Carmita Semaan transcends the range of possibilities expected of a little girl who grew up below the poverty line in Birmingham, Alabama. While her childhood was steeped in adversity, Carmita was held to expectations that knew no bounds by a no-nonsense mother and other aspirational models in her life. After completing her college degree in…
Over the April 29-30 weekend, The Leadership Collaborative (TLC) celebrated the beginning of their immersive learning experience together at their opening retreat in Houston, Texas. The Leadership Collaborative is a brand new collective experience designed for Black principals across the nation to co-create and learn together. Their weekend retreat programming emphasized community building, restoration, and…
This week we’re celebrating Amanda Aiken, a brilliant leader, experienced changemaker, and Harvard Doctoral Fellow, who is completing her impactful Surge residency. As an Innovation Doctoral Resident for Surge, Amanda has supported Innovation and New Projects for our organization—in particular, piloting the launch of our transformative Power Surge program. “For years, we heard from the…
“Surge means more leaders of color given the tools, resources, and proper support to thrive and live up to their fullest potential.” Leader in Residence at Opportunity 180
Executive Director at Leaders in Training “I decided to join Surge as it seemed to be a good fit to where I am currently as a professional. Being within a network of devoted leaders of color pursuing equity in education is the type of support system that is missing in Las Vegas. What I hope…
“Surge’s Las Vegas Fellowship Academy is an opportunity to develop professionally, connect with like-minded individuals who are looking to make an impact on the community, and build a network of support for the next generation of educational leaders in Nevada. Surge stands out from other leadership and fellowship programs for its commitment to uplifting diverse…
“As a Surge Fellow, I am most excited about having an opportunity to further build my capacity as an educational leader with others that look like me! It is an intentional space cultivated not just with BIPOCs in mind, but for BIPOCs specifically! And that alone is powerful. Even though we may come from diverse…
“It is simply not enough to complain about the issues plaguing education. Change requires action! Building my capacity for leadership through Surge will give me an enhanced lens for being an agent of change. It is also critical, now more than ever, to engage in this work with a community of like- minded leaders. Surge…
Independent Consultant for The Black Wildflowers Fund and Columbia University Center for Public Research and Leadership
Program Analyst at DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education