Surge Alumni are active, growing their careers, and making a difference all over the country. Take a look at what these Alumni have been doing—and join us in congratulating them on their accomplishments!
Will Collins, CHI17
Will recently joined the Advisory Board of Mikva Challenge Illinois, nurturing the next generation of civic leaders by fostering youth empowerment and political engagement. Congratulations, Will, on your commitment to inspire and be inspired!
Kyra Mungia, OAK19
Kyra has been named to the 2024 cohort of Roddenberry Fellows, recognizing her work as co-founder of TRiO Plus, an organization addressing housing and affordability issues for educators in the Oakland area. Congratulations, Kyra, on your hard work to position educators for success!
Jahna Riley, KC20
Jahna began a new position as executive director of KC Parent Coalition, an organization dedicated to amplifying the capacity, connectedness, and collective power of parents in the Kansas City metro area. Congratulations, Jahna, on your work as a servant-leader to help parents become powerful advocates!
Randy Seriguchi, OAK18
Randy has been named to the 2024 cohort of Pahara Fellows by the Pahara Institute, highlighting his work as executive director of Urban Ed Academy, with the mission of ensuring that every student in the San Francisco/Oakland community has at least one Black male teacher in their lifetime. Congratulations, Randy, as you continue your leadership journey!
India Wells-Carter, KC19
India recently started a new position as internship coordinator in the city manager’s office for the City of Kansas City, MO, where she’ll be working with city leaders to recruit and support the best and brightest college students to help run KCMO. Congratulations, India, as you continue to build relationships, programs, and businesses in your beautiful city!
Tiara Wheatley, CHI20
Surge’s own vice president of Alumni Impact, Tiara was recently awarded the Athena Young Professional Award in recognition of her excellence, creativity, and initiative in all of her work and service at the intersection of impact, intention, and influence. Major shout-out to you, Tiara, for shaping a future where every Black and Brown girl has the opportunity to thrive!
Tiara Jordan, CHI22
Tiara is making a difference in the landscape of education in St. Louis, MO, through ActivateSTL, an organization she founded two years ago to train parents and teens to develop leadership skills, mobilize, and advocate for high quality education in their communities. Congratulations, Tiara, for helping parents and students find their voice!
Aisha Williams, KC23
Aisha has been named Director of Impact & Analytics at City Year Kansas City, where she works with staff and AmeriCorps members to help students and schools succeed, preparing the next generation of civically engaged leaders who can work across lines of difference. Huge thanks to you, Aisha, for your solution-oriented service!
Marquis Hall, KC23
Marquis is now serving as the assistant principal at Union Chapel Hill Elementary School in the Park Hill School District of Kansas City, inspiring students to achieve their personal best and become lifelong learners and citizens of character. Huge shout-out to you, Marquis, for working every day to build successful futures!
Shawnee Caruthers, KC23
Shawnee, vice president of advocacy at Getting Smart, has been named to the board of directors of the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the impact of teacher residency programs. Congratulations, Shawnee, and thanks for your unwavering commitment to supporting more equitable learning opportunities for all!
Laura Palacios, KC20
Laura has begun a new position as senior director of Indy Summer Learning Labs (ISLL) at The Mind Trust, a nonprofit striving to provide every Indianapolis student with the opportunity to attend a great school. Congrats, Laura, and best wishes in your continued work to propel all students toward their full potential!
Jessica Ramos, CHI21
Jessica recently completed her MA of Public Policy at the University of Chicago and joined the Illinois Department of Human Services as the assistant director of Programs, Division of Family and Community Services, where she’ll be working to ensure that families and communities have the supports they need to thrive. Congratulations, Jessica, on new opportunities, continued growth, and community impact!
Naomi Wilfred, CHI21
Naomi, a middle grades network coach for the University of Chicago’s To & Through Project, recently had an article, “From the Classroom to Coaching: The Time Is Now for Reimagination,” published in The Forum of American Journal of Education. Congratulations, Naomi, on continuing to develop new insights on reimagining education!
Candace Moore, CHI15
Candace has joined Race Forward, a national racial justice organization that trained her early in her career, as senior strategic advisor, where she will be spearheading the growth of their place-based collaborations and strategies. Congratulations, Candace, and cheers to you for new beginnings and continued partnerships in justice!
Destiny Ortega, CHI20
Destiny has begun a new position as an education program officer at Crown Family Philanthropies, where she will lead grantmaking that supports Chicago’s students and families. Congratulations, Destiny, and best wishes as you catalyze and advance just and lasting social impact!
Diego Báez, CHI19
Diego, an assistant professor of Multidisciplinary Studies at City Colleges of Chicago, has recently published his first book, Yaguareté White, a lyrical exploration of Paraguayan American identity and what it means to see through a colored whiteness in all of its tangled contradictions. The book is a finalist for The Georgia Poetry Prize and a semi-finalist for the Berkshire Prize for Poetry. Congratulations, Diego!
