Jacqueline Rodriguez is the Director of ESOL and Migrant Programs at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. “The Surge Fellowship is an opportunity for me to expand my leadership with like-minded individuals. It provides me an experience that will differ from my academic experiences because of the focus on diversity.”
Kim Riley is the Founder and Executive Director of The Transition Academy. “Surge is committed to lifting up and strengthening education professionals of color for the purpose of transforming schools and equipping students for success. This commitment also extends to students of color with disabilities who were born in a world that was not designed…
Jahna Riley is the Founder of Aya Coffee and Books. “I think people of color – specifically those fighting for the lives of our children – have been beaten up by the institutions we work for. We all need some healing to liberate ourselves and be a part of liberating our communities. After speaking with…
Cescily Phillips is the Dean of Students at Ewing Marion Kauffman School. “Surge is a movement! Something amazing about movements is that they are not just for those actively working within them. Surge’s movement works on behalf of our amazing, talented young people who aren’t always able to fight on their own behalf. And while…
David Muhammad is the Executive Director and Head Youth Instructor at Integrity Martial Arts Academy. “I’ve been craving an environment that will challenge me to work through my shortcomings. I recognize that my professional experience thus far has primarily been in comfortable environments. However, I realize that to achieve my goals, I need to be…
Ajia Morris is the Founder & CEO of The Greenline Initiative. “Realizing how pervasive institutional oppression is has compelled me to be an educational leader and now, as a Surge Fellow, I will be significantly more prepared to advocate on behalf of students in my community. Every major metropolitan city I have lived in (Compton,…
Eduardo Mendez is the Director of Student Services at the Guadalupe Centers School. “While the achievement gap between Latino and African-Americans compared to white children has been well documented over the years, what has been less noted is the equity or opportunity gap that exists among these groups. Part of what I hope to gain…
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 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 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.”