine will collaborate with peers across the country to accelerate progress toward equity and economic opportunity for all.
Learn more about the fellowship and see the full list of 2025 fellows.