Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Katie Cassetta

Associate Director

Katie Cassetta is an Associate Director with the Public Programs division of the Aspen Institute, overseeing partnerships, content, and operations for events including the Aspen Ideas Festival, Aspen Ideas: Climate, Aspen Ideas: Economy and Aspen Ideas activations at events like New York Climate Week. She is also the co-founder of Ascend, a non-profit focused on women’s financial independence and water systems in rural areas of Nepal. She holds a degree in International Affairs from the Korbel School at the University of Denver. Prior to her work with the Aspen Institute, she was a wrangler on a cattle ranch in Wyoming. Based in the Aspen, she spends her free time in the mountains riding horses, rock climbing, and skiing.