“For me, the Surge Academy is a vital place for leaders of color to pause, reflect, and connect with a strong community. It’s where I can transform my deep personal passion for education into meaningful, lasting institutional power. The time for Surge is now because the fight for educational equity is urgent. We need unapologetic and prepared leaders ready to face major systemic challenges and create safe, affirming learning environments. Surge provides the network, values, and practical skills required for this important work. As a Fellow, I hope to achieve three things: I want to sharpen my strategic vision for empowering educators, share effective methods with other schools, and gain the collective courage needed to drive sustainable change for Black and Latin X students and their communities.”
Karla Brooks-Hartsfield | Program Coordinator/SEL specialist, School District of Philadelphia