Surge Institute

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Surge Institute

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Our Mission: To educate and develop leaders of color who create transformative change for young people, their families and our broader communities.

The Surge Fellowship is a leadership accelerator for education leaders of color in Chicago, founded by Carmita Semaan.

10/16/2026

Surge alumni!! If you are a founder, co-founder or leader of an early-stage venture and want more tools and resources to further your venture, apply to the cohort!

Submit your application by October 23rd! Applications are open now! https://surgeinstitute.org/angels/

Learn more here: https://alumni.surgeinstitute.org/programs/surge-angels

10/15/2026

This National Principals Month we are celebrating our principals across the country!

All items on the BPN store are 25% off! Check out our new merch and rep our leaders changing lives everywhere!

Unlock your discount with code: PMONTH26

https://store.surgeinstitute.org/collections/black-principals-network

10/14/2026

It’s Latinx Heritage Month and today we’re shining light on Surge alum, Laura Palacios (KC20).

Laura is the CEO of LIA Inspiration. Laura shared a powerful message and testimony in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month. Laura says, “I do not lead despite where I come from. I lead because of it. My culture, lived experience, and community are the source of my strength, and I carry a responsibility to open doors wider for those coming behind me.”

Read Laura’s full story at The Charge Newsletter site: https://newsletter.surgeinstitute.org/

10/12/2026

It’s Latinx Heritage Month and today we’re shining light on Surge alum, Marisol Bien Teachworth Walton (DET26).

Marisol is the Director of Youth Development at Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation and an alum of our most recent Surge Academy Detroit cohort!

Marisol shared a message for a message for the next generation of Latinx leaders telling them, “You don’t have to wait for permission to lead. Your culture, stories, ancestors, and lived experiences are sources of strength and wisdom. Trust yourself, stay rooted in community, and imagine beyond what seems possible. There is room for you to lead—and your voice can help create the future we need.”

Read Marisol’s full story at The Charge Newsletter site: https://newsletter.surgeinstitute.org/

10/09/2026

We are so excited to welcome Nicole Baker Fulgham, PhD to the Surge Institute Board of Directors!

Nicole’s journey in education advocacy is deeply rooted in her early career as a public school teacher in Compton, California. Since then, she has been a relentless force for equity. She previously served on Teach For America’s C-suite, where she led teams dedicated to eliminating education inequality nationwide. She also founded and served as president of The Expectations Project, growing it into the nation’s largest network of 50,000 faith-motivated advocates who successfully drove education policy change at the local, state, and national levels.

Beyond her grassroots and policy leadership, Nicole is a powerhouse in the philanthropic sector. She is currently the founder of The Townsend Collaborative, a philanthropy network and advising practice that empowers African American philanthropists to effect systemic change. Her impressive executive background includes serving as Chief Impact Officer at the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, where she co-managed a $2.3 billion family foundation. Over her career, she has raised more than $60 million for nonprofits, designed philanthropic strategy for $110 million in grants, and managed an additional $900 million in grants.

Welcome to the Surge family, Nicole!

10/08/2026

It’s Latinx Heritage Month and today we’re shining light on Surge alum, Jorge Alaves (CHI26).

Jorge is a school counselor at Lindblom Math and Science Academy and shared a lot of wisdom with us about community, education equity and inspiration for the generation of Latinx leaders.

Jorge shared that he wants the next generation of Latinx leaders to know, “We are more capable than we realize. We carry a resiliency and fighting spirit from our families and ancestors. As a community, we will push forward and create positive change.”

Read Jorge’s full story at The Charge Newsletter site: https://newsletter.surgeinstitute.org/

10/07/2026

It’s National Principals Month! We want to highlight and share stories from the Black Principals Network (BPN)! Our amazing BPN community is filled with leaders who impact students every day and support the growth of our children!

Listen to TLC alum, Stacy Gray (TLC25), talk about her journey to principalship and how the TLC cohort positively impacted her leadership!

10/05/2026

Happy to the educators who inspire, nurture, and transform lives every day. 🍎✨

To celebrate, we’re offering special discounts on select items in the Surge Store! Show your appreciation for the educators in your life—or treat yourself to some Surge gear.

Shop now and celebrate the impact of teachers everywhere. 🧡

https://store.surgeinstitute.org/

10/01/2026

This National Principals Month, we’re celebrating the school leaders who show up every day with vision, courage, care and are working to create schools where students and educators can thrive.

Principals do more than lead schools. They shape culture, build community, develop people, and create the conditions for what’s possible.

At Surge, we believe in investing in leaders who are not only navigating today’s challenges, but imagining and building what education can become.

To every principal leading with purpose, challenging the status quo, and making a difference in your community: we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re grateful for your leadership.

Stay tuned for messages from the Black Principals Network’s TLC alumni and more special messages this month!

Happy National Principals Month! 🍎💙

09/25/2026

Surge is heading to Las Vegas for TFA’s 35th Anniversary Summit!

📅 October 2–3�
📍 Booth #300 | TFA35 | Las Vegas

Surge will be on the ground connecting with leaders, partners, alumni, and friends from across the education community. Stop by Booth #300 to connect with the Surge team and learn more about how we’re developing, elevating, and connecting education leaders across the country.

Learn more about Surge at TFA35: https://surgeinstitute.org/teach-for-america.html

Address

2045 W. Grand Avenue, Suite B, PMB 63441
Chicago, IL
60612

Website

http://www.surgeinstitute.org/

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