After six powerful months of rigorous leadership development, coursework, and intentional community fellowship, the PHILA26 cohort “Volume 4” crossed the finish line. Their recent closing weekend marked the end of their Surge Academy experience, but the launch point for all they will do going forward.

Surrounded by their advisors, colleagues, loved ones, and Surge staff, each fellow presented their Freedom Dream on Pitch Day and was recognized for their accomplishments on Graduation Day.

One fellow remarked, “I feel equipped and ready to take my freedom dream to the next level. The feedback was so specific, and our advisors handled us with such care.”

Keeping with our Surge tradition, on graduation day, Volume 4 received a special message from an alum of last year's cohort, Ansharaye Hines. She reminded everyone of the urgency of our times and the hope we can draw from understanding the trailblazers who came before us and the work they were able to accomplished despite the stakes they faced.

We wrap up our fourth cycle in Philadelphia with so much to celebrate. By the end of the fellowship, 7 of the 16 fellows had achieved a role expansion or promotion. Yet, even more than professional success, Volume 4 has been transformed with greater confidence, vulnerability, boldness, faith, impact, and a fervor to dream big.

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