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 what these alumni have been doing and join us in congratulating them on their accomplishments!
Aisha Williams (KC23)
Shout to Aisha Williams, who will be a keynote speaker at the School Board Symposium hosted by the Closing the Achievement Gap Consortium. She who will be a keynote speaker at the School Board Symposium hosted by the Closing the Achievement Gap Consortium, where she will highlight what it means to create equitable and inclusive spaces for Black girls in suburban schools.
Aiyeshia Wong (CHI20)
We are so excited for the 2025 Liberated Educators Collaborative cohort with Liberated Journeys, founded by Surge alum, Aiyeshia Wong! The 2025 cohort includes a current Surge Chicago fellow and a Surge Alum!
Amaris Evans (CHI23)
We are beyond proud of Amaris Evans! She was selected to be a 4.0 2025 Tiny Fellows!
Biridiana Rodriguez (PHILA23)
A special shout out to Biridiana Rodriguez for being selected to join the Adelante Fellowship with ALL In Education!
Brian Harris (CHI20)
Special shout out to Brian Harris! He is now the Director of Postsecondary Pathways at Chicago Public Schools.
Derrick Fleming, Jr. (CHI20)
Congratulations Derrick Fleming, Jr.! He is now the Chief Partnerships Officer for Dion’s Chicago Dream!
Jonathan Chaparro (CHI17)
Congrats Jonathan Chaparro! He was recently named a Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Latino Leader!
Keeanna Warren, Ph.D. (INDY21)
Congrats to Keeanna Warren, Ph.D., CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools and a valued Circle City Leaders alum, on being named a 2024 IBJ Woman of Influence! Keeanna’s dedication to education and her impact on our community isare truly inspiring. Join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor.
Lateshia Woodley (KC20)
A round of applause for KC20 alum, Lateishia Woodley! She has been accepted into the Emerge Georgia Class of 2025!
Maraliz Salgado(CHI8)
We are beyond proud of Maraliz Salgado! She just published her first book, F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E.: A Guide for Healing and Liberation. This book is a reflection & discussion guide for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and other undervalued identities that offer context in 8 life areas.
Melissa Connelly (CHI15)
Check out Melissa Connelly, CEO of OneGoal, delivering an inspiring closing message at the Michigan College Access Network 2024 Conference.
Ulric Shannon (CHI20)
Check out Executive Director, Ulric Shannon (CHI20), reflecting on Surge’s 10-year10 Year milestone and what it means to equip leaders to dismantle systematic barriers on the Connecting Awesome People podcast.
Zakiya Sackor (DC22)
Congrats to Zakiya Sackor! She is now the Executive Director at Rocketship Public Schools!
Zeyda Garcia (OAK22)
Major shout out to Zeyda Garcia! She will be a #ActionSummit25 speaker at the 2025 Inclusive Innovation Action Summit!
