You know that feeling when you walk into a room and immediately sense something powerful is about to unfold? That's exactly what happened on November 20th, in Detroit. 58 education leaders and community builders gathered for DET26 Fireside Chat: Leading Change for Equity.

Surge Academy Detroit hosted this powerful fireside chat moderated by Terrence Pruitt, featuring inspiring insights from Angela Reyes, Andre Ebron, and Tiffany Johnson. The conversation opened with each speaker sharing what’s bringing them joy in this season, offering a humanizing entry point into a dialogue rooted in authenticity and reflection.

The panelists spoke candidly about what they had to learn about themselves to make an impact in this work, naming the need to lean into courage, self-awareness, vulnerability, and the fullness of their identities. They lifted leadership lessons that continue to shape their journeys, while also naming the challenges they are currently navigating.

Four Powerful Themes Emerged

A set of powerful themes emerged during the conversation:

• Ancestral Intelligence as a guide and grounding force
• Solidarity and Collaboration as essential tools for collective power
• Stewarding self-care and collective well-being as strategies for holding onto our humanity
• Remaining centered in community as the socio-political landscape continues to shift

Looking ahead, each speaker offered a Freedom Dream for 2030 — visions of equitable, community-rooted education systems and liberated social impact spaces across Detroit, Michigan, and the nation.

Veneice Daniels, (DET26) Fellow, captured it perfectly: "The idea that I am here to interrupt and disrupt resonated deeply with me. It reminded me that my leadership isn't accidental...it's necessary."

Destiny Allen, (DET26) Fellow, reflected on how the fireside chat pushed her thinking: "It showed me that to lead the kind of transformative work I envision, I have to go deeper...deeper in my thinking, my planning, and my execution."

Amber Harrison, (DET26) Fellow, connected it back to leadership responsibility: "Session 3 reminded me that imagination is not a luxury, it's a leadership responsibility." 

The fireside chat reinforced that student voice and imagination aren't extras—they're core to real transformation.

The Surge Academy Detroit Difference

This is why Surge Institute's work in Detroit matters. When you bring together leaders deeply rooted in community, who understand both the challenges and untapped brilliance of this city, magic happens.

The energy wasn't just inspirational; it was operational and strategic. The kind of collective wisdom that gets forged when you stop waiting for permission and start building the future you know is possible.

What's Next

To the 58 who showed up: you reminded us why leading change for equity is vital. Your presence, your questions, your commitment to doing the work beyond buzzwords, that's what shifts the trajectory for our students and our city.

As Veneice summed it up: "This weekend didn't just give me tools; it gave me clarity, courage, and direction. It reminded me that my leadership has meaning, and that I'm responsible for using it with intention."

Surge Academy Detroit is building a movement of leaders who lead from the root—grounded in community, guided by ancestors, committed to equity as a lived practice.

The charge is ours to carry. And we're not carrying it alone.

The Surge continues. And we're just getting started.