Ascend to new heights by anchoring in what matters most.

AnchorAscend helps you anchor in what matters most and ascend to new heights with expert consulting services tailored to your unique vision and values.

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Welcome to AnchorAscend Consulting

I'm Kate San Juan, a values and strengths-based leader passionate about driving impactful change through innovative program design, seamless implementation, and strategic partnership management. My approach is anchored in curiosity, connection, and impact—values that guide everything I do.

Whether you're looking to build an integrated life anchored in values, design and implement impactful programs, or forge strategic partnerships, I bring my unique blend of skills and expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Our Services

Values-based Leading & Living

Build an integrated life anchored in values through workshops, coaching, and immersive retreats designed to help you clarify what truly matters.

Program Design & Implementation

Create custom program designs that align with your vision and objectives, and translate strategic plans into actionable steps for seamless implementation.

Partnership Management

Forge and maintain strategic partnerships that enhance your program's reach and impact, from identifying key stakeholders to managing multi-partner collaborations.

Why Choose AnchorAscend?

Strategic Thinking

As a strategic systems-thinker, I can easily flow between high-level strategy and detailed implementation to make big dreams come true.

Values-Centered Approach

My work is guided by core values of curiosity, connection, and impact, ensuring solutions that resonate deeply with your audience and stakeholders.

Proven Experience

With extensive experience in leadership development programs and building catalytic partnerships, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you succeed.

What People Are Saying

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say about working with AnchorAscend:

“Our team had the pleasure of working with Kate on a project involving a large complex school system and a local funder. Kate’s involvement in the project was invaluable to all involved. Kate’s ability to understand what it takes to deliver effective adult learning alongside the importance of measuring and reporting impact helped us move forward in ways that is now impacting our broader work. Katie is a strong facilitator across organizations, is rigorous in her thinking and approach to program designs and evaluation, while also able to create and use tools to solve problems and improve communication as well as efficiency. Our team looks forward to further opportunities to work with Kate!”
Max Silverman
Executive Director, University of washington Center for Educational Leadership
“Kate’s expertise and dedication were instrumental in the success of our outreach campaign for a nationally recognized youth leadership program. Through her strategic approach, she expanded our network, strengthened relationships with key organizations, and helped streamline our nomination process. Her ability to develop engaging content, manage a detailed outreach pipeline, and implement innovative strategies, such as webinars with networked partners, significantly increased our reach and impact. Kate’s insights and data-driven recommendations will continue to shape our approach for future program cycles. We are grateful for her partnership and highly recommend her for any initiative requiring thoughtful, results-oriented engagement.”
Claudia Larrea
Senior Grants & Programs Manager, Beyond Sport
“I had the opportunity to work with Kate on a principal development project that we designed and launched. Kate served as our liaison between our organization and the financial institution sponsoring our program and Kate’s work was a game-changer to the overall success of the project. Kate’s project management skills were unparalleled. Kate addressed and resolved issues that arose, ensuring smooth communication and coordination. Kate bridged the gap between us and the grantor, facilitating a seamless collaboration that enhanced our project outcomes. Kate’s ability to navigate these complex relationships was key to our success in the inaugural year of this program. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”
Dr. Shelby Cosner
Director of UIC’s Center for Urban Education Leadership
“Kate set a new standard for program excellence and dedication within our organization. Their comprehensive and analytical approach not only enhanced our program’s effectiveness but also equipped our team with the tools and knowledge needed to implement and retain excellence in program management. Kate’s positive energy and curiosity were infectious, making the learning process enjoyable and motivating. Their insights into best practices and their ability to implement them across complex projects have had a lasting impact on our operations. Kate’s dedication to quality and precision is unmatched.”
Elisabethe Ocon Calderon
Senior Manager, Partnerships & Innovation The Chicago Public Education Fund
“I attended Kate’s ‘Rest and Reimagining Retreat’ for working moms on the brink of burnout. It was exactly what I needed. The activities Kate designed helped me slow down, reflect, and think about who I am and what I want in new ways. The focus on identifying and anchoring in my highest values was transformative for me. It changed the way I think about how I spend my time and what I want out of life. Five months later, I’ve made significant changes in my day-to-day life at work and at home- all aligned to my values and I’m healthier and happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
Katie Bernard
Director, Strategic Sourcing & Value Analysis at Sharp HealthCare