On the evening of June 17, we held our final DET27 Surge Academy recruitment event of the season, #LeadTheSurge Detroit, at Owl & Oaks.

Despite the rain, 101 fellows, alumni, and partners showed up and showed out because being part of this community matters that much to them! #LeadTheSurge isn't just an event; it's the centerpiece of the momentum we build around our movement to recruit the next generation of leaders.  

The Power of Community in Action

What made this evening so special wasn't just the numbers, but the feeling in the room. Surge alumni were there, and their presence was magnetic. Their enthusiasm, love for each other, and unwavering commitment to Surge were infectious. They weren't there as speakers on a stage; they were there as living testimonies, sharing their journeys with prospective fellows and encouraging them to take the leap. Prospective fellows were eager to talk with alumni and participate in the evening festivities. And we can’t forget to shout out our partners who attended and continue to support and advocate for us.

This is what community looks like. Not a network. Not a database. A real community where people show up for each other, lift each other up, and create space for the next generation to step into their power. The energy was undeniable, and the community was there for each other. That's the kind of belonging we're building here.

A Season Well Lived

This recruitment season has been extraordinary. From our first event to #LeadTheSurge, we've witnessed the power of community, the hunger for transformation, and the readiness of Detroit's leaders to claim their place in this movement. The conversations, the connections made, the testimonies shared—all of it has built momentum toward the next cohort of Surge Academy Detroit Fellows.

As we move into the next phase, we're grateful to everyone who showed up and helped us build the community that makes Surge so special. Whether you're a Detroit alum or a partner in this work, you are part of something bigger than yourself, and we appreciate you.