It’s Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) and the Surge Institute joins the country in honoring the contributions, brilliance, and resilience of Latino/a/e people and culture. And we’re shining the light on our alumni, beginning with Amanda Paz (CHI18).

From the In-Between to the Front of the Room

Born and raised in Chicago, as the daughter of refugees, Amanda knew the ache of the in-between. Ni de aqui, ni de alla. Two worlds. One question: Where do I belong?

That question became her compass.

"With time and wisdom, I recognized that everyone has their differences," Amanda reflects. "My Latine heritage shaped me to create a sense of belonging wherever I go, witnessing the unique gifts each of us brings to the table."

"I was born and raised in Chicago and I intend to stay here," she says. And as a school teacher, she carried that conviction straight into her classroom, where two signs welcomed every student: "You don't need to move to live in a better place" and "Education is Freedom. How bad do you want it?" 

The Work Is Liberation

Amanda is clear about what education equity represents. "It means young people read books that expand their imaginations, learn to think critically, question authority, and defend their perspectives," she says. "We have a lot of work to do. Especially now, when the most marginalized communities carry the heaviest burden. The adults in our society must fight to protect what already exists and expand further.

The Surge Fellowship Chicago, which Amanda completed in 2018, gave her what she tries to build for her students: a space where brilliance is seen, named, and activated.

"Building bonds with like-minded people who helped shine a light on our superpowers was truly transformational," she says. "The last two roles I held came from connections I made in Surge. I imagine it will continue to impact my future path, especially with the growth of the network."

That is the Surge effect: community as career infrastructure, belonging as strategy, fellowship as a gift that compounds across every year that follows.

She lives her truth every day, rooted in Chicago, building belonging in every room she enters, pouring her Latine heritage into every leader she touches. And this Latinx Heritage Month, she is proof that a daughter of refugees can walk into rooms and transform them.

Amanda is currently in pursuit of her next career opportunity, and whoever hires her will gain a leader forged in fellowship, fired by purpose, and clear on why the work matters.