Surge Institute

Family, we are BUZZING with excitement! Our Surge family just got even more incredible with Maria Townsend (CHI24)  stepping into her role as Program Director for Alumni Impact Team. From Riviera Beach to Chicago's Southside, Mari brings that special southern sparkle and transformational leadership that makes our community shine. This Florida Orange turned Windy City changemaker is a fierce advocate for equity of voice and authentic student narratives. Mari started as a History teacher empowering students to share their own stories. Her journey through Chicago Public Schools and Noble Schools showcases the leadership development expertise we live for. As Grade Level Dean and Humanities Department Chair, she proved that data-driven insights plus genuine care equals incredible results for students. What sets Mari apart? Her deep understanding that leaders need wellness and resilience to create change. Her work designing healing-centered retreats and leadership conferences is exactly the holistic approach that transforms communities. Mari's expertise in developing professional learning plans that actually work – real capacity building that makes a difference – is what our alumni network needs to reach new heights. With her Masters from Concordia University-Portland and Bachelor's from FAMU, Mari brings both academic rigor and cultural understanding. But here's what we love most: Mari is in the Surge family already! As a CHI24 Fellowship alumna, she knows our power firsthand. Mari's proven track record creating curriculum for 18-campus networks and elevating leader wellness means our alumni are about to experience next-level support and impact opportunities. Welcome to the family, Mari! Your passion, expertise, and commitment to educational equity is exactly what we need to keep building this movement of leaders who demand excellence and equity for every student. Please join us in welcoming Mari Townsend to this new chapter of impact. The Surge energy just got even more unstoppable!  #LeadTheSurge #LeadershipInAction #SurgeAlumni

Last week, our TLC25 cohort had their Mid-Retreat that included an incredible fireside chat conversation focused on biases in leadership. This Mid-Retreat was a powerful experience for our fellows to build on their leadership, connect with one another and learn from other leaders in the space to nurture their own liberation. #LeadTheSurge #BlackPrincipalsNetwork #TLC25

♥️ Black Principals, this space is for YOU. Join us for our, It Takes a Village: Open Forum & Virtual Networking Mixer—a space to speak truth, share experiences, and build authentic community with fellow Black school leaders. 💬 Talk real issues 🫱🏾🫲🏽 Connect + build with other Black principals
 🎉 Leave empowered—and seen. 🗓 August 14th 6 PM CT
 🔗 Register now + submit a topic anonymously: https://lnkd.in/g5AVMUnz #BlackPrincipalsNetwork #LeadWithCommunity #LeadTheSurge

Congratulations again to the CHI25 "D.N.A" cohort! Our 11th cohort in Chicago! We had an incredible closing retreat and graduation! They pitched their Freedom Dreams and celebrated finishing their 10-month journey.  #SoarWithSurge #LeadTheSurge #CHI25 #LeadersInEducation

📣 Philly, it’s your time to #LeadTheSurge! Join us on August 21st at SouthSide Events for a powerful evening of connection, celebration, and community. We’re honoring our local partners and alumni—and inviting prospective Fellows to step into a movement built by and for leaders of color in education. 💬 Hear inspiring stories 
🤝 Network with changemakers
 📚 Learn more about the Surge Academy Fellowship Let’s build. Let’s lead. Let’s surge. 💥 📍 1410 Mt Vernon St | 5:30–7:30PM
 🔗 RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/g8PYvMxu #SurgePhilly #LeadTheSurge #SurgeAcademy #LeadersOfColor #EducationForLiberation

🌟REMINDER! Surge Alumni! Our Annual Surge Alumni Survey, and we’re boldly asking for 100% participation from our entire alumni community. Your responses will directly guide how we refine our programming, enhance alumni support, and dream up new services that truly meet your needs and the needs of future fellows. The survey will close on July 26th at 11:59 PM PT Complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gPz5bYnk #LeadTheSurge #SurgeAlumni

"It found me when I was ready to do ‘the work.’" At Surge, leadership begins with self. 💡 This reflection from a Surge alum reminds us that transformation isn't just professional—it's deeply personal. We honor the brave, bold, and brilliant leaders who allow this space to be one of healing, growth, and radical self-definition. 💛 #SurgeInstitute #SurgeVoices #HealingAndLeadership #LeadersOfColor #SurgeForward

🌟Surge Alumni! It’s time for our Annual Surge Alumni Survey, and we’re boldly asking for 100% participation from our entire alumni community. We want to hear where you are in your journey, and how we’re doing as an organization designed to serve and uplift you. Your responses will directly guide how we refine our programming, enhance alumni support, and dream up new services that truly meet your needs and the needs of future fellows. The survey will close on Saturday, July 26th at 11:59 PM PT Complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gPz5bYnk #LeadTheSurge #SurgeAlumni

🔥 SURGE ACADEMY PHILADELPHIA: APPLICATIONS OPEN 🔥 Six months. Executive coaching. Powerful community. Lasting impact. Black and Latinx education leaders: This transformative experience launches January 2026. Apply by October 1st. 🔗APPLY: https://lnkd.in/gY4mhkt6 🔗LEARN MORE: https://lnkd.in/gjrdfh3w #SurgePhiladelphia #PHILA26 #ApplyNow #PhillyEdLeaders #SurgeAcademy #EducationRevolution

Another cohort enters Alumnihood this weekend! We are excited to celebrate the graduation of our 2025 Chicago cohort! A powerful collective of 25 leaders in education have completed their Surge Fellowship cohort experience. We are so proud of you all! Congratulations! #LeadTheSurge #SurgeFellows #CHI25 #Chicago