This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting a Surge alumnus who personifies community-focused leadership. 

When Dr. Tenika Holden-Flynn, INDY22, ponders the significance of Black History Month, she reflects, “It’s a celebration of the work of our ancestors. Their work has moved our country forward. Theirs is the work that our entire country must continue to engage in and build upon.” 

We can certainly count Tenika among the architects and builders of this work in the present. She brings more than two decades of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, principal, and head of school, and is currently the executive director of a nonprofit that recruits, develops and supports leaders to teach in under-resourced schools.

Building on her ancestors' legacy means demonstrating leadership that serves her community's best interests. 

“I measure success by walking alongside the community, listening deeply to the impact they seek. I align my work and the work of my team to serve that shared vision. It is this deep alignment that carries the work forward, even through uncertainty, resistance, and volatile conditions.” 

Tenika credits Surge Institute with helping her be intentional about carving out space for self-reflection, a practice that’s helped her navigate new roles and an ever-increasing scope. 

“Surge consistently challenged us to slow down and reflect with intention. Creating that space allowed me to discern what I truly needed to be successful not just in my work, but in life. It pushed me to ask: What tools do I need? What resources will sustain me? That model of disciplined, responsible reflection transformed the way I lead and make decisions.”

She also appreciates the sense of community Surge helps foster among its Alumni. 

“My Surge cohort truly is the X Factor. It’s a rare and extraordinary group of people brilliant, committed, and deeply rooted in love for our community. What makes us special isn’t just our talent, but our shared belief that students deserve more, more opportunity, more access, more possibility. We celebrate each other, carry each other through challenges, and come together with purpose. Collectively, we are not just doing work, we are helping students build the lives they deserve and dream about.

The work continues. Surely, the ancestors are smiling at Surge Alumni like Dr. Tenika Holden-Flynn, who embodies the power, brilliance, and impact of Black leadership in education and beyond.