Ascension
Ascension is the flagship program of OUR Story Institute, created specifically for Black transgender women and transgender women of color who are ready to invest in their personal growth, strengthen their voice, and build pathways toward leadership.
Through leadership development, financial literacy, self-advocacy education, civic engagement, and community connection, participants gain practical skills, meaningful relationships, and greater confidence in shaping their own future.
The program is designed to help participants develop as individuals, advocates, and emerging leaders while creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and community impact. Whether someone is focused on personal growth, professional development, community engagement, or leadership, Ascension provides a pathway for growth, connection, and possibility.
Throughout the program, participants engage in a cohort-based experience that centers community, connection, accountability, and shared learning. Participants learn alongside one another, exchange experiences, build relationships, and strengthen the confidence needed to pursue their goals and advocate for themselves.
Workshops, discussions, leadership activities, and community engagement opportunities are designed to encourage personal growth while helping participants develop practical skills they can apply in their everyday lives, careers, and communities.
At its core, Ascension is about helping trans women recognize their own potential, strengthen their voice, and step into leadership on their own terms. By investing in knowledge, connection, and opportunity, participants are supported in becoming the leaders of their own lives and, ultimately, leaders within their communities.
OUR FOCUS AREAS
Leadership Development
Programs designed to help participants strengthen their voice, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create meaningful change within their communities. We believe leadership exists in every community and grows when people are given opportunities to learn, connect, and lead.
Self-Advocacy & Personal Empowerment
Workshops and educational opportunities that help participants better understand systems that impact their lives, strengthen decision-making skills, advocate for their needs, and navigate important life transitions with confidence.
Financial Literacy & Economic Opportunity
Programs focused on financial education, professional development, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. Our goal is to help participants build greater stability, expand opportunities, and invest in their future.
Community Connection & Civic Engagement
Creating spaces for learning, collaboration, civic participation, and community-building. Through partnerships, leadership opportunities, and shared experiences, we help strengthen connections while encouraging participants to use their voice and engage in shaping the communities around them.
What We're building
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What We're building *
OUR Story Institute is building more than a program. We're building opportunities for connection, leadership, self-advocacy, and personal growth for Black transgender women and transgender women of color.
While Ascension is our flagship program, it represents just the beginning of a larger vision. As we grow, we hope to create additional opportunities that strengthen leadership, expand community engagement, and support individuals in shaping their own futures.
Everything we build is rooted in lived experience, community voice, and the belief that lasting change happens when people are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to lead.
→ View Our Vision & Growth