The PennZone

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 3, 2024 ~ Philadelphia Surge Academy Welcomes New Cohort of Education Leaders

The Surge Institute's Philadelphia Surge Academy is proud to announce the arrival of its third cohort of education leaders. This group of 14 talented individuals will embark on a journey towards transformational leadership, with the goal of becoming influential change agents in their communities.

Executive Director Andrea Black Evans, M.Ed., expressed her excitement for this new group, stating that Philadelphia is the perfect place to cultivate a community of leaders dedicated to equity and excellence for Black and Brown children. She quoted civil rights activist Ella Baker, emphasizing the importance of this work and the need to give light to those who are seeking their way.

The 2025 Philadelphia Surge Academy Cohort is made up of a diverse group of individuals from various educational backgrounds. Among them are Tiffany Chalmus, Director of After School Programs at The School District of Philadelphia; Kristin Green-Hayes, a 7th grade teacher at Global Leadership Academy Southwest; and Maritza Guridy, Family Engagement Manager at First Up.

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Other members include Brandon Hall, Sr. Dean of Culture at KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools; Shakia Harris, Program Associate at Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders; Ansharaye Hines, Assistant Director of CTE and Curriculum at Center for Black Educator Development; Dia Jones, Executive Director at Philadelphia Robotics Coalition; Faith Jones-Jackson, Communications Coordinator at Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders; Leyla Lindsay, Staff Representative at The School District of Philadelphia; Namarah McCall-Spellman, Founding Educator at We Love Philly; Ervin Miller, Senior Equity Training Specialist at The School District of Philadelphia; Melissa Molina, High School Principal at Esperanza Cyber Charter School; Raymond Roy-Pace, Professional Learning Specialist at The School District of Philadelphia; and Geneva Sloan, Director of Postsecondary Readiness at The School District of Philadelphia.

As part of the Surge Academy program, these leaders will have the opportunity to develop their executive skills, problem-solving abilities, and team-building techniques. They will also engage in discussions about complex topics such as historical inequity in education and politics.

The Surge Academy is grateful for the support and collaboration of Comcast NBCUniversal and Spring Point Partners, which have made this program possible. With their help, the Surge Academy hopes to continue empowering education leaders who will make a positive impact in their communities.

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