Leading with Equity, Cariño, and Validation: The Ascender Professional Development Model

This evaluative study employed a case study design to identify key components of a professional development initiative developed by the Texas-based Ascender Program, which worked with Latinxs and low-income, first-generation students. A key finding was that the Ascender Professional Development Program (APDP) was centered on equity, cariño (caring), and validation. This led to the creation of a conceptual model for the APDP. Future professional development programs can benefit from these findings.