Catina Taylor

Catina Taylor is the Founder of Dreams Consulting. “Surge means an opportunity to be self-reflective. It will afford me the opportunity to look at the impact that a white supremacist…

Jacqueline Rodriguez

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…

Kim Riley

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…

Jahna Riley

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…

Cescily Phillips

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…

David Muhammad

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…

Ajia Morris

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…

Eduardo Mendez

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…

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…

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…