On March 6, National Employee Appreciation Day,  Surge Institute turned its full energy toward the people who make its mission breathe.

The message was clear: Surge's lasting impact on K-12 education equity lives in the people who show up every single day — relentless, committed, and on fire for the work of developing diverse education leaders.

A Message From the Top

Interim CEO Will Collins addressed the Surge team with a message that was direct, personal, and unmistakably him: equal parts gratitude, wisdom, and soul.

"Happy Employee Appreciation Day! I just want to take a moment to say thank you. The work you all do every day matters. It takes care, commitment, and a real belief in the mission we serve."

Will acknowledged every dimension of the work that powers Surge's fellowship programs and organizational infrastructure:

"Whether you're supporting fellows, strengthening programs, managing operations, building partnerships, or solving the hundred problems that come with building something meaningful — you're helping move this mission forward."

He closed with characteristic warmth and a boundary worth celebrating:

"I'm proud to be in this work with you. Now make sure you sign off at NOON! Love y'all to the moon and back!"

🎵 A Gift From Will's Queue

Will curated a team playlist rooted in his personal reset ritual. "Music is one of the ways I reset and stay grounded. It is my love language!" The playlist spans R&B, old school soul, jazz, gospel, house, Latin, and a little yacht rock. “Basically, the kind of playlist that makes the workday feel like a very responsible cookout.”

▶ Listen on Spotify ▶ Listen on Apple Music

‍