Jacqueline Pickens

Jacqueline Pickens is a Juvenile Justice Re-Engagement Specialist at Chicago Public Schools. “Participating in Surge will give me the space to learn from other leaders of color in Chicago. Many times,…

Scott Tillman

Scott Tillman is a High School College Counselor at Butler College Prep High School – Noble Schools. “Surge to me is an opportunity to be in community with other leaders…

Julian Williams

Julian Williams, Ph.D., is the Senior Partnerships Manager at Partnership for College Completion. “The Surge Fellowship provides an opportunity for me to connect with like-minded Black and Latinx educators. Engaging…

Lucy Weatherly

Lucy Weatherly is a Director of Communication and Community Development at Intrinsic Schools. “The Surge Fellowship creates an opportunity for me to listen and learn from inspiring peers in a…

Ugochukwu Ukasoanya

Ugochukwu Ukasoanya is an Equity Policy Fellow at Chicago Public Schools. “Historically, systemic marginalization has played a role in the plight of Black and Latinx individuals and families. Racism, bias, and…

Martiaè Jenkins-Alexander

Martiaè Jenkins-Alexander is a Resident Principal – Chicago Leadership Collaborative at Chicago Public Schools. “Surge means operationalizing the principle of Ujima. This happens by bringing my gifts as a strategist…

Stephanie Hernandez

Stephanie Hernandez is the Teacher Leadership Operations Manager, Distributed Leadership Specialist at Chicago Public Schools. “To me, Surge is a collective of like-minded people of Color serving youth in Chicago who…

Sameka Gates

Sameka Gates is a 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher at KIPP Chicago. “Surge means an opportunity to continue to grow as a person and as a leader. To be surrounded by…