“I grew up with the firm belief that education is one of the greatest equalizers in our society. I also grew up acutely aware that the educational structures and systems that exist intentionally disenfranchise people of color and low-income communities. The Surge Institute’s efforts to work and develop future changemakers who want to and will…
“As a school leader committed to pushing teachers to value alliance across difference, I am hopeful that Surge will support my work of building spaces for a counter-narrative for black and brown students wherein the environment is organized to co-construct social identities of achievement. I want to move my school to become an excellent example…
“I chose Surge because of my desire to take charge and make change. As an African-American woman, born and raised on the Westside of Chicago, I often find myself afraid to advocate for myself because of the “only” syndrome. It feels good to be among other leaders who are making a change in the field of…
“The Surge movement accelerates the collective impact that African American and Latinx leaders have in the education ecosystem. Part of what distinguishes this movement is that it’s not merely placing minorities in leadership roles—it ensures that those in leadership roles are well equipped. It’s about developing leaders with vested interests in the communities they serve.…
“The movement the Surge Fellowship is working on is equipping leaders to create change in their communities, strategic move at changing the world, one fellow at a time. I want to be a part of the change that can happen in Chicago and spread globally. Surge is giving people the tools needed to get to…
“I strongly believe in spaces that are uniquely dedicated to leaders of color that acknowledge the diverse lenses and assets they bring into a group. I strive to learn together with other leaders of color how to become more thoughtful, engaged, and courageous in my work to improve the educational outcomes of my community. I…
“I consider the Surge Fellowship as part of a larger education equity movement. We need people who look like our communities to lead in our communities and our classrooms. In being a Surge Fellow, space is provided to have open honest conversations about the politicizing of our communities and what we can collectively do to…
“Decisions are being made for our Black and Brown youth at a table without any Black and Brown experiences. I believe that Surge is not only intentionally, strategically, and fearlessly changing the representation at the table but is constructing an entirely new table, designed to properly satisfy the needs of our youth. I have been…
“I have had the privilege of working alongside a few Surge Fellows throughout my career and have seen first-hand the self-awareness, clear leadership styles, and fortitude they have not just in the organizations they work for but in the broader community as well. I have always admired leaders who have a clear north star and…
“The Surge fellowship is not only a movement, but it’s a way of life. The namesake itself means power. When I think of my Black and Brown people I think of the natural born power that rests within us. We live in a society that has a history of creating institutions and hierarchies that are…