Alumni Spotlight: Oct ’25
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…
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Surge Institute Welcomes the 2026 Detroit Cohort
Detroit’s Newest Cohort: 20 Educational Leaders Ready to Transform Detroit’s Educational Landscape DETROIT (September 11, 2025) — Surge Institute’s Academy Detroit is thrilled to welcome its second Detroit cohort, a…
Surge Institute Welcomes the 2026 Surge Fellowhsip Chicago Cohort
25 Emerging Education Leaders Join the 2026 Fellowship Chicago Cohort CHICAGO (September 4, 2025)—Surge Institute’s Fellowship Chicago proudly welcomes 25 emerging leaders into the 2026 Fellowship Chicago cohort. These individuals…
The Space Where Dreams Take Flight
Sister. Brother. Changemaker. For too long, we’ve been the only ones in rooms that weren’t built for us. Translating our brilliance. Dimming our light. Making others comfortable while we suffocated.…
Welcome new team members Maria and Aryiel
+BioMaria F. TownsendProgram Director, Alumni Impactmaria@surgeinstitute.orgMaria F. TownsendProgram Director, Alumni ImpactMaria is a passionate advocate for equity of voice and authentic narratives of student experiences, believing that centering the humanity…
Empowering Our Communities in Crisis
We know that crisis doesn’t pause for our purpose. Whether facing climate-related disasters, school emergencies, or community trauma, Black and Brown leaders are often on the front lines—personally and professionally.…
Alumni Spotlight: June ’25
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…
Exciting changes to our Executive Staff
Tiara Wheatley NEW Chief of Staff Tiara Wheatley, an educator, mentor, equity advocate and lifelong Chicagoan, is the Vice President of Alumni Impact at the Surge Institute where she leads…
Welcome our new Director of Finance, Monica Mata
Monica Mata Director of Finance Monica was born in Oakland and raised in the unincorporated community of Ashland in Alameda County in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rooted in her…
Black Principals Network Welcomes Third Cohort of The Leadership Collaborative
22 Inspiring Education Leaders Join the Transformative Leadership Experience Black Principals Network, an initiative powered by Surge Institute, proudly announces its third cohort of The Leadership Collaborative, welcoming 22 exceptional…
Alumni Spotlight: January ’25
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…
Alumni Spotlight: November ’24
Surge Alumni are active, growing their careers, and making a difference all over the country. Take a look at what these Alumni have been doing—and join us in congratulating them…
Surge Institute Welcomes 2025 Philadelphia Cohort
14 Inspiring Education Leaders Join the Philadelphia Surge Academy PHILADELPHIA (October 3, 2024)—Surge Institute’s Philadelphia Surge Academy is thrilled to announce a powerful new collective of 14 brilliant education leaders…
Surge Institute Welcomes Inaugural Detroit Cohort
11 Inspiring Education Leaders Join the New 2025 Detroit Surge Academy DETROIT (September 19, 2024)—Surge Institute’s Detroit Surge Academy is thrilled to announce a powerful collective of 11 brilliant education…
Surge Institute Welcomes 2025 Chicago Fellowship Cohort
25 Inspiring Education Leaders Join the Surge Chicago Fellowship CHICAGO (September 5, 2024)—Surge Institute’s Chicago Fellowship is thrilled to announce a powerful new collective of 25 brilliant education leaders beginning…
Alumni Spotlight: August ’24
Surge Alumni are active, growing their careers, and making a difference all over the country. Take a look at what these Alumni have been doing—and join us in congratulating them…
Surge Institute Welcomes David Henry as Vice President of Development
Surge Institute is thrilled to announce David Henry’s appointment as the new Vice President of Development. With a rich history of dedication to service and equity for marginalized communities, David…
Surge Angels Program Awards $100,000 to Three Ventures Founded by Education Leaders of Color
Pitch Night event marks the culmination of a six-month intensive entrepreneurial development cohort CHICAGO, July 18, 2024 — Surge Institute, a trailblazing organization that empowers leaders of color in education, recently…
Ulric Shannon Named 2024 Man of Excellence by the Chicago Defender
The Surge Institute is proud to announce that Ulric Shannon has been recognized by the Chicago Defender as a 2024 Man of Excellence. This prestigious honor celebrates African-American men who…
Alumni Spotlight May 24
Surge Alumni are active, growing their careers, and making a difference all over the country. Take a look at what these Alumni have been doing—and join us in congratulating them…