2025 Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) Conference
Engage Forward
20 Years of Ascend Impact and Building the Next 20+ Years of Leadership

Naras Eechambadi is a transformational executive, board director, and entrepreneur with a career spanning data, analytics, AI, and marketing. He currently serves as Chief Global Data & Analytics Officer at Universal Music Group, where he has built and leads a global function that leverages predictive modeling, e-commerce, and AI to power fan engagement and drive business growth for hundreds of artists and labels worldwide. Naras previously founded and sold two analytics-focused companies, including Quaero, which served major brands such as American Express, Ford, Marriott, and ESPN. He has held senior leadership roles at First Union, McKinsey & Company, and NielsenIQ. A thought leader in his field, he authored High Performance Marketing and has lectured at top universities across the U.S. He previously served on the Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) Fit for the Future Advisory Board and currently serves on the boards of The Travel Corporation (Chair, Technology Committee) and is an active member of the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence, National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), and Private Directors Association. A champion for the next generation of leaders, Naras is a certified executive coach and faculty member for World 50’s NEXT program. Naras earned degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology, the University of Texas at Austin, and Northwestern University. He has been named one of DataIQ’s “10 Most Influential People in Data” (2022–2024) and featured in Forbes and CDO Magazine for his leadership at the intersection of data and entertainment.

Ann Gonzales is a community leader, advocate, and bridge-builder with over 12 years of experience supporting small business growth across the Carolinas. She currently serves as President of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce and is the former President of the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce—the first Asian-American to hold that position. A proud Filipina immigrant and self-taught entrepreneur, Ann began her career in web development and marketing at just 15 years old. She is the founder of Savvy Pioneer, an agency that helps underserved businesses grow through digital strategy, storytelling, and design. She is also pursuing a transition into cybersecurity, bringing her commitment to equity into the world of digital safety and access. Ann is known for her work in uplifting Asian-owned businesses through culturally responsive outreach, digital literacy, mentorship, and community events. In 2025, she was honored with the WFAE EQUALibrium Award for Economic Empowerment and Mobility. Her leadership centers on equity, cultural awareness, and passing the torch—empowering others to become advocates, connectors, and changemakers in their own communities.

Daniel Wang is a first-generation immigrant from China and an experienced finance professional currently serving as Assistant Controller at Barings LLC in Charlotte, where he supports Private Debt fund operations and financial reporting. He brings a strong background in audit and fund oversight, developed through years of experience at Grant Thornton LLP, where he led engagements across manufacturing and financial services clients. In addition to his technical expertise, Daniel is a passionate advocate for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in corporate spaces. He is the Founder and U.S. Chair of the Barings Pan Asian Network, leading the firm’s first AAPI employee resource group across its U.S. offices. He also serves as Treasurer for Ascend Leadership Charlotte, where he manages budgeting and supports strategic initiatives for the region’s leading AAPI professional organization.