Alumni Spotlight: Oct ’25
Our alumni are active, growing their careers, and making a difference all over the country. Many are living out their freedom dreams through new business ventures. Take a look at…
Surge Institute Welcomes the 2026 Detroit Cohort
Detroit’s Newest Cohort: 20 Educational Leaders Ready to Transform Detroit’s Educational Landscape DETROIT (September 11, 2025) — Surge Institute’s Academy Detroit is thrilled to welcome its second Detroit cohort, a…
Surge Institute Welcomes the 2026 Surge Fellowhsip Chicago Cohort
25 Emerging Education Leaders Join the 2026 Fellowship Chicago Cohort CHICAGO (September 4, 2025)—Surge Institute’s Fellowship Chicago proudly welcomes 25 emerging leaders into the 2026 Fellowship Chicago cohort. These individuals…
The Space Where Dreams Take Flight
Sister. Brother. Changemaker. For too long, we’ve been the only ones in rooms that weren’t built for us. Translating our brilliance. Dimming our light. Making others comfortable while we suffocated.…
What is Black Philanthropy Month?
Black philanthropy isn’t new—we’ve always taken care of our own. Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August, was birthed in 2011 by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland with support from Reunity,…
Welcome new team members Maria and Aryiel
+BioMaria F. TownsendProgram Director, Alumni Impactmaria@surgeinstitute.orgMaria F. TownsendProgram Director, Alumni ImpactMaria is a passionate advocate for equity of voice and authentic narratives of student experiences, believing that centering the humanity…
Empowering Our Communities in Crisis
We know that crisis doesn’t pause for our purpose. Whether facing climate-related disasters, school emergencies, or community trauma, Black and Brown leaders are often on the front lines—personally and professionally.…
Alumni Spotlight: June ’25
Our alumni are active, growing their careers, and making a difference all over the country. Many are living out their freedom dreams through new business ventures. Take a look at…
Exciting changes to our Executive Staff
Tiara Wheatley NEW Chief of Staff Tiara Wheatley, an educator, mentor, equity advocate and lifelong Chicagoan, is the Vice President of Alumni Impact at the Surge Institute where she leads…
Welcome our new Director of Finance, Monica Mata
Monica Mata Director of Finance Monica was born in Oakland and raised in the unincorporated community of Ashland in Alameda County in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rooted in her…