September 2020 Nicole Beechum
September 2020 “Even before the upheaval of the last several months, our education system was in dire need of a shift in how to define success for our young people.”…
Welcome the 2021 Surge Chicago Cohort!
During this time that we are in, Surge has continued to be resolute regarding our mission to empower and elevate leaders of color given the widespread impact the COVID-19 pandemic…
Naomi Wilfred
Naomi Wilfred is a Teacher at Chicago Public Schools – National Teachers Academy. “Surge is an opportunity to make real change. I am excited to work with like-minded educators and creating…
Ángel L. Vélez
Ángel L. Vélez is a Research Associate at the Office of Community College Research and Leadership – University of Illinois. “The Surge Fellowship creates the space to interrogate and investigate…
Jessica Sullivan-Wilson
Jessica Sullivan-Wilson is the Director, Community Affairs at Teach for America, Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana. “I want to be in a space where I am allowed the opportunity to learn, create,…
Miguel Rodriguez
Miguel Rodriguez is the Assistant Principal at KIPP Chicago – Bloom College Prep. “Now, more than ever, being part of a movement like Surge is critical to realizing a more equitable…
Marshana Pace
Marshana Pace is the Director of Investments at A Better Chicago. “My personal mission is to ensure children of color can lead lives of their choosing instead of lives predetermined…
Jessica Ramos
Jessica Ramos is the Director of Community Engagement at Advance Illinois. “There is true power in being in community with people that understand the importance of fighting for systemic transformation. We…
Rigo Padilla Pérez
Rigo Padilla Pérez is a College and Career Coach at Chicago Public Schools – Solorio Academy High School. “I feel that I am at a point in my life where I…
Danielle McConnell
Danielle McConnell is the Director of Program at One Million Degrees. “The Surge Fellowship will impact my development as I identify sustainable ways to address system change that makes a valuable…