Board of Directors
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Darryl Cobb President Charter School Growth Fund Liz Aybar Conti CEO Margulf Foundation Max Polaner Deal Partner New Profit Ana Martinez Shropshire Partner Charter School Growth Fund…
Clarity in Chaos: Practical Leadership for Staff Stability
Join us for our upcoming PLS featuring guest speaker Nikki Grier (Recipient of Liberatory Leadership Award). In this session, leaders will engage in an interactive session focused on what it…
Blueprints for Liberation: Keys to Building Your Freedom Dreams From the Ground Up.
Join the Surge Academy Philadelphia cohort at its mid-retreat for a special fireside chat. This gathering is designed to be an intentional moment for meaningful conversations within the community. Our…
2026 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
2026 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Who We Are: The Black Principals Network (BPN) is a national professional community dedicated to sustaining and elevating Black school leaders. We create a supportive…
2026 Surge Alumni Convening
ABOUT THE CONVENING WHERE INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP BECOMES COLLECTIVE POWER Every two years, 500+ leaders of the Surge community come together: Principals, superintendents, nonprofit CEOs, policy leaders Collectively serving 3+ million…
Surge Institute Welcomes the 2026 Philadelphia Cohort
16 Education Leaders Ready to Change the Game in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES December 4, 2025 — Surge Institute’s Academy Philadelphia is thrilled to welcome its newest cohort, PHILA26,…
Karla Brooks-Hartsfield
“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…
Dr. Jessica Thomas
“Surge represents the transformative experience I need at this stage in my leadership journey. I am seeking a community that will help me operate in my authenticity and unlock the…
Marlon Viaud
“Thus far, Surge has meant community to me. As I grow older, social circles become smaller, and far too often, the progress that needs to happen in our community falters…
Tracey Felder
“Surge represents healing, empowerment, and rediscovery. After experiencing a personal loss, I am reclaiming my purpose and stepping fully back into leadership with courage and clarity. As a former teacher,…