An Executive Coaching & Business Consulting Firm
DeVon Hankins,
CEO, Coach, Consultant
DeVon Hankins, the CEO of Ascension Strategies, is a multifaceted professional adept at guiding individuals, companies, and organizations toward their goals.
With a background as a business and professional strategist, she seamlessly transitions between roles as a speaker, journey guide, storyteller, group facilitator, trainer, consultant, and coach.
Her diverse experiences, including military training, a master's in AgEcon, and work across various levels of government, equip her with a unique ability to navigate between strategic and tactical, macro and micro, as well as government and private sectors.
DeVon's expertise is validated by performance management certifications and a track record of tangible accomplishments, including publications in disciplines such as international trade, legislative affairs, and performance management.
DeVon is also the Chairwoman of the Louisville Girls' Leadership Board of Directors and a trustee for the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a Corporate Sponsor and Governance Advisor for the National Association for Women Business Owners, Kentucky Chapter (NAWBO-KY).
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DeVon Hankins is –
The Universal Strategist™
"Because of my breadth of experience in many and diverse disciplines, my moniker is The Universal Strategist."
– DeVon Hankins
As CEO of Ascension Strategies, the Universal Strategist, DeVon Hankins, is an accomplished and credible professional with a strong commitment to integrity. She is self-aware, self-possessed, and discerning, navigating her work with mindfulness and emotional intelligence. As a leader, DeVon is approachable, collaborative, and compassionate, fostering an environment of growth and improvement with her advancement mindset. Her bold and courageous approach, combined with her artful creativity and adaptability, sets her apart in guiding individuals and organizations. DeVon brings balance and composure to every situation, skillfully blending diplomacy with frank honesty and impartiality. Known for her reliability, sagacity, and engaging leadership style, she inspires confidence and decisiveness in those with which she works. With a keen focus on bringing order to chaos and advancing with determination, DeVon is a persuasive and diligent leader, driving success through charismatic empathy and confident leadership.
MEET THE ASCENSION STRATEGIES TEAM
Justine Gomis
VP, Strategic Performance Consulting
With decades of experience in international development, Justine is a seasoned expert in strategic operations, program management, and leadership development, and has held senior leadership positions in international not for-profit organizations around the globe. She brings her extensive experience in managing complex programs, securing funding, and building strategic partnerships to drive meaningful and sustainable social impact. Justine is passionate about promoting a culture of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, and is committed to working with organizations to become thought leaders in their fields. Justine earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson and a graduate certificate in Humanitarian Leadership from the University of Deakin, Australia.
Dr. Don Tharpe
VP, Strategic Growth & Business Development
Don has experienced a distinguished career of more than 30 years in leading organizations in the nonprofit sector. Don has led organizations with various sized budgets and staffing levels. He is passionate about working with Boards and their staff to help them reach their full potential. He has been successful in building organizations that are staff lead and board directed. Don has assisted organizations with drafting strategic plans that guided both program delivery and financial accountability. He has worked with CEO’s and senior staff in organizations to assist them in developing culture statements that provide for strong staff teams that feel respected and valued. Don currently consults for a number of nonprofit organizations and has written numerous articles on nonprofit management. He has also served on the board of several nonprofits. Don has been the COO of the Congressional Black Cacus Foundation, the Council on Foundations, and the Pan American Health and Education Foundation.
Theresa Butler
VP, Strategic Performance Coaching
Theresa Butler is a culture strategy and leadership development expert, with more than 15 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations clarify their vision, build the cultures that sustain it, and develop the leaders who drive it forward. She brings a people-centered, data-informed approach to the work of organizational transformation — one grounded in the belief that lasting change happens when leaders are equipped, engaged, and connected to a purpose larger than their immediate role. During her tenure as Associate Director of Culture & Engagement at Humana, Theresa guided one of the company's largest IT areas through significant organizational change, designing leadership development programs, change management strategies, and engagement initiatives that moved the organization from its lowest to its highest engagement scores — with results durable enough to outlast disruption. Her work has consistently demonstrated that culture, when intentionally built, becomes the engine of strategy rather than an afterthought. At Ascension Strategies, Theresa brings that same commitment to client outcomes — helping businesses and leaders do the hard, meaningful work of owning their evolution.
Emily Karem
Sr. Strategic Performance Consultant
Emily has served nonprofit organizations globally for more than 20 years. With specific expertise in education and globally focused operations, Emily brings her business perspective to help nonprofits dream big and build the infrastructure to make those dreams come true. Emily earned an MBA with concentrations in international business, marketing, and entrepreneurship/innovation from Northwestern University’s University Kellogg School of Management in Chicago, an international business development certificate from Thunderbird University in Phoenix, AZ, and a certificate in Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship from Kellogg’s Center for Non-Profit Management.
Chris Stevenson
Sr. Strategic Performance Consultant
Chris is a highly accomplished executive with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. Chris uses his engaging and charismatic style to create compelling internal cultures that connect all stakeholders to the organization’s mission. He has a track record of success working with board members and senior-level staff to create uniquely tailored strategic plans with specific goals that focus on innovation and quality. Chris recently served as President and CEO of Cedar Lake for 10 years. During his tenure, he and his team successfully created and completed a multi-year, multimillion-dollar comprehensive campaign to transform the organization's culture by creating opportunities to further engage its various stakeholders, strengthen its business infrastructures, and professionalize employee training and accountability measures.
Cathyrine Sanchez
Client & Executive Support Coordinator
Cathyrine is a highly versatile Client and Executive Support Coordinator with over seven years of experience in administrative support, digital marketing, and client services. She brings a strong background in data research, virtual assistance, and social media management, combined with nearly two years of experience in appointment setting, billing, and collections within the healthcare sector. Cathyrine is known for her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments. Her experience spans customer support, project coordination, and web design, allowing her to provide well-rounded executive assistance. With a foundation in teaching and communication, she excels in building strong client relationships and delivering high-quality support. Cathyrine is a proactive team player who thrives on helping executives and organizations operate efficiently and achieve meaningful results.
Diondra Jenkins
Data Management & Business Intelligence Analyst
Proudly raised in Georgia, Diondra is an energetic data enthusiast and dedicated federal employee with a decade of public service experience, on a mission to transform healthcare delivery. She brings a strong work ethic, an analytical mindset, and a passion for complex problem-solving to the forefront of data management and business intelligence. Diondra is deeply committed to leveraging data not just as numbers, but as a powerful catalyst to solve real-world problems and help communities thrive. Focused on fostering a culture of precision, efficiency, and impactful insights, she works to empower organizations to drive meaningful, data-backed improvement in health and business outcomes. Diondra holds an Associate degree and is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management with a minor in Informatics.
Diondra Jenkins
Data Management & Business Intelligence Analyst
Proudly raised in Georgia, Diondra is an energetic data enthusiast and dedicated federal employee with a decade of public service experience, on a mission to transform healthcare delivery. She brings a strong work ethic, an analytical mindset, and a passion for complex problem-solving to the forefront of data management and business intelligence. Diondra is deeply committed to leveraging data not just as numbers, but as a powerful catalyst to solve real-world problems and help communities thrive. Focused on fostering a culture of precision, efficiency, and impactful insights, she works to empower organizations to drive meaningful, data-backed improvement in health and business outcomes. Diondra holds an Associate degree and is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management with a minor in Informatics.
MEET OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS
A Strategic HR, Education, and Leadership Consulting Firm
Leadership’s greatest test emerges when organizational growth outpaces its human foundations—when strategy accelerates, trust strains, and clarity erodes. Aligned Purpose Partners exists for this moment, guiding executive leaders, higher education institutions, and mission-driven organizations through growth, transition, and increased responsibility by restoring alignment between values, culture, and operations. Founded by Maurice Brown, MPA-HRM, SHRM-SCP, a seasoned HR and organizational leader, APP blends analytical rigor with human-centered leadership to translate complexity into coherence. Through values-first strategy, executive alignment, and institutional transformation, Maurice helps organizations rebuild trust, sharpen decision-making, and lead with clarity, credibility, and purpose—because true leadership advances both performance and the people who make it possible.
A Website, Branding, and Creative Agency
Charmed Minds is a boutique branding and digital marketing agency specializing in helping small, service-based businesses establish a compelling and cohesive brand presence. Founded in 2017, the agency offers a range of services including brand strategy, website design, content creation, and graphic design, all tailored to reflect each client's unique identity and goals. With a commitment to deep research and personalized strategies, Charmed Minds empowers clients to "Get Known™" by attracting their ideal audience and fostering lasting customer relationships.
Project Management Training & Certification for Global Professionals
The Center for Project Innovation (CPI), formerly the Institute of Project Management, is a globally recognized organization dedicated to training and certifying project managers across all career stages. With a commitment to accessible education, CPI offers free online learning through its OPEN platform, providing unrestricted access to comprehensive project management resources. Their internationally accredited certifications, including Certified Project Officer, Certified Project Professional, Certified Project Master, Certified Project Director, and Certified Project Trainer, are tailored to meet the diverse needs of professionals worldwide. CPI collaborates with various sectors, including government, private, and non-profit organizations, to enhance project leadership and foster innovation in project delivery.
Leading Consultant for Nonprofits
Ashley | Rountree and Associates is a trusted partner in nonprofit consulting, offering expert guidance to organizations seeking to maximize their impact. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by nonprofits, Ashley|Rountree provides tailored solutions in fundraising, strategic planning, leadership development, and financial management. Their dedicated team of consultants brings decades of experience, empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. Whether you're navigating a capital campaign, developing a strategic plan, or seeking leadership support, Ashley|Rountree is committed to helping your mission thrive.
Strategic Planning Execution Software for mission-driven organizations
Causey is a strategic planning software platform designed to empower mission-driven organizations—such as nonprofits, government agencies, and international entities—to effectively build, track, and execute their strategic plans. Developed by Mission Met, Causey integrates over 25 years of strategic planning expertise into a user-friendly tool that simplifies complex processes. The platform offers features like automated reminders, customizable reports, and progress tracking to enhance team collaboration and accountability. By providing a clear framework and expert guidance, Causey enables organizations to align their missions with actionable strategies, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth in an evolving global landscape.
Our Experience and Reach
Diverse Industry Experience
Our team of experienced consultants possesses a unique blend of skills and expertise, allowing us to deliver comprehensive and tailored strategy and planning solutions to companies and organizations across various industries. Leveraging our diverse backgrounds and global experience, we provide a holistic approach to strategy and planning that combines a tried-and-true framework with customized elements tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.
This integrated approach enables us to effectively address the complex challenges faced by companies and organizations, producing actionable plans that drive meaningful impact and sustainable growth. By combining our multidisciplinary expertise with a flexible and adaptable framework, we equip teams to overcome obstacles, capitalize on opportunities, and achieve their missions with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
National Reach
We pride ourselves on our diverse and experienced team, whose experience spans across the United States, including major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. Our team members have worked extensively across different regions and industries, providing us with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that we can draw upon to serve you. This depth of experience and broad reach allows us to build a robust contact database, connecting us with experts and industry leaders across the country. Whether you're based in the Midwest, the West Coast, or anywhere else in the U.S., we have the resources and expertise to provide exceptional service and support to your company or organization.
Furthermore, our international experience and global perspective enable us to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in our industry. We continually update our knowledge base and refine our approaches to ensure that our clients receive the most advanced and effective solutions available. With our diverse team and extensive experience, we are well-equipped to handle any challenge that comes our way. We are proud to offer you world-class service, no matter where you are located.
Our Vision
At Ascension Strategies, our vision is to ignite a transformative movement dedicated to nurturing legacy leaders, companies, and organizations, driving profound and sustained social impact.
Our Mission
Ascension Strategies mission is to collaborate with individuals, companies, and organizations to embrace change as opportunities for leadership growth and transformation. Our focus is to be the trusted thought-partner in guiding these journeys, inspiring confidence, and instilling courage as we collectively evolve towards a brighter future.
Our Ethos
Guided by principles of empathy, truth, and integrity, we empower individuals, companies, and organizations alike through bespoke solutions tailored to their unique needs. With clarity and compassion, we navigate transitions, bringing order to chaos – fostering growth and evolution. Our approach is grounded in authenticity and determination, ensuring that every step of the journey is marked by meaningful progress towards a brighter future. Together, we strive to cultivate a world where leadership excellence and social responsibility intersect to create lasting legacies of positive change.
Our Core Values
INTEGRITY COLLABORATION GROWTH MINDSET ORDER IN CHAOS
INTEGRITY: Ascension Strategies upholds the highest standards of honesty and transparency, ensuring that all actions align with ethical principles and values. COLLABORATION: Ascension Strategies values teamwork and partnership, working closely with clients and stakeholders to achieve shared goals and foster mutual success. GROWTH MINDSET: Ascension Strategies embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and development, continuously seeking improvement and innovation in pursuit of excellence. ORDER IN CHAOS: Ascension Strategies brings clarity and structure to complex situations, navigating challenges, and shifting mindsets with composure and strategic thinking to achieve effective outcomes
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