Carolina Figueroa is the Bilingual Community Organizer at Stand for Children. “I am currently a DACA recipient and it has changed my life in such a positive way, and I know it was only possible with the movement we fought for years. Organizing, action-taking, and being a part of that change takes time and patience.…
Geoffrey Fenelus is the Founder/Executive Director of PROMISE PREP. “Programs help individuals or a group of people learn ideas, actions, or theoretical frameworks on how to achieve a particular goal. However, a movement is a group of people that work collectively to advance their shared political, social, or economic beliefs or ideas. The key component…
Ava Fenelus is the Assistant Dean of Online Programs & Associate Professor of Science at Relay Graduate School of Education. “For me, the movement that Surge represents is the intentional and active creation of a collective community. This collectivism, by its very nature, lays the foundation for truly anti-racist work. To be part of the…
Theodore Brannum is the Director of Finance and Operations at URBAN ACT Academy. “I want to be a part of a movement that brings a change in leadership. I want to be an agent of change in the communities that I serve. During these times, it’s important that there is social equity in educational leadership and…
Javier Barrera Cervantes the Executive Director at The Latino Youth Collective. “In the fight for justice and equity in education we need to build a movement by people who see their roles in it as a civic duty, as a lifestyle, not as a career.”
Rick Anderson is the Founder & Head of School at Allegiant Prep Academy. “The Surge Institute is dedicated to the empowerment, advancement, growth, and achievement of youth and communities of color. They do this by educating and elevating leaders of color, preparing them to transform urban education and expand the opportunities for our youth. If…
Jasmine Rodriguez is the Director of Mentor Engagement at Starfish Initiative. “I feel very honored to have been selected for the first cohort of Surge Fellows in Indianapolis. I look forward to building relationships and learning from some of the amazing leaders that are part of our city’s educational landscape.”
Mathew Mauricio Rojas is the Assistant Professor, Practice at Relay Graduate School of Education. “I see the Surge community working in a tangent not only towards redefining what educational equity looks like and being present in places where black and brown voices are often not validated but creating a space where we celebrate radical self-love…
Evan M. Taylor is an Instructional Coach at Indianapolis Public Schools. “The rapper and wordsmith put together his last album entitled “Feet of Clay” and noted that it was composed “during the death throes of a crumbling empire.” I find myself seeking to be a part of Surge at these throes as well hoping to begin…
Keeanna Warren is the Associate Executive Director at Purdue Polytechnic High School Network. “Through the Surge network, I hope to learn to build my strategy in navigating the educational system that doesn’t always provide a seat at the table for people who like me. I hope the Surge Academy will give me space and opportunity…