Nicole Spicer
“As a Surge Fellow, I will have opportunities to develop my leadership style and voice to infuse culturally sensitive social, emotional and restorative policies and practices. It is my responsibility…
Michelle Kemp
“This movement is to not only change the trajectory of our youth, but to also become more unified culturally and socially despite social-economic challenges. Through Surge, I look forward to…
Maraliz Salgado
“To me, Surge is about purposefully and unapologetically endeavoring to right some of the wrongs of the systemic oppression of black and brown people through our education and empowerment. Surge…
Liam Bird
“In Illinois and elsewhere, the system is doing what it was designed to do: reproduce racial and social privilege by perpetuating the legacy of “separate and unequal” in our schools.…
Lildella Douglas
“Great moments and opportunities are rare and must be recognized to be enjoyed. Moments to step up to the plate and hit a home run or moments to glean from…
Janine Franklin
“As a scholar, it’s often easy to talk about the issue of equity in education conceptually. While some of that is necessary, Surge provides a space for people like myself…
Kyra Marcano
“I see Surge as a synergistic community, and I am ready to take charge of the work for the sake of empowerment and advancement of future generations.” Kyra Marcano is…
Erica Bauer
“Surge will help me to maximize my ability to be relationally strategic to lead others in doing right by our students. Ultimately, I long to be in a collective of…
Iris Dominguez
“Our students cannot aspire to be what they do not see. Ultimately, I see the Surge Fellowship as a movement that transforms schools into mirrors for our youth. I am…
Christine Diaz
“I know that I will never have the impact I desire if I don’t push my own boundaries and strengthen my ability to be ‘comfortable with being uncomfortable.’ At the…