Brittney Heverling

Brittney Heverling is the Development and Engagement Manager at Kansas City Teacher Residency. “Surge Academy creates space and place for leaders of color to unite in their purpose developing equitable education opportunities for all children.”

Cristina Marquez

Cristina Marquez is the Founding Social Worker at Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy. “Surge is the opportunity I’ve been looking for to connect and engage with other passionate educators. I am motivated to serve my community in a larger capacity than I currently am. At this point, I not only want, but I need more…

AshleyMarie Marie

AshleyMarie Marie is a Postsecondary Retention Specialist at Kauffman Scholars Inc. “I’m choosing to embark on the Surge experience because I believe it will help me to see myself and the world I exist in. The reveal will help me cultivate my impact.”

Jorge Fuller

Jorge Fuller is an Impact Manager at City Year Kansas City. “For every challenge, there is a success only seen by the beholder.”-JAF.  Imagine the times of Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. DuBois, articles discussing their ideologies of Pan-Africanism and the needs of black people. Whether it be repairing the broken spirit of the “9/10th” or…

Susana Elizarraraz

Susana Elizarraraz is the Vice President of Educator Supports at Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC). “What Surge means to me is a place of community to tackle the uphill battle of working toward making education a more equitable place for children, youth, and families of color. It can often feel isolating to be working against a…

Laura Isabel Palacios

Laura Isabel Palacios is the Content Marketing Specialist, supporting Education, Evaluation, and KC Civic at Kauffman Foundation. “There are many leadership development programs in KC, but there is not one that focuses on identity and education. I would consider this experience beyond development and categorize it as a privilege to be a part of… because…

Welcome the Kansas City 2020 Surge Academy Fellows!

We are proud to announce that 17 leaders of color who currently serve within the Kansas City education landscape have been selected for the 2020 Surge Academy Fellowship!  The Surge Institute initially began by serving Chicago-based communities in 2015, with the total number of our National Surge Alumni reaching over 100 education leaders of color…

Lateshia Woodley

Lateshia Woodley is the Executive Director of Student Support Services at Kansas City Public Schools. “It is often difficult to find professional development geared toward junior and senior-level leadership. The reputation that Surge has and the ability to connect with other people of color in leadership in Kansas City was one of my driving forces.…