Surge represents a pivotal moment in my journey. I have used the entirety of my career to understand how I might create change, and have found myself in need of a pause to reflect, recalibrate, learn and plan intentionally. Surge is the perfect opportunity to do so in community with others in similar places in their journeys. I am thrilled about the opportunity to build deep relationships within my cohort, and hope to create a sacred space to go inward, ultimately affecting greater and more impactful change beyond ourselves. I also hope to learn, build, and co-conspire within a community of like-minded individuals to create a coalition of impact for Black and Latinx youth. Being considered among the distinguished leaders Surge serves is humbling, exciting, and deeply affirming. Surge means stepping into a legacy of empowerment, growth, and transformation, and I am proud to be in the number.