When 25 visionary leaders from across Chicago answered a profound call to action last September, they stepped into a sacred space designed to disrupt historical inequities and deepen their impact within the communities they serve. 

This weekend, that transformative journey reaches a monumental milestone. Surge Institute proudly stands in celebration as our 2026 Surge Fellowship Chicago cohort graduates and steps into their legacy.

When we first welcomed this exceptional group of educators, innovators, and advocates 10 months ago, we knew their collective power would be undeniable. Since that time, the fellows have immersed themselves in an intentional, rigorous curriculum centered on institutional navigation, executive skill-building, and racial healing. They have challenged systems, leaned into vulnerability, and constructed a foundational family rooted in shared purpose, radical love, and mutual accountability.

As Ulric Shannon, Executive Director of the Surge Fellowship Chicago, noted at the start of their journey, each of these leaders brings a unique perspective and an enduring dedication to transforming education. Now, as they transition from fellows to alumni, that transformation takes on a wider, systemic scope.

To our 2026 Chicago graduates: You have run the race, kept the faith, and elevated the standard of what it means to lead with authenticity and courage. This weekend is a celebration of your brilliance, your resilience, and your radical joy. But remember, graduation is not an exit; it is your official induction into a lifelong movement.

We are thrilled to welcome you into the Surge Family. You now join a powerful, nationwide network of alumni who are actively rewriting the narrative of educational leadership. Your brilliance will continue to fuel our collective momentum, and your voice will remain a vital anchor in this work.