Shanina Draughn
“The Surge Fellowship presents a valuable opportunity to enhance my support for the school community, thereby elevating my leadership capabilities. Leveraging the expertise acquired at Surge, I intend to support…
Markita Weaver
“Why Surge? I believe Surge is the ultimate step toward my authentic self—a mirror reflecting my desire to truly ‘Be’ and consciously ‘Do’. It is a community that accepts, challenges,…
Nyanatee Bailey
“I’m at a point in my career where I want to scale both my impact and my clarity. I’ve spent years doing meaningful, equity-centered work—in education, community engagement, and organizational…
Dayna Peoples
“As a Surge Fellow, my goal is to gain more insight into who I am and who I am growing to be as a leader in Detroit’s education sector. I…
Aquan Grant-Wayne
“It’s time to learn. It’s time to change. It’s time to build. Joining the Surge Academy Detroit cohort marks a new chapter in my journey—one rooted in bold dreams, collective…
Destiny Allen
“Belonging has always been at the heart of who I am—creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and able to lead as their full selves. As a Surge Fellow, I’m…
Jessica Haynes
“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…
Erica Lopez Negrete
Erica Lopez Negrete | Senior Director of Multilingual Education and World Languages, Detroit Public Schools Community District
Liz Van Hoesen
“As the principal of a turnaround school in Detroit, my mission goes beyond improving test scores; it’s about transforming mindsets. Every person who walks through our doors plays a role…
Jasmine Brooks
“As a Surge Fellow, my goal is to join in community with other professionals who are black and brown and committed to creating and contributing to the ecosystem in our…