Surge Fellowship Chicago Launches 2026 Cohort with Powerful Opening Retreat

Community. Love. Excitement. These are just a few words that defined the opening retreat for the 2026 Chicago Surge Fellowship. From the moment fellows stepped into the room, it was clear this gathering was more than a kick-off. It was the beginning of something transformative.

Twenty-five dynamic leaders from across Chicago came together, not knowing one another, but united by a shared purpose to lead boldly and impact deeply. What started as a room full of strangers quickly became a family.

The retreat opened with warm welcomes from Ulric Shannon, Executive Director of Surge Chicago, and Janeen Lee, Program Director, setting the tone for a weekend grounded in authenticity and reflection. One of the most powerful moments came early on, when fellows were invited to share a personal artifact that held deep meaning.  This intentional act of storytelling unlocked vulnerability, trust, and a sense of belonging that resonated throughout the entire weekend.

Throughout the retreat, fellows leaned right into the Surge fellowship space by reflecting on their own stories and leadership journeys.

They began to build trust across lines of difference and embraced vulnerability as a leadership strength.

They explored themes of racial identity, power, and purpose. All while uplifting one another, and diving into the hard, necessary work of leadership rooted in equity.

This year’s cohort brings together seasoned educators, nonprofit trailblazers, and systems-level thinkers, each committed to transforming outcomes for communities of color. As they begin their 10-month journey, they carry with them the spirit of Surge: vision, community, and courage.

We’re excited to walk alongside these 25 leaders and watch as they continue building momentum. Not just momentum for themselves, but for the generations of change makers to follow.

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