Leading with purpose. Serving with compassion
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board
Our Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to ensure Ascenda Foundation fulfills its mission of empowering adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Each member brings diverse expertise and a shared commitment to building inclusive communities.
Flor de Amelia Hoffman
Flor De Amelia Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Program Director of ASCENDA Foundation, where she is dedicated to creating opportunities for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build meaningful, independent lives. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), licensed behavior analyst, and special educator, Flor has spent years developing individualized supports for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Her professional experience spans applied behavior analysis, special education, transition planning, family consultation, and program development.
Flor's passion is deeply personal. As the mother of a daughter with significant medical and developmental needs, she understands firsthand the challenges families face in navigating educational, healthcare, and adult service systems. That perspective has shaped Ascenda's commitment to providing practical supports that empower individuals while strengthening families. Through ASCENDA, Flor is committed to expanding access to vocational training, community inclusion, independent living skills, and pathways toward meaningful employment so that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
BOARD MEMBER 
Sean Hoffman
Sean Hoffman serves as Chief Financial Officer of ASCENDA Foundation, where he oversees the organization's financial strategy, budgeting, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
Sean brings a diverse background in military service, business operations, and commercial real estate. After serving more than 22 years in the military, he transitioned into commercial real estate, where he developed expertise in financial analysis, strategic planning, negotiations, and asset management. These experiences help ensure ASCENDA remains financially responsible while positioning the organization for long-term growth.
As the father of five children, including a daughter with complex medical and developmental needs, Sean understands firsthand the challenges families face in accessing quality services and opportunities. His personal experiences, combined with his financial and operational expertise, fuel his commitment to building a strong, sustainable organization that expands opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sean believes that responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to ASCENDA is essential to maximizing the organization's impact and ensuring it can serve families for generations to come.
BOARD MEMBER
Guisela P. Lopez
Guisela is a dedicated community advocate and parent leader with a deep commitment to supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. As the mother of two children with autism, she brings both personal experience and compassionate leadership to her advocacy work. She has completed the Community Advocacy Institute and the Montgomery County Police Department Citizens Academy, strengthening her knowledge of community resources, leadership, and civic engagement. Guisela has also collaborated with the Infants & Toddlers Program, helping connect families with early intervention services and support. Guisela is passionate about empowering parents who are beginning their journey of understanding autism as a disability. Through guidance, encouragement, and sharing her own experiences, she strives to help families navigate available resources, advocate for their children, and build confidence as they move forward.
BOARD MEMBER
Glenda Martinez
Owner of Xcella Insurance Group and a dedicated community leader with a passion for helping individuals and families build secure futures. Through her professional experience and commitment to service, she has developed strong relationships throughout the community and a deep appreciation for the importance of advocacy and support.
As a member of the Ascenda Foundation Board of Directors, Glenda brings valuable business expertise, strategic insight, and a commitment to advancing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is proud to support Ascenda's mission of fostering independence, inclusion, and community connection.
BOARD MEMBER
Diego Grageda
Diego Grageda is a Self-Advocate and Board Member of Ascenda Foundation. As a young adult with autism, he brings invaluable lived experience that helps ensure the voices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities remain at the center of the organization's mission and decision-making.
Diego is a graduate of Gaithersburg High School and is currently pursuing his education at Montgomery College. He is passionate about promoting inclusion, self-advocacy, and greater opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in their schools, workplaces, and communities.
Through his role on the Board of Directors, Diego provides meaningful insight into the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of the people Ascenda serves. His perspective helps guide programs that promote independence, employment, community engagement, and self-determination for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Diego is committed to helping build a more inclusive future where every individual is valued, empowered, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
BOARD MEMBER
Amanuel Abraha
A finance professional with a strong commitment to leadership, community service, and civic engagement. He has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America as both a Den Leader and Treasurer, supporting youth development and community involvement. Amanuel also completed the Montgomery County Police Department Citizens Academy and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Citizens Academy at the Washington Field Office in 2018.
As a member of the Ascenda Foundation Board of Directors, Amanuel brings financial expertise, strategic insight, and a passion for service. He is committed to supporting Ascenda's mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and fostering inclusive communities.
BOARD MEMBER
Mike Axe
Helps organizations turn complex work into clear systems, useful content, and practical growth plans. His background includes global content operations at Warner Bros. Discovery, creative program work with Apple, educational media production at Age of Learning, and consulting through his own company for ABA and education-focused teams. He also produces Sip & Stim, a podcast created to raise autism awareness and support families.
As a member of Ascenda Foundation’s Board of Directors, Mike brings practical strategy, creative leadership, and a commitment to helping Ascenda expand opportunities for independence, connection, self-advocacy, and belonging for the people and families it serves.
BOARD MEMBERHelp shape the future of Ascenda Foundation. We welcome passionate individuals who are committed to advancing our mission and creating opportunities for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Join Our Board
Interested in serving? Contact us to learn more about Board opportunities and the application process.
Get Involved Through Committee Service
Ascenda Foundation committees play an essential role in supporting our programs, strengthening our organization, and expanding our impact. Committee members contribute their knowledge, experience, and passion to help move our mission forward while working alongside fellow professionals and volunteers.
Governance Committee
Supports strong organizational governance by providing oversight and strategic guidance to the Board of Directors.
Responsibilities
Board recruitment
Policy development
Compliance
Leadership development
Ideal Backgrounds
Nonprofit Leadership
Human Resources
Legal
Governance
Finance Committee
Provides financial oversight and helps ensure the Foundation's long-term sustainability.
Responsibilities
Budget planning
Financial oversight
Sustainability
Resource stewardship
Ideal Backgrounds
Accounting
Finance
Banking
Business Operations
Marketing & Development Committee
Promotes awareness, builds community relationships, and supports fundraising initiatives.
Responsibilities
Fundraising
Sponsorships
Marketing
Community outreach
Ideal Backgrounds
Grant writing
Marketing
Communications
Fundraising
Public relations
Ascenda Preparatory Academy Founding Committee
Provides strategic guidance for the planning and development of the Ascenda Preparatory Academy.
Responsibilities
School planning
Educational partnerships
Long-term vision
Strategic guidance
Ideal Backgrounds
Education
Special education
School leadership
Transition planning
Real estate / facilities
Interested in Serving?
We're always looking for passionate professionals and community members who want to make a difference.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
ASCENDA Foundation is always seeking passionate, diverse, and experienced board members who are committed to advancing inclusion, empowering individuals with disabilities, and strengthening families in our community. We especially welcome individuals with backgrounds in education, disability services, social work, nonprofit leadership, finance/accounting, community programming, information technology, marketing, or fundraising.
Experience within the disability community is not required; a commitment to inclusion and equity is what matters most.
ASCENDA Foundation empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live fulfilling lives. We offer a range of comprehensive programs and services designed to foster independence, community connection, and personal growth, including Specialized Transition Programs, Career Preparation, and Internship Opportunities.
We're seeking dynamic and experienced individuals to join our Board of Directors and help us further our mission to empower adults with IDD to live their best lives.
Are you ready to make a lasting impact?
We're looking for passionate individuals who are committed to building inclusive communities and making a real difference in the lives of adults with IDD. We are especially interested in candidates with backgrounds in finance/accounting, information technology, real estate, and/or marketing, as these skills are crucial to our continued growth and success. Whether you have lived experience, professional expertise, or simply a deep desire to contribute, we encourage you to apply.
What you'll do:
As a Board Member, you'll play a vital role in shaping Ascenda's strategic direction and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Responsibilities include:
Contributing to the development and implementation of Ascenda's strategic plan.
Strategic Planning
Reviewing financial statements, approving budgets, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Financial Oversight
Community Engagement
Serving as an ambassador for Ascenda and promoting our mission within the community.
Participating in the development and review of organizational policies.
Policy Development
Fundraising & Resource Development
Supporting ASCENDA’s fundraising efforts.
