Elaina M. Morris is the CEO, president, and co-founder of Ascend Hospitality Group (AHG), Northwest’s premier hospitality company. As an accomplished business owner, innovator, and community leader with over 20 years of experience developing concepts and creating value in various industries, Elaina has launched several local businesses in the hospitality sector, including WiggleWorks Kids and AHG, with award-winning flagship restaurant, Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, in Bellevue. Elaina also serves as a trustee for the Washington Hospitality Associations’ Education Foundation, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Rainier Athletes, and Samena Club and is a member of YPO Seattle.

In the aftershock of the pandemic, she saw an issue with hiring in the hospitality industry and quickly introduced new comprehensive benefits to both her full-and part-time employees — including paid time off for hourly employees, paid parental leave, and other benefits that far exceed industry standards.

While youth education is the focal point of her philanthropic work, Elaina is an advocate for the advancement of women and BIPOC in leadership roles. As a BIPOC woman, she believes in amplifying these voices to help facilitate diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in hospitality. Elaina is dedicated to empowering her over 600 employees to push the boundaries of their capabilities, encouraging them to forge their career paths within the company.

Ascend Hospitality Group
ascendhg.com | 425-455-2863