Vanessa Gutierrez
Vanessa Gutierrez is a Research Analyst II at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. “I chose Surge to be part of a community of leaders of color who…
Ada Gomero
Ada Gomero is a Learning Officer at the MacArthur Foundation. “When I see and hear the Surge movement, I see a coalescence of strong relationships, brilliant people, and an unbending…
Shondele Gillens
Shondele Gillens is an Instructional Leader at Legacy Charter School. “I chose Surge because I want to be a part of a movement driven by the call to reduce unnecessary…
Mildred Garcia Gomez
Mildred Garcia Gomez is the Dean of Students at Chicago Public Schools. “Being a Guatemalan immigrant woman in America is a daily challenge that I oftentimes feel like I am…
Derrick Fleming
Derrick Fleming, Jr. is the Managing Director of Strategic Engagement at Chicago Scholars. “When I think of the Surge Fellowship, the countless Surge events that I have attended, and the…
Robbie Curry
Robbie Curry is the Founder & CEO of at The MARCUS Literacy Project, Inc. “The Surge Fellowship is an opportunity to work closely and engage with people to articulate and…
Lilly Cruz
Lilly Cruz is the Senior Director of Networks at Leading Educators. “A movement is needed for Latinx and Black educational leaders to not only be seen but also be developed…
Emilia Chico
Emilia Chico is the Founder & Principal Consultant at Chico Consulting Group. “As an educator with a history of organizing, I have always felt a sense of struggle and a…
TaraShaun Cain
TaraShaun Cain is the Executive Director, Black Principals Network at the Surge Institute. “I want to join the Surge Fellowship because I am a doer and a life-long learner. I…
David Blancas
David Blancas is the Program Manager for the City of Aurora Financial Empowerment Center at The Neighbor Project. “Always in life, an idea starts small, it is only a sapling…