Jermaine Wilson is the Executive Director of Student Support Services at DeSoto Independent School District.

“As a Surge Fellow, I hope to increase my leadership capacity to challenge the status quo while connecting with other leaders to contend with issues on the educational landscape that are rooted in socio-historical oppressive narratives and beliefs to help our students to reach the pinnacle of their academic success. Furthermore, I seek to broaden my knowledge base and skills to create powerful change in the system and I am positive that the networks and coaching in the Surge Academy will help me to not only join the movement but help others to catch fire as well. More than ever, we need courageous leaders that will push the conversation and actions further to ensure that African-American and Latinx youth are given a rigorous education that will help them to navigate the waters of life successfully.”