Surge Academy Detroit Announces Its 2027 Cohort
The academy will welcome its newest cohort of fellows as part of its continued mission to develop leaders and transform education across the Detroit area.
DETROIT, MI (September 2, 2026) — Surge Academy Detroit proudly announces the members of its 2027 cohort, marking another milestone in the organization’s mission to cultivate leaders, strengthen communities, and create transformational change for education throughout the greater Detroit area.
This year’s cohort brings together a diverse group of educators from across Detroit, each selected for their leadership potential, drive, and commitment to making a lasting impact in their communities.
“Every new cohort reminds me that Detroit does not have a shortage of leaders. The brilliance, vision, and commitment are already here. Our work at Surge is to create the space for leaders to deepen who they are, build community with one another, and expand what they believe is possible for Detroit’s young people and families. I am incredibly excited to welcome the 2027 cohort into the Surge family and to witness what becomes possible when this powerful group of leaders learns, dreams, and leads together.” – Andrea Black Evans, Executive Director, Surge Academy.
The 2027 fellows will take part in Surge Academy Detroit’s signature program, which includes intentional self-discovery, community building, executive coaching, and culminates with the Freedom Dreams capstone presentation.
Meet the 2027 Surge Academy Detroit Fellows:
- Andrea Meza – Youth Programs Coordinator, Congress of Communities
- Ariel Pompey – Co-Director of Prevention Programs, Eastern Michigan University
- Aurelia Ramos – Principal, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Chelsea King – Assistant Director, Community Education Commission (GOAL Line-Detroit)
- Christian King – Senior Executive Director, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Damarco James Jr. – Assistant Principal of Communication and Media Arts, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Keri Wallace – Director of Program Operations, The Yunion
- Kizzie Adams – Assistant Director, Recruitment & Staffing, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Lamar Jones – Senior Director, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Latisha Smith – Principal, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Mario Lemons – Head of School, Detroit Achievement Academy
- Marseille Arbuckle – COO, The Center for Urban Youth and Family Development
- Marsha Lewis – Curriculum Leader, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Morenike Hood – Principal, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Nicholas Symonette – Assistant Principal, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Serwaa Anne Osei Danquah – Student Development Compliance Manager, University Prep Schools
- Silver Moore – Sr. Director of Middle School Curriculum & Instruction, University Prep Schools
- Tamala Wiley – Educator Development Specialist, Talent Together
- Tamia Cooper – Program Director, Urban Alliance Detroit
- Tina Davis – Certified Teacher, Detroit Public Schools Community District
The 2027 cohort will officially kick off with its opening retreat on October 8-10, 2026, with programming continuing until March 2027. Members of the public and media who are interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Surge Academy Detroit directly.
Surge Academy Detroit is made possible through collaboration with and support from the Michigan Education Workforce Initiative, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and The Skillman Foundation.
About Surge Institute
Surge Academy is a signature program of Surge Institute, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 by Carmita Semaan. The Detroit Academy is a six-month, best-in-class leadership experience for emerging leaders of color in education, blending executive skill-building with racial healing, community-building, and vision-driven projects. Learn more at surgeinstitute.org.
