Sam Azar Email & Phone Number

Providence, Ri, Us

Providence, Ri

Ascend Impact Advisors partners with organizations driving social change, specializing in leveraging generative AI for social impact through AI strategy, interactive training, and AI engineering services. Our services also include strategy development, impact measurement, and technology strategy. With deep nonprofit sector experience and a human-centered design approach, we deliver innovative, evidence-based solutions that drive transformative change and measurable outcomes. Our expertise spans affordable housing, community development, financial health, scaling evidence-based programs, and driving change through federated nonprofit networks. Connect with us to explore how we can support your mission.

Responsible for establishing the research and measurement capability for Habitat's US network. This includes defining the team's vision, structure, and priorities; establishing governance and enabling infrastructure; and overseeing its operations. The US Research and Measurement Team helps prove and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities in the US. We do this by evaluating the impact of programs with rigor, improving programs based on evidence, influencing policy and practice in the sector, and helping fund the mission.

Boston, Massachusetts

Compass supports families with low incomes to build assets and financial capabilities as a pathway to greater economic opportunity and out of poverty. In this role, I led the startup of the Compass National Network to scale Compass's evidence-based program model through training and technical assistance to mission-aligned partners.

Alexandria, Va

Helped drive execution of the network-wide strategy for a $5B network of ~1,800 United Ways in 40+ countries. Led startup of the United Way Worldwide Innovation Lab to apply innovative methods like design thinking to accelerate the strategy, drive innovation, and empower staff to solve problems collaboratively in new ways.

Alexandria Va

Responsible for supporting the overall development and implementation of Community Impact (Education, Income, and Health) strategies and metrics. Took the lead in executing on U.S. strategies and creating shared metrics that are aligned with the national education, income, and health strategies.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Led and supported delivery of management consulting projects for federal agency clients and select pro bono nonprofit clients on a range of strategic and operational issues. Practitioner in the Strategy and Operations practice's Business Model Transformation service line.

Collaborated with internal staff, the City of Boston, and 35 partner agencies to design and implement an application process, referral process, and data collection system for a new $1.1M emergency homelessness prevention fund. Provided direct support services to families and individuals with low incomes and those at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

Mpa

Activities and Societies: Maxwell Review, Conflict Management Center

Ab, Public Policy, Philosophy

Activities and Societies: Brown University Mediation Program (BUMP), Brown Outdoor Leadership Training (BOLT), Resident Counselor Program.