“As an educator, advocate, and systems leader, I’ve spent my career fighting for the dignity and brilliance of Black and Latinx youth. Now, more than ever—when truth is under attack and justice is being rolled back—we need bold leaders who are willing to speak truth, build community, and reimagine what’s possible. Surge is the space where I can grow alongside other leaders of color who understand that liberation is both personal and collective. I’m ready to sharpen my tools, deepen my impact, and stand unapologetically in my calling. I bring the heart of an educator, the lens of a strategist, and the fire of someone who has had to navigate and challenge unjust systems firsthand. I’m a truth-teller who leads with love, strategy, and urgency. Surge will help me move from resistance to reconstruction—for my city, and for our children’s future.”
Jessica Haynes | Assistant Director of Early Career Teachers, Detroit Public Schools Community District