“The Surge Fellowship acknowledges that we are the best advocates and creators of change for our own communities. I want to be part of Surge because it understands the power of our own community and is willing to invest in radical ways to challenge the manifestation of intersectional oppression. Surge understands that the work continues…
“I believe humans and myself thrive when we understand why we do our work and find ways to continue to be inspired. I am passionate about seeking a diverse and critical body of teachers and leaders who look like the students we work and grow alongside. As students and leaders of color, we continue to…
“I am excited to help lead a systematic movement that creates structures for our communities to have the knowledge, human capital, and resources we need to thrive.” Harold Pearson is the Executive Director of SPAAT, a non-profit corporation he co-founded to serve student athletes in the Oakland Bay Area. His experiences as a high school…
“Programs like Surge are essential to sustaining the movement for justice and equity through community, allyship, mentorship, shared struggle, shared successes, and a commitment to continually learn and evolve together.” Sonya Mehta lives, works, and engages in progressive education reform work in Oakland, CA. For five years, she taught kindergarten at a Title I school…
“As a Bay Area native, I am deeply devoted to serving younger generations here. The Surge Fellowship will present me with a unique opportunity to grow as a leader and in community with other educators of color. Our work together can empower young people to not only know themselves as scholars but to fight for…
“I chose Surge because they are making a concerted effort to help talented leaders of color get into position to really exert their strength. I hope to gain vital navigation skills to help execute my vision to serve and support marginalized people in reaching beyond their dreams.” Charles Cole, III is an educator focused on…
2015 Fellow Stacey Mitchell has accepted the role of Director of People at the Obama Foundation, a working, living center for citizenship with the goal to develop the next generation of active citizens and leaders — and what it means to be a good citizen in the 21st century. The Obama Foundation’s mission is to inspire…
January 2018 2017 Fellow Alejandro Espinoza Olazaba has become a 2018 Fellow of The Civic Leadership Academy, an interdisciplinary leadership development program for emerging and high-potential leaders in nonprofit organizations and local government agencies within the City of Chicago and Cook County. Developed by the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement, in partnership with LISC…
2018 Fellow Ángela Munguía has accepted the position of Chief Dream Director at The Future Project, a nonprofit organization that aims to unlock the limitless potential of every young person in this country. In this role, Ángela’s key responsibility is to lead the The Future Project’s Chicago market in establishing a strong foundation and growth.
: The Oakland Surge Fellowship identifies and accelerates promising African-American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Latinx education talent to enhance their expertise and aptitude, empowering them to transform the education ecosystem. Fellows hone: Executive Skills Problem-Solving Team-Building Techniques Navigating Education History & Politics Proclaiming Your Authentic Story/Background Strategic Relationship Management The academy encompasses a combination of content areas…