Lydia Mercer
“Just as important as dismantling and reconstructing current systems and oppressive institutional forces, there is “work” we, as people of color, must do internally. I believe this is the starting…
Cecily Langford
“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…
Helen Loving
“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…
JuDonne Hemingway
“As a member of the 2019 Chicago Surge cohort, I believe that I will be pushed and affirmed by like-minded leaders who all aspire to change the educational outcomes for…
Janene Ingram
Janene Ingram is the Director of Program at Pitch In – Wood Family Foundation
Jessica Jones-Lewis
“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…
Nick Freeman
“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…
Ngozi Harris
“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…
Melissa Flores
“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…
Cheryl Flores
“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…