The Chicago Game-Changers Have Arrived!

25 Education Titans Just Rewrote Chicago's Leadership Playbook

In a city where dreams and realities often clash, 25 bold education leaders have broken through barriers. The CHI26 Surge Fellowship cohort has arrived, reshaping what leadership means for our communities.

BRILLIANCE UNLEASHED

The Surge Institute’s Fellowship Chicago introduces a dynamic collective of 25 visionary leaders beginning their transformative journey this month. These changemakers will expand their leadership, sharpen their voices, and step further into the roles our communities urgently need.

Throughout the Fellowship, they will strengthen executive skills, tackle complex challenges, and learn to build resilient teams while confronting the inequities that continue to define education and politics in Chicago.

“I am incredibly honored to welcome this exceptional group of leaders into the 2026 Surge Fellowship Chicago cohort,” says Ulric Shannon, Chicago Executive Director. “Each brings unique perspectives and an unwavering commitment to equity and justice. I’m confident they will emerge as powerful advocates who push our city forward.”

TRANSFORMATION UNLEASHED

This cohort ignites a powerful movement that believes in unlimited potential, refuses mediocrity, and surges forward with unstoppable momentum.

The CHI26 leaders are here. Chicago will never be the same.