My Journey

The Universal Strategist

I am a native of Missouri, raised on a 100+ acre farm in the town of Wentzville.  I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, including my family’s farm – a Certified Angus breeding and production operation and family’s legacy business – an ambulatory transportation company.  It is from this familial backdrop that I have pursued a personal and professional path of developing, supporting, and leading those who desire to foster and nurture the advancement of the individual, community and collective. 

I received my formal training at the University of Missouri-Columbia, obtaining a B.S. in Agriculture, minor in Agronomy; and a M.S. in Agriculture Economics, focus in Agri-business, Marketing and Finance.  In my career I’ve led and provided oversight for the planning, evaluation and monitoring of enterprise projects, social programs, enterprise systems, regulatory practices, and legislative agendas.  I’ve also been fortunate enough to advise international trade negotiations on behalf of US ag-producers, provide oversight for trade zone pricing for one of the largest auto makers in the world, and lead the creation of a city strategic plan that has become the model for other cities in the US. Additionally, my path has exposed me to diverse industries and business sectors. I’ve worked for large government organizations – at all three levels, a mid-sized IT start-up, Fortune 100 companies, and nationally recognized elected officials.

I’ve done my professional due diligence as well; attaining certifications as a Six Sigma Greenbelt, Balanced Scorecard Professional, and Certified Project Director and Trainer. My proudest professional accomplishment to-date is my service in the U.S. Army: National Guard – Military Police, as both Enlisted and Officer Corps.  I am a daughter and defender of my country – right, wrong, or indifferent; I will always count it as one of my most noble pursuits.  However, at the end of the day, I feel most honored by having the opportunity to be a mother to my son Andrew, who is studying to become a Game Designer.  He’s an amazing young man and I am very proud of him. A note to our young folks: you matter, your voice matters, your service matters, your passion matters and your participation matters!

As it stands, my journey has culminated in a passion for guiding and leading both individuals and cross-functional teams toward scaled improvement, creative and executable problem solving and enterprise transformation.  I am the Founder/CEO of Ascension Strategies; a premier Strategic Performance firm, providing consulting and coaching services to both organizations and professionals. We focus on businesses desiring to scale their enterprise and expand their competitive footprint; and mid-level professionals desiring to transition to an advance role or new career. 

My ultimate life goal is to exercise my passion in an open, transparent, and integrity-based environment; surround by like-minded individuals who too are in pursuit of advancing, while serving; self-improving, while making a difference for others; proactively sharing, while experiencing voluntary reciprocity. I am in the game and up for the challenges that participation brings.  It is my sincerest hope to continue to find others who too are on this collective journey toward freedom, love, and light.

I currently live in Louisville, Kentucky.  If you’re ever in town, let me know, I’d love to do lunch!

—DeVon Hankins