We are thrilled to introduce you to Kennedy Reese, MPP—a powerhouse philanthropic strategist who's joining the Surge Institute to help us amplify the voices, visions, and victories of Black and Brown education leaders across the nation!

Kennedy comes to us with a track record that speaks VOLUMES. As a former Director at CCS Fundraising, she's partnered with game-changing organizations like Caltech, Cal Performances, and Habitat for Humanity, bringing strategic brilliance to every table she sits at. But here's what really lights us up: Kennedy doesn't just raise funds; she builds MOVEMENTS.

Before that? She helped the Public Rights Project TRIPLE in size and transition to independent management—proof that when you combine vision with execution, you don't just grow; you TRANSFORM.

But here's what makes Kennedy PERFECT for Surge:

She gets it. She understands the systemic barriers that our communities face. She knows that real change doesn't come from the top down—it comes from empowering leaders of color who are closest to the challenges and closest to the solutions. With her Master of Public Policy from USC and her deep commitment to equity, Kennedy brings both the head knowledge and the heart passion that this work demands.

Kennedy, we see you. We celebrate you. And we are READY to build alongside you.

You're stepping into a community that believes in the power of Black and Brown leaders to reshape education—not someday, but RIGHT NOW. Your expertise in nonprofit development and fundraising will help us resource the revolution, and we couldn't be more grateful or more HYPED to have you here.

Welcome home, Kennedy. Let's get to work. Let's make history. Let's SURGE. 💪🏾✨

The Surge Institute empowers leaders of color to transform education systems and create equitable opportunities for all students. With Kennedy on our team, we're one step closer to that vision becoming reality.

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