Family, we are BUZZING with excitement! Our Surge family just got even more incredible with Mari Townsend CHI24 stepping into her role as Program Director for Alumni Impact Team.

Meet Maria: A Force for Change

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.

Classroom Champion to System Transformer

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.

Building Resilient Leaders

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.

Academic Excellence Meets Impact

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.

Ready to Soar

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.

The Surge energy just got even more unstoppable!