ASCENSION Event Celebrates Surge Institute’s 10-Year Legacy of Uplifting Education Leaders of Color

ASCENSION Event Celebrates Surge Institute’s 10-Year Legacy of Uplifting Education Leaders of Color

ASCENSION featured awards, alumni stories, guest speakers—including Essence Ventures President & CEO Caroline A. Wanga—music, dancing and more.

CHICAGO —Surge Institute gathered alumni, supporters and special guests at WildmanBT in Chicago for ASCENSION, a celebration of its 10-year anniversary, on Thursday, November 7, 2024. With success stories, awards and a shared vision for the future, the evening honored Surge’s decade-long commitment to empowering leaders of color within the education sector.

Attendees enjoyed an inspiring Fireside Chat with Essence Ventures President & CEO Caroline A. Wanga, who shared insights on leadership, resilience and the importance of diversity in education. The conversation was moderated by Surge alumna Michelle Y. Bess (CHI16), who discussed creating equitable systems within organizations that see and validate individuals of all backgrounds. Surge Institute Founder & CEO Carmita Semaan delivered powerful remarks reflecting on the organization’s growth and outlined ambitious goals for the next decade, reinforcing Surge’s commitment to transformative change in education spaces.

“Surge Institute is a force in reshaping education by placing leaders of color front and center,” said Caroline A. Wanga, Essence Ventures president & CEO. “Tonight, we celebrate 10 years of impact and the many ways Surge alumni are fostering real change, breaking barriers and showing our young people what’s possible when we lean into our collective power and vision.”

“It’s an honor to be part of a community that prioritizes equity, inclusion and real transformative work,” said Surge alumna Michelle Y. Bess (CHI16). “At Surge, we are leaders who see and value every background, building spaces where everyone feels seen. Tonight reminds us of the progress we’ve made and energizes us for the work still ahead.”

“When I look out at this room, I see visionaries, advocates and change agents who are redefining what’s possible in education,” said Carmita Semaan, founder & CEO of Surge Institute. “Over the past 10 years, Surge has become a movement, one that’s committed to empowering leaders who bring hope, innovation and justice to their communities. This milestone is a testament to the impact we’ve made together, and it’s only the beginning of what’s yet to come.”

The Ascension celebration also included the presentation of the Surge Vanguard Award and the Surge Catalyst Award. Honoring an organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the Surge Movement, the Surge Vanguard Award was presented to NewSchools Venture Fund for their pioneering investment in Surge. Recognizing an individual (or couple) who has made a remarkable contribution to Surge through dedicated service or philanthropy, the Surge Catalyst Award was presented to Kenny and Heather Mitchell for their ongoing commitment to advancing the Surge mission and vision.

In addition, the anniversary celebration included heartfelt stories from Surge alumni who shared “Dear Surge” letters highlighting what Surge Institute has meant to them throughout the last decade. The evening reception also included dinner, drinks, music, dancing, a photobooth and opportunities to purchase themed merchandise from the Surge Store.


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