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,…
Pamara Sanders
“Surge represents a sacred call to lead with radical love, vision, and unapologetic truth. As a Black woman, educator, and founder rooted in Detroit, I see Surge as a bridge…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…