Isaiah Walker
Isaiah Walker is Chief Program Officer at Common Ground Foundation. “I have been a part of the education reform movement for years and my experiences have been life changing. I…
Star Taylor
Star Taylor is Program Manager at Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders. “I can’t do the work alone. I want to be challenged and pushed in a unique way and learn…
Latanya Simmons
Latanya Simmons is Program Director at Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders. “Being part of affinity spaces of like-minded individuals provides a sense of healing and comfort from racial stress and/or…
Biridiana Rodriguez
Biridiana Rodriguez is the Director of Quality & Accountability at the School District of Philadelphia’s Charter Schools Office. “Surge’s vision is to dramatically and urgently transform the lives and educational…
Ashley Pollard
Ashley Pollard is Digital Inclusion Manager at City of Philadelphia. “Since moving to Philly in 2020, I’ve sought to build relationships with my neighbors and root myself in my community.…
Malia Neal
Malia Neal is Executive Director at Artwell. “As an educational leader and an aspiring Head of School, I want to continue to create nurturing, progressive spaces for young people with…
Mandisa John
Mandisa John is Director of Program and Partnerships at Urban Teachers – Philadelphia “With my current role, I have reached a turning point in my career where I am stepping…
Malarie Grace
Malarie Grace is a manager at Elevate 215. “Through Surge, I hope to gain community, safe spaces to build vital skills, and gain truths unwillingly shared in Philadelphia. I hope…
Shannon Ellis
Shannon Ellis is the Director of Climate Implementation & Innovation at The School District of Philadelphia. “The opportunity to be named a Surge Fellow is both humbling and rewarding. I…
Le’Yondo Dunn
Le’Yondo Dunn is Chief Program Officer at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School. “Philadelphia is the poorest, large city in the United States, and the implications on students, particularly brown and Black students,…