Maryann Li is the President at Ascend Learning, a network of K-12 public charter schools. Ascend operates 18 schools across Brooklyn and is rooted in enabling boundless choice for every student. As President, Maryann directly manages the executive team to champion internal alignment, decision-making, and empowerment of teams and individuals.

Previously, she was the COO at Ascend, and prior to that, the Head of Operations at Success Academies, the highest performing charter network in New York City, where she oversaw the hiring and training strategy and strategic direction for school operations across 47 schools. Maryann has also worked as a Chief of Staff at Teach for America's National Office. Maryann started her career on the trading floor at Barclays Capital in Interest Rate Derivatives. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Business, and holds a certificate in social sector leadership from Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Maryann is a proud first-generation immigrant and mom of two.