“Surge represents the power of representation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. As a leader of color, I have dedicated my career to creating equitable spaces where children and families can thrive—yet I know there is always more to learn and more impact to make. The Surge Academy offers the community, tools, and leadership development I need to continue breaking barriers and amplifying the voices of those too often unheard. Why Surge and why now? Because this is a pivotal moment to bridge lived experience with systemic change. Through Surge, I hope to strengthen my leadership capacity, expand my network of purpose-driven Impact-makers, and gain deeper insight into the historical context of educational inequities to drive sustainable, community-centered transformation in Philadelphia and beyond.”
Dr. Jennifer Nieves | Assistant Principal, Impact Charter School West