We are
A nonprofit empowering young adults to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. We help them build the Aspire Skillset—7 essential life skills rarely taught in the classroom—to grow personally and stand out professionally.
ASPIRE.
We empower individuals to stand out in the workforce and step confidently into their future. At Aspire, we foster a culture of respect, optimism, and continuous growth—where every team member is supported in becoming the best version of themselves, both personally and professionally.
Aspire by the Numbers: 2027 Goal Snapshot
1,000+ Program Graduates Annually – Expanding our impact through in-person and online learning.
$1M+ in Sustainable Revenue – At least 50% from earned income, reducing reliance on external funding.
Strategic Partnerships – Recognized collaborations with educational, corporate, and government stakeholders amplify our mission.
Multi-State Operations –
A robust infrastructure allowing us to scale across diverse regions.
Engaged Leadership – A diverse Board of Directors with 100% philanthropic participation.
Who we are.
Robert Lindquist
Founder
Neiman Hatcher
Interim Executive Director
Emma Calarco
Director of Operations
Lillian Jefferies
Operations Manager
Lizzie Ballantyne
Senior Project Manager
Oscar Liao
Project Manager
Hung Pham
Project Coordinator
Mia Bonnano
HR Representative
Will Morgan
Marketing and Impact
Christina Ramstein
Hiring and IT
Izzy Hawkins
Project Coordinator
Samai Dhaliwal
Project Coordinator
Our Board of Directors
Neiman Hatcher
Programming and Training
The People Powering Aspire
Our team is a diverse group of passionate professionals committed to empowering aspiring leaders. From program development to community partnerships, every member of our team brings dedication, creativity, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.
Meet the people behind Aspire’s mission and how we turn vision into impact.
Our
ASPIRE
Values
Adaptation
We continually refine our approach to maintain culturally-responsive, forward-thinking and aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.
Sincerity
We encourage our people to lead with authenticity, honesty, and react with genuine care. Through transparent action, we create space for mutual growth and trust.
Partnership
We build meaningful relationships with individuals, organizations, and communities to expand opportunities and bridge the gap between potential and success.
Inclusivity
We create spaces where all identities are seen, valued, and empowered. We provide the Aspire Skillset to ensure every individual has access to growth, dignity, and opportunity.
Reflection
We cultivate a culture in which constructive reflection, feedback, and life-long learning are valued as essential tools for growth. By listening, learning, and adapting, we strengthen our team and the communities we serve.
Empathy
We foster a workplace culture that supports a healthy work-life balance and values the individuals in our community.
Our Mission
We bridge the gap between potential and opportunity by cultivating the Aspire Skillset*.
We empower individuals from all communities to confidently transition from where they are to where they aspire to be.
The Aspire Skillset:
self-development
interpersonal skills
organizational skills
personal finance
global awareness
problem solving
leadership skills.
Our Vision
We envision a world where potential is never limited by circumstance, where the Aspire Skillset bridges gaps, opens doors, and transforms lives.
Our Story
In 2018, several factors came together to encourage our founder, Robb Lindquist, to reevaluate his life goals.
After twenty years in consulting, telecommunications, and high tech, he was ready to move on from his challenging and fast-paced career to making a positive impact in another manner.
Throughout Robb's career, he consistently enjoyed working with young professionals. To him, they had an unmatched energy for genuine curiosity and enthusiasm that was contagious and invigorating, traits he loved to mentor. This, in combination with his recognition of a clear skill gap between what is taught in academia and what is needed to accelerate personal and professional success, motivated him to create Aspire Skill Development in 2020.
Our initial internship cohorts were paramount to the publication of our book, a resource comprised of wisdom from college students who have studied, researched, and reflected upon the 7 skills we believe are essential for personal and professional growth.
Today, we run Fall and Spring internships, teaching the contents of the book to interns through discussions, experientials, and facilitating their creation of an impactful Community Engagement Project.